I'm looking for a fast (preferably f2 or better) short-telephoto lens to use with my T2i. I need a lens that will be able to render a very flat, out of focus background, so I think 85mm would be the shortest I'd be willing to buy -- though for the effect I want I might need something even longer, like 100mm. Any suggestions? Any and all lens makes are fine as long as they can be adapted to EOS.
Inexpensive fast, short-telephoto lenses...
- Thread starter tylerrad
- Start date
Jordan Scott Price
Veteran
I've found a great way to find the lenses I'm looking for is to start on eBay under Photo --> Lenses after typing in a specific focal length (there are only so many). Then I narrow the search by max aperture, what camera brand they are made for (so I know what adapter I'll need, if I'm going vintage), etc.
I bought a Canon FD 200mm 2.8 last week off eBay for $100. I slapped on the adapter and immediately fell in love. It does what you're looking for - flattening the depth, blurring the background, with a beautiful bokeh at that.
I found this lens doing a specific search for it, so I would recommend trying that first, if no one responds here with a list of their favorite "short telephoto" lenses; and even if they do, you could have some questions up about specific lenses you found online, which might elicit more feedback.
I bought a Canon FD 200mm 2.8 last week off eBay for $100. I slapped on the adapter and immediately fell in love. It does what you're looking for - flattening the depth, blurring the background, with a beautiful bokeh at that.
I found this lens doing a specific search for it, so I would recommend trying that first, if no one responds here with a list of their favorite "short telephoto" lenses; and even if they do, you could have some questions up about specific lenses you found online, which might elicit more feedback.
Both the Canon 85mm f/1.8 and the 100mm f/2 offer excellent bokeh. The two lenses are quite similar in many ways. If you don't mind spending a bit more, the 135mm f/2 offers exquisite bokeh. You may even want to look into the 200mm f/2.8 which, when purchased used, is quite reasonably priced at about $700.
The Jupiter-9 85mm f/2.0, if you want to go manual is a very nice lens as well as nicely priced. A Nikon 135mm f/2.8 also won't hurt your wallet, while giving great IQ and bokeh.
Avoid FD lenses for your T2i.
The Jupiter-9 85mm f/2.0, if you want to go manual is a very nice lens as well as nicely priced. A Nikon 135mm f/2.8 also won't hurt your wallet, while giving great IQ and bokeh.
Avoid FD lenses for your T2i.
ROCKMORE
Veteran
Do you have the 85mm 1.8? I've been looking at that lens for the speed, price, compact size and sharpness.
dust'n the callipygous
Well-known member
how about the samyang 85 f1.4? it usually gets some pretty good reviews for it's price to performance/build ratio. i think it's less than $300. you can also get it with a de-clicked aperture which, is cool for video. you won't get autofocus like you would with the canon, but if you aren't using it for stills then it really doesn't matter
^^The Canon 85mm f/1.8 is considered a well-kept secret in some circles. There are even those who claim it is comparable to the 135mm f/2 but that ain't so. Plus, the 135mm can be used with the 1.4x extender, losing a stop while maintaining AF, if you're into stills. But for sheer buying power, the 85 is a bargain. Also, its build quality is better than the 50mm f/1.4.
Mark Von Lanken
Well-known member
If you do not need auto focus for stills, I would consider either the Rokinon 85mm 1.4, which I have (it runs about $250 and comes with an EOS mount) or a vintage manual focus Nikon 85mm 1.8 or 2.0. You can usually find these on eBay in the $150-200 range. You would need to add a Nikon to EOS mount, but those are around $20 or less. If you have the funds, a Nikon 85 1.4 is really sweet, but is considerably more than the 1.8s and 2.0s. It all depends on your needs and budget.