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Do I really need an 135mm f/2L for portraits?

Started Feb 24, 2020 | Questions thread
akustykmagmanetpl Senior Member • Posts: 1,363
Re: Do I really need an 135mm f/2L for portraits?

Risto456 wrote:

akustykmagmanetpl wrote:
...
bokeh itself is very "fluffy" on 200/2.8 which makes it a dream lens for nature shots. similiar to 85/1.8. the135/2 is a bit less dreamy and perhaps a tad harsher on brighter spots in background. but this is very unscientific impression on my side.

IMHO 135 is different than both 85 and 200. personally, I think it's OOF rendering is less delicate than 200/2.8 (that could also be a matter of just how shallow DOF on 200/2.8 is) and also 85/1.8 (in this case I think CAs help with softness for f<2.8). whether you need it or not is a matter of personal preferences. I love 135mm focal length and it works like a dream for me. but I can say the same about 85/1.8 (I forgive it the CAs, bokeh of this lens is amazing), just for different shots.

Thanks for that, puts things into perspective nicely and in my view confirms that 135mm may be the lens to try out.
Haven't bought it yet, but I'm planning to...

Btw: looking at your ID just realized that I've been following your photos on the good old TrekEarth probably for more than the past ten years - some pretty shots there and nice transformation of style over time, well done!

haha! sorry for late reply, but very warm thanks for your kind words!

I lost access to TrekEarth now that my old email server was powered off, but I loved this site, lovely place to do some research for travelling freaks

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