> I want one of those too! (135/2L)
It's a beaut. And it shares the same filter size and hood as the
185/3.5L macro. Add a 1.4x TC and you've got a very usable
189mm/2.8. I'm really looking forward to using this as my primary
portrait lens.
> > I'll likely get the 180/3.5L macro next,
>
> Sure would like one of those; at present I make due with a
> 25 mm extension tube on either a 200/2.8L or 85/1.8.
Both fine lenses as well. The 180 gets criticised for only having 8
aperture blades, which can result in some harshness in the out of
focus areas (an important consideration for macro and portrait work;
and I'm spoiled by the famed Leica "bokeh"); see:
http://www.photo.net/photo/canon//180-macro.html.
Still, it's one of the sharpest lenses in the L lineup.
> I've not used the 85/1.2L, but I wonder if it is worth the
> extra expense, unless you *really* need that extra speed.
Probably not. That's why it's on my "wish list." :) Anyway, I have
the Leica for low-light work. I just like the images I've seen from
the 85/1.2--incredibly crisp edge detail, contrast, and buttery
smooth blur.
> The 85/1.8 is a fine lens in its own right--even if it hunts
> a little compared to "L" lenses (at least mine does)
You think the 85/1.8 hunts? Wait till you try the 1.2. That's a LOT
of glass to move! I've heard most users simply manually focus it
(you'd better if you shoot wide open at min. focus--not much margin
for error). But I've also heard that the 85/1.8 is one of the
fastest lenses to AF. Go figure.
> --so I don't think you'd feel as if you'd "settled" for anything.
> You could use the money you save for a 17-45/2.8L, or a 35/2 or
> 20-35/3.5~4.5 AND something like the 200/2.8L or 300/4L. :-)
Excellent point. I've got (or soon will have) the 28-35-50-75 focal
lengths covered by my Leica. I want the SLR for telephoto and macro
work. Then again, a 24/1.4L is tempting, especially since it can
close focus to .25m (Leica rangefinders can only go as close as .7m).
I have to admit, much as I shy away from zooms, I'm tempted by the 28-
70/2.8L as a general purpose lens. A bit heavy, but fine optics
throughout my most often used focal range.
Dan
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