135mm f2 lens is great

[gdt]

I'm enjoying getting used to this prime lens. I am so used to using zoom that it's a bit of a challenge using a prime, but what fun to use. SO FAST.

How many of you have this lens?

[JMWallace]

its on my wish list...

Post some samples!!

[jamison55]

I have it / love it / don't use it enough... That's some Bokeh for you though, Andy!

[JMWallace]

I have it / love it / don't use it enough...

...I could give that lens some love for ya...PM me for my shipping address!:D

[jamison55]

LOL JM! Problem with it right now is that it's a little too long for the 20D and requires too fast a SS compared to the 70-200 IS. I'm expecting the 5D to change all that, though...

The 135L doesn't make THAT big a difference:

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y216/jamiewexler/PR100646.jpg

;)

[JMWallace]

The WP that I last worked with that wants to sell the 2xWP package has strongly suggested I save for a 2nd body first and forego a new lens or 3 for while...5D has been added to wish list.

[jamison55]

The WP that I last worked with that wants to sell the 2xWP package has strongly suggested I save for a 2nd body first and forego a new lens or 3 for while...5D has been added to wish list.

I agree, though an XT or used 20D will fit the 2nd body bill. I've seen used XT's for as low as $400 on KEH recently. I still love my XT, it's my "take anywhere" camera. It has everything you need for weddings as well, especially for a 2nd/BU. I used it for a bunch of weddings before I bought the 30D.

With the $$$ that you save on a bigger 2nd body, you can buy a 2nd flash, then a new lens. Looking at your kit, I think you might do well with an 85 f1.8. Before I bought the 70-200, the 85 f1.8 was my main available light ceremony lens. Just long enough to give you a little zoom, but not so long that you need SS's that are too fast for the light in a church. BTW - I still have, and use, and love my 85...

[JMWallace]

think you might do well with an 85 f1.8.

...actually, THAT is the ONLY thing on my Christmas list this year...

Sing along with me now...

All I want for Christmas is an 85 1.8,
an 85 1.8, an 85 1.8.
Gee, if I could only have an 85 1.8,
Then I'd have a "Merry Christmas."

It seems it'd be so good to shoot,
"Beautiful brides sitting a church pew."
Gosh, oh gee, how happy I'd be
If I could capture that moment on cue.

All I want for Christmas is an 85 1.8,
an 85 1.8, an 85 1.8
Gee, if I could only have an 85 1.8,
Then I'd have a "Merry Christmas."

Wasn't that fun?

(original with background music -> http://washingtonmo.com/christmas/lyric/1062.htm )

[jamison55]

:D :D :D :D :D (needed 10 characters)

[adam75south]

i gotta ask. why the second body? so you don't lose time changing lenses?

[jamison55]

That's one reason - I like a standard zoom on one all day, and a fast prime or telephoto on the other. That way if I am sniping candids across the room and grandma comes up to me and asks for a picture of her with her granddaughter, or the DJ announces the cake cutting, I'm not stuck with the wrong lens.

Mor importantly, however, is having a backup camera in case your main camera goes down. How will you be able to finish photographing the once-in-a-lifetime wedding if you drop your only camera on the way into the church? or lens? or flash? I carry two bodies on me, and keep a third nearby...

[cwphoto]

I'm enjoying getting used to this prime lens. I am so used to using zoom that it's a bit of a challenge using a prime, but what fun to use. SO FAST.

How many of you have this lens?

Yeah, I don't use it enough either:

[RichNY]

That's the lens I wish I had to shoot my nephew's 8th grade graduation in the school gym from the stands. I only had a 3x Kodak last year and the photos were a complete loss.

[JMWallace]

That's the lens I wish I had to shoot my nephew's 8th grade graduation

la la la-lala la-lala la la la....

feel free to join in the singing...(see lyrics in post #8)

Ok...ready, here we go...

All I want for Christmas is an 85 1.8,
an 85 1.8, an 85 1.8.
Gee, if I could only have an 85 1.8,............

[adam75south]

That's one reason - I like a standard zoom on one all day, and a fast prime or telephoto on the other. That way if I am sniping candids across the room and grandma comes up to me and asks for a picture of her with her granddaughter, or the DJ announces the cake cutting, I'm not stuck with the wrong lens.

Mor importantly, however, is having a backup camera in case your main camera goes down. How will you be able to finish photographing the once-in-a-lifetime wedding if you drop your only camera on the way into the church? or lens? or flash? I carry two bodies on me, and keep a third nearby...
ok that definitely makes sense. never thought of the whole sniping part. dammit now i want another body.

[RichNY]

I already own this lens... I'm sure the song will work with other focal lengths :)


la la la-lala la-lala la la la....

feel free to join in the singing...(see lyrics in post #8)

Ok...ready, here we go...

All I want for Christmas is an 85 1.8,
an 85 1.8, an 85 1.8.
Gee, if I could only have an 85 1.8,............

[ander75it]

Have it, love it. 'nuff said.

[Vich]

Yeah, I don't use it enough either:
So; looking at EXIF that was 135mm at f2.3.

It's got amazing bokeh and richness. How's it compare with just using the 70-200 f2.8L IS wide open?



That's one reason - I like a standard zoom on one all day, and a fast prime or telephoto on the other. That way if I am sniping candids across the room and grandma comes up to me and asks for a picture of her with her granddaughter, or the DJ announces the cake cutting, I'm not stuck with the wrong lens.

Mor importantly, however, is having a backup camera in case your main camera goes down. How will you be able to finish photographing the once-in-a-lifetime wedding if you drop your only camera on the way into the church? or lens? or flash? I carry two bodies on me, and keep a third nearby...
As a 2nd shooter however; the consequences aren't so dire. The contract to the client will still be fullfilled by the primary WP's shots.

That said; it sounds like a good practice to get used to. From what you say, a 2nd body would improve his results overall more than another lens.

[cwphoto]

So; looking at EXIF that was 135mm at f2.3.

It's got amazing bokeh and richness. How's it compare with just using the 70-200 f2.8L IS wide open?

Noticeably better but the zoom is far more versatile. I only use the 135 when I have plenty of light as I'm a bit shaky sometimes.