I have the 85/2. Other than the several 50/1.2 and 50/1.4 lenses, I
believe it's the only other one in my bag with a 49mm filter ring. I've
been tempted by the 100/2 several times . . . but other priorities for gear
have always pushed it down the list.
The 85/2 has proven to be a lot of bang for the buck. Although I'm not
normally concerned too much with this, the 85/2 small size and weight make
it very agile. With an aperture of f/2 it's fast for a lens its
length. It's very close to a 50/1.2 or 50/1.4 in size and weight. I don't
often shoot it wide open (too shallow DOF), but the speed allows accurate
focusing with a very shallow DOF displayed in the viewfinder, and it allows
a brighter viewfinder in low light. It also works very well with extension
tubes for macros, and its small size and light weight make it more stable
when mounted on 2 or 3 tubes stacked. My next longer lens is the 135/2.8,
and it's the logical lens to plug the gap between 50mm and 135mm. Overall,
I rate it a very versatile lens with excellent optical qualities, including
a very nice bokeh.
Even if I eventually get a 100/2, I wouldn't part with it. Plan your
system and think about what you would eventually like to have. Then go
after the lenses.
-- John
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