Short tele for street portraits in Southeast Asia

[sb in ak]

Looking to for a short tele to use for street portraits/candids in Southeast Asia with my 5D3. I currently have the 70-200 f/2.8 IS and 85 1.2L for tele. I don't plan on bringing either due to size/weight issues or slow focus (85L).

I'm considering:

85 f/1.8
100 f/2
100 f/2.8L Macro
135 f/2L

I'm a little more interested in face shots, which I think would be better suited for 100mm+. The 85 1.8 and 100/f2 win in their size/weight/price. However, I'm less likely to find them use when I return. I can see myself using the 100L for it's Macro capability/IS/sealing or 135L for its size/image quality/bokeh.

No interest in the 70-200 f/4L (either version).

I plan on pairing this with the 40 Pancake and possibly a 24 IS.

Thanks!

 

[bholliman]

I have three of the four lenses you listed, all but the 100 f/2. From your intended uses both on this trip and when you return home, the 100L Macro would be my suggestion with the 135L a close second. The 100L is just so versatile. It will take terrific portraits and terrific macro shots.

 

[ajfotofilmagem]

For "face shots" that you quoted, 135mm L looks ideal, and will be useful not only in travel. If you want a more compact lens, Canon 100mm F2 is also very good and discreet. I really like my 100 F2.

 

[sagittariansrock]

My vote will be for the 100mm FL. I find the 135mm FL a little too long at some situations, and sometimes it is important to get the surroundings for perspective in candid shots.

 

[alexturton]

Looking to for a short tele to use for street portraits/candids in Southeast Asia with my 5D3. I currently have the 70-200 f/2.8 IS and 85 1.2L for tele. I don't plan on bringing either due to size/weight issues or slow focus (85L).

I'm considering:

85 f/1.8
100 f/2
100 f/2.8L Macro
135 f/2L

I'm a little more interested in face shots, which I think would be better suited for 100mm+. The 85 1.8 and 100/f2 win in their size/weight/price. However, I'm less likely to find them use when I return. I can see myself using the 100L for it's Macro capability/IS/sealing or 135L for its size/image quality/bokeh.

No interest in the 70-200 f/4L (either version).

I plan on pairing this with the 40 Pancake and possibly a 24 IS.

Thanks!

I find 135L a great lens for street. Particularly if you want to maintain distance

 

[wickidwombat]

Looking to for a short tele to use for street portraits/candids in Southeast Asia with my 5D3. I currently have the 70-200 f/2.8 IS and 85 1.2L for tele. I don't plan on bringing either due to size/weight issues or slow focus (85L).

I'm considering:

85 f/1.8
100 f/2
100 f/2.8L Macro
135 f/2L

I'm a little more interested in face shots, which I think would be better suited for 100mm+. The 85 1.8 and 100/f2 win in their size/weight/price. However, I'm less likely to find them use when I return. I can see myself using the 100L for it's Macro capability/IS/sealing or 135L for its size/image quality/bokeh.

No interest in the 70-200 f/4L (either version).

I plan on pairing this with the 40 Pancake and possibly a 24 IS.

Thanks!

i'm using the sigma 851.4 and the 135 f2L
I also have with me the 16-35 mk2 and sigma 35 f1.4

with this combo i dont feel i'm missing anything although i didnt bring an IS lens

I would really like a small 50mm with IS for travelling come on canon where is this 50 f1.8 IS....

 

[ablearcher]

I would take 85 and 135. This gives a nice variation in fl. IMO, 100 would be too close to both to justify bringing it for this trip. Since 135 is so awesome, adding an 85 (maybe also consider Sigma) would be my choice.

 

[RAKAMRAK]

take/get EF 24-105. (or just 135mm ) Do you really think it will be a good idea to change lens on the street? And if not why carry two lenses on the street?

 

[Arctic Photo]

I don' t know where in SEA you're going, but normally it's very crowded. You don't want to miss that because your lens isn't wide enough. I have lived down there for years and would consider myself fairly experienced shooting there also.

Even when you set up a street portrait with someone you will find yourself quite close to the subjext because you don't want people and random vehicles to get in between you and your subject. I've mostly used my 24-105 and 35L.

The 70-200 f/4 would also be a good choice thanks to its size and range for when you want to capture something farther away. Have fun!

 

[gshocked]

Looking to for a short tele to use for street portraits/candids in Southeast Asia with my 5D3. I currently have the 70-200 f/2.8 IS and 85 1.2L for tele. I don't plan on bringing either due to size/weight issues or slow focus (85L).

I'm considering:

85 f/1.8
100 f/2
100 f/2.8L Macro
135 f/2L

I'm a little more interested in face shots, which I think would be better suited for 100mm+. The 85 1.8 and 100/f2 win in their size/weight/price. However, I'm less likely to find them use when I return. I can see myself using the 100L for it's Macro capability/IS/sealing or 135L for its size/image quality/bokeh.

No interest in the 70-200 f/4L (either version).

I plan on pairing this with the 40 Pancake and possibly a 24 IS.

Thanks!

Hi,

You've got some nice lenses to choose from and this is a tough decision.

I would go for either the 100mm f2.8L Macro or the 135mm f2.0L.

I've used both and they are both amazing in their own right. The 100mm f2.8L macro has the versatility for being a macro and a 100mm tele and its also weather sealed.

Although, the 135mm f2.0L is very hard to fault. The focal length gets very you close and is super sharp at 2.0.
The focus speed is also very quick and could even be quicker than the macro. At first I didn't like how close it but I found it a refreshing perspective compared to the other lenses I own.

After renting out both and using them a fair bit. I think I would choose the 100 f2.8L Macro.
I love the option of having a macro lens. In the right light its amazing how close you can get and capture so much detail hand holding this lens.

In the end, whats your opinion on macro photography? Will you use that functionality?

 

[miah]

I'm shooting in SE Asia right now, where I've been for over 3 months. The 24-105 cannot be beat for focal range versatility and not having to change lenses out on the street. That said, I also brought a 35mm f/2 (smaller, lighter, cheaper than L) and it has quickly become my favorite street lens--when and if you can get up close and personal. At home I have a 100L and love it to death, but travel requires doing more with less.