Recommendation for Canon Lens

[Marcia]

I have a Canon EOS 20D camera and would like to buy a lens specifically for portraits.   Usually I take the photos outdoors.  My decision is now down to two lenses: EF 85mm f1.8 USM and EF 100mm f2.0 USM.     First question is, do both of these fit my camera?   Second, can anyone recommend one over the other?  They are very similar and so close in price that I'm willing to purchase either one.

Thank you.

[KeithB]

Yes, they will both fit your camera.  I believe that the main difference will be the 15mm of focal length.  Do you have a zoom that covers that range?  You might try taking portraits at both focal lengths to see which gives the results you like best. Though the zoom will probably not have the narrow depth of field, you should still be able to get an idea of the perspective differences.

[Bob Atkins]

I have the 85/1.8 and I've reviewed it here:

http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/reviews/canon_ef_85mm_f18_review.html

I'd say that the 85/1.8 is probably the better choice for several reasons.

First, on a crop sensor camera the 85/1.8 equates to a 135mm on full frame - the longest "classical" choice for a portrait lens. The FOV of the 100/2 equals that of a 160mm lens on full frame, which is still fine but I'd chose the shorter focal length.

Second the 85/1.8 is a little sharper wide open based on numerous internet reports and tests. Both are sharp lenses, so this isn't a big issue, but if you add it to #1 and you also add in the fact that the 85/1.8 is a little cheaper and 1/3 stop faster, all those factors would (and did!) push me towards the 85/1.8.