85 1.8 + 200, Tamron 85 1.8 + 200 or Canon 135?

[Cory]

I'm going through my periodic agonizing of trying to minimize my gear/maximize my greatness.
For indoor stage performances I've been using the Canon 85 1.8 and 200 2.8. The Canon 85 is GREAT outdoors and for portraits inside and out, but when there's brass instruments and indoor lighting (like with my son's jazz band) the purple can get way out of control. Lightroom helps, but I'd rather not have it in the first place.
So what of (on a Canon 70D) swapping out my Canon 85 1.8 for the new one from Tamron (or even waiting to see what Canon comes up with) or swapping out both lenses for a Canon 135 2.0? 135 wouldn't be a perfect focal length all the time, but would allow a lower ISO and be one less lens to mess with. I also use these outdoors which is where I think the 135 would actually be better (running events, etc.).
Thanks for your insight.

:-*

 

[Frodo]

I have the 85/1.8 and 200/2.8 and like their discrete nature, compared to a 70-200/2.8. I borrowed a 135/2 for use at an event. While I like this lens, the 85 + 200 combo gives me way more flexibility. And the 85 is physically much smaller than the 135.
If the longitudinal CA bothers you (I tolerate it), I wouldn't go to the 135. I can't speak for the Tamron 85, but this is worth a thought. I understand that the EF 100/2 has less CA and is closer to the 85 and further from the 200.
Of course if size, weight, conspicuous white and price are not issues, the 70-200 should be considered.

 

[Luds34]

I think I'm following...

Swapping for the mythical 135 f/2 version 2.0, correct? Because you already own the current 135 right? Because Frodo is correct. I love the 135, and while I believe it's CA is much more controlled than the 85 f/1.8 (which I own as well) it is from that era of glass from Canon where it is there. I also agree that the 85 f/1.8 is hard to beat for being smaller/discreet.

I can't speak for the Tamron either, and it seems pretty universally loved (and would be on my list for an 85mm prime upgrade). However I believe it suffers from CA as well.