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Which 100mm lens?

Started May 18, 2015 | Questions
NewbieWill Forum Member • Posts: 62
Which 100mm lens?

So I am in the market for another lens. This time a 100mm. I am sure there are tons of you that have experience with 100mm lenses. So I don't plan on shooting macro with this glass since I plan on buying a 60mm macro for that. So my question is which is the better glass out of the 100mm f/2 or & the 100mm f2.8 (NON L lens) from user experience? Thank you a bunch. (image examples would be cool too :p)

Going to be using for portrait and a medium walk around telephoto lens.

- A newbie.

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R2D2 Forum Pro • Posts: 26,549
Re: Which 100mm lens?

NewbieWill wrote:

Going to be using for portrait and a medium walk around telephoto lens.

The 100mm f/2 without a doubt.  The AF won't drive you crazy (racking in and out, even with the limiter).

R2

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Spotted Cow Senior Member • Posts: 1,586
Re: Which 100mm lens?

I think it's a no brainer - 100mm f2.

CrapCamera Regular Member • Posts: 142
Re: Which 100mm lens?
1

Yep no question, the 100mm f/2

zeiss Makro-Planar that is

https://www.flickr.com/photos/richardmayston/sets/72157646463184026

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Teila Day
Teila Day Veteran Member • Posts: 5,917
Zeiss Makro f/2 100mm (pics)

Is my preferred so far.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/673512-REG/Zeiss_1762_852_Makro_Planar_T_100mm_f_2.html

f/2 works for great for me when I'm shooting rocks, soap, toys, etc., but the wide aperture also works for portraiture, and the lens is rather sharp wide open.

I love this lens for product/commentary type work. It's sharper than other macros that I've used. I definitely prefer it over the 60mm macro. For me this lens is many lenses in one. It takes the place of the 85 f/1.2; 135 f/2; 60 or 100 macro, etc.. It has far more versatility over the aforementioned lenses for what I do.

The difference between it and the 135 (Canon or Zeiss) is so small it isn't worth talking about. If you get the 100mm makro, it's like having a 135 f/2 AND a macro lens. However, the newer APO 135 f/2 has more accurate colour and less Chromatic fringe. Learn the lens and CA is not much of an issue.

Yes, it's manual focus only... but anyone can get used to it rather quickly and shoot moving subjects. Not as accurately as an AF lens, but watching your focus plane via looking at the floor or ground under your subject is a great focusing aid. (Fashion show; Indiana University)

Want a softer look?... I front or back focus the lens for a more painterly affect(Fashion show; Indiana University)

Is a sharp contrasty makro lens, and a very competent portrait lens. (Fashion show; Indiana University)

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geronimo789 Regular Member • Posts: 263
Re: Which 100mm lens?
1

NewbieWill wrote:

So I am in the market for another lens. This time a 100mm. I am sure there are tons of you that have experience with 100mm lenses. So I don't plan on shooting macro with this glass since I plan on buying a 60mm macro for that. So my question is which is the better glass out of the 100mm f/2 or & the 100mm f2.8 (NON L lens) from user experience? Thank you a bunch. (image examples would be cool too :p)

Going to be using for portrait and a medium walk around telephoto lens.

- A newbie.

Since you're talking about a 60mm macro I can assume you are using a crop camera ? The 100/F2 would be a good choice in this regard, but do not discard the 85mm 1.8. It is very close in focal length, and will serve as a head/shoulders portrait lens and a medium telephoto.

It is a bit cheaper than the F/2 and probably a bit lighter as well.

On the other hand, why not group the purchases and go for a 100/2.8L right away ? The IS is pretty amazing, and it's a very sharp lens. Granted, you lose a bit in aperture.

The 100mm macro lenses allow for a quite significantly longer working distance for a 1:1 magnification. With the 60mm you need to almost push the lens against your subject.

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Suave Senior Member • Posts: 2,289
Re: Which 100mm lens?

There's nothing to think about, 100/2.  But you may also want to consider the fact that the cost of 60 and 100/2 combined is about equal that of 100/2.8 L.

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Fog Maker Senior Member • Posts: 2,733
Re: Which 100mm lens?

Suave wrote:

But you may also want to consider the fact that the cost of 60 and 100/2 combined is about equal that of 100/2.8 L.

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Where's my new 50, Canon?

Which also means he will be in possession of one of Canon's

finest lenses

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