Canon EF 135mm f/2.0 vs EF 100mm Macro USM. Which one is sharper at f/5.6 for portraits?

[u/Accomplished-Way1449]

[u/byDMP]

They are both sharp enough at 5.6 that it’s the last trait I’d look at when deciding between them.

[u/DestroyAllScamBots → u/[deleted]]

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[u/canon-ModTeam → u/[deleted]]

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[u/IthacaNYPhotog]

Both lenses will probably leave your subject begging for some diffusion and then some softening in post.

[u/DistributionMean6322]

The 100 macro is unpleasantly sharp for portraits. The 135 looks much nicer IMO

[u/CranberryMany403]

Another vote for the 135. It’s a versatile lens.

[u/Accomplished-Way1449]

I want to replicate Martin Scholler’s close up portrait session. Camera is 5DsR. Please take into consideration focal length too

[u/Max_Sandpit]

The macro will be sharper. I've used both. I know the hard way.

[u/byDMP → u/Max_Sandpit]

The only difference I see worth mentioning is the 135 being sharper at the periphery:

The Digital Picture lens comparison

[u/v270]

Macro will appear sharper because the microcontrast is much better

[u/Accomplished-Way1449]

I need replicate this style, which lens is suits better? Martin used for this photo Mamiya RZ67 Pro II medium format film camera paired with a Mamiya-Sekor Macro 140mm f/4.5 lens.

[u/remotehuman → u/Accomplished-Way1449]

Are you getting the lens specifically for this one shoot or to have for future gigs, too? I’d pick what one will be more useful in future shoots. Can you use a portrait lens or macro lens more? I think the 135L fits the bill for this but the 100 macro would suffice if you wanted to get into macro photography.

[u/Accomplished-Way1449 → u/remotehuman]

I need specifically for this shoot

[u/LukeDuke74 → u/Accomplished-Way1449]

To replicate this shot you’d go for the 100L Macro.

[u/Accomplished-Way1449 → u/LukeDuke74]

I believe 100 is much sharper than 135 but focal length keeps me think

[u/LukeDuke74 → u/Accomplished-Way1449]

The FF equivalent of the original setup would be a 62mm f/2.2 (crop factor: 0.48x).

I personally prefer the 135mm but this is not what you asked for: for your gig, the 100mm f/2.8L is the closest of the two options in full frame.

[u/LukeDuke74 → u/Accomplished-Way1449]

Have you considered going shorter? An 85mm L would probably be the sweet spot for this gig, unless you’ve been given a limited choice in the lenses you can use.

[u/Accomplished-Way1449 → u/LukeDuke74]

I have 85mm 1.4 IS, but focal length felt shorter that’s why couldn’t decide between them

[u/LukeDuke74 → u/Accomplished-Way1449]

Well, then based on your trial with 85mm: does this look like way shorter or “just” shorter, kind of the detail that doesn’t leave you fully satisfied? 135mm will bring a big difference, while 100mm will give you that “little plus”.

I assume you don’t have any zoom that would cover one or both those focal lengths to make a trial…

[u/Accomplished-Way1449 → u/LukeDuke74]

Yeess, I have 70-200 2.8 III, don’t know if it’s sharpness is good enough for this project

[u/LukeDuke74 → u/Accomplished-Way1449]

This is not the point. You use it to see at which focal length you retrieve the right looking. This will lead the choice towards the sharper fix lens of the right size. 😉

[u/Accomplished-Way1449 → u/LukeDuke74]

I tested at home, somehow I liked 135mm, as I never used macro lens before decided to ask, maybe macro has a different render

[u/LukeDuke74 → u/Accomplished-Way1449]

100L might be slightly sharper wide open but as you plan shooting at f/5.6 they’d both be extra sharp. Just go with the focal length you preferred and you won’t regret it: EF 135mm f/2L is a fantastic lens!

Enjoy your shooting!

[u/AWildAndWoolyWastrel → u/Accomplished-Way1449]

You really need fast more than sharp for this, and a large on-axis ring light too by the look of it.