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Focus speed of 85 F1.2, 85 F1.8 and 100 F2

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Steve Sheppard

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I am considering buying into a Canon system for my sports photography. I was wondering if there is any difference in how quickly the 85 F1.8, 85 F1.2 and 100 F2 focus? Any of those three would probably work, and I would prefer to purchase the quickest one. The camera would be the 1d Mark II. I would be using the lens to shoot basketball.

Also is there much of a difference in the 70-200 2.8 and the 70-200 2.8 IS other than the IS.
Thanks,
Steve
 
That's kind of what I was guessing and needing to know. I would like to have the F1.2 but the F1.8 will do. If the 1.8 focuses faster, then that's what makes sense.

How about the 135 F2? Is it pretty quick? That's a lens I would also need, but since there's only one 135 in that F-stop range I didn't bother asking the first time. I have never used Canon, but the low noise at 1600 and 3200 along with some of the lenses such as the 24mm F1.4 have begun to peak my interest.
Steve
paulreiss1965 said:
85 1.2 is significantly slower to focus than the other two you
mention.
Click to expand...
 
Steve Sheppard said:
I am considering buying into a Canon system for my sports
photography. I was wondering if there is any difference in how
quickly the 85 F1.8, 85 F1.2 and 100 F2 focus? Any of those three
would probably work, and I would prefer to purchase the quickest
one. The camera would be the 1d Mark II. I would be using the lens
to shoot basketball.
Click to expand...
I have both the 85/1.2L and the 85/1.8. The 85/1.8 focuses much faster because of its shorter focus throw, but in AI Servo - i.e. small variations of focus - I find the 85/1.2L more accurate and I seem to get more keepers. I use the 85/1.2L to shoot badminton, mountain biking & other low light events (theater, dance, concerts). I use a 1D Mark II. Here are some examples at large apertures (between f/1.2 and f/1.8) :







--
http://www.nobrakes.ch
 
That's the same kind of stuff I shoot a lot of. I do a lot of sports, theater, and stage events. I have been using Nikon for 20 years now, but the noise on the D2H is so hard to fix. I also use the Olympus E1 and have their fast lenses such as the 150 F2 and 35-100 F2. I couldn't do without the Olympus equipment because it is so quiet. I shoot with it during performances. The noise at ISO 1600 can be fixed nicely, and I will continue to use it.

But I am considering replacing my Nikon equipment with Canon. I have already sold all of my Nikon wide angles except for a 24mm, but still use an 85mm 1.4, 135 F2, 70-200 VR and a 300 F2.8 for sports. Since I know nothing about Canon equipment I was just looking for advice on the best lenses.

One of my debates is the difference between the 70-200 2.8 and the 70-200 2.8 IS? I'm just wondering is there any advantage other than IS? Is the 70-200 lighter than the IS version?

Steve
 
No mention of the 100 f/2 USM compared to the 85 f/1.8? It is a tossup between the two and was wondering which one focused faster.
--
Pleased 10D owner
'Never give up hope, Quantum Tunneling exists!'
 
RBray said:
No mention of the 100 f/2 USM compared to the 85 f/1.8? It is a
tossup between the two and was wondering which one focused faster.
Click to expand...
The 100/2 is the fastest focusing lens I've ever seen. I'd say the 85/1.8 is very nearly the same.

--
Lee Jay
(see profile for equipment)
 
Thank you. I would like a fast telephoto for some indoor sports shooting, but also a good portrait prime. 85 is a better portrait, but 100 is a better telephoto. Decisions, decisions.

Anyone in the same boat that has some experience with a decision?
--
Pleased 10D owner
'Never give up hope, Quantum Tunneling exists!'
 
Hi

I am also in this situation and would love some advice.

I have a 350d with lenses 18-55 kit, 50mm 1.8, 24-105L F4 and 70-200L F4

I am wanting to take indoor shots (badminton)

Any help or advice greatly received

thanks
ali
 
I was in a similar situation!! I ended up with the 85mmL f1.2 (earlier version) and the 135mmL f2. My 85 does focus slower then the new mark II but the 135 is (IMHO) very fast indeed!!

Good Luck

Fred
 
Ali4 said:
I am wanting to take indoor shots (badminton)
Click to expand...
Amazingly, when shooting badminton I seem to get more keepers with the 85/1.2L than with the 85/1.8. But both the 85/1.8 and 100/2 are great for indoor sports. I'd prefer the extra 1/3rd stop of the 85/1.8, because usually light is very low in those gyms...

Here's a sample with the 85L (if I remember correctly) :



--
http://www.nobrakes.ch
http://www.flickr.com/photos/shabok/
 
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