70-200mm vs 85mm - Which Lens Should I Buy? | Master Your Craft

Have trouble picking which lens to buy? In this video, Pye compares the 70-200 vs. 85 lenses and walks through the differences so you can make a solid decision on which lens is right for you.
Time Stamps:
Intro: 0:00 - 1:27
Aesthetics: 1:28 - 8:06
What Are You Shooting?: 8:07 - 10:34
Distance to Subject: 10:35 - 12:25
Summary: 12:26 - 13:11
Outro: 13:12 - 13:44
Welcome to “Master Your Craft,” a photography educational series by SLR Lounge, exclusively on Adorama TV. From gear advice to in-depth instruction, our goal is to give you practical, real-world advice to help you master the craft of photography. Whether you’re a beginner just learning your camera, an amateur looking to become pro, or a professional seeking inspiration, this is the series you’ve been looking for to help you become a better photographer.
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✘ PRODUCTS USED:
Canon 85mm RF f/1.2L USM Lens
www.adorama.com/car8512.html
Canon 70-200mm RF f/2.8L IS USM Lens
www.adorama.com/car7020028.html
✘ PRODUCTION EQUIPMENT USED:
Canon EOS C200 8.85MP PL Mount 4K UHD Digital Cinema Camera Body: www.adorama.com/caec200pl.html
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Zoom Lens:
www.adorama.com/ca2470.html
Benro S8 Tripod:
www.adorama.com/bea673tmbs8.html
Blue Yeti USB Microphone:
www.adorama.com/micbyetibo.html
Adobe Premiere Pro:
www.adorama.com/ab65299421.html
#portraitphotography #cameras #adorama
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THANKS SO MUCH FOR WATCHING!

[@abhimanyuoberoi79]

There are hundreds on videos on this topic on KZbin and honestly, your approach to this topic is the best and the most practical one. I loved your analysis and the way you explained all the parameters for choosing a lens. Thank you for this awesome video. Keep up the good work!

[@richardandgloriasullivan7840]

I primarily shoot landscape, but want to shoot more portraits for friends and family. You turned on the light bulb for me to look at compression by showing how it works. The compression with the shot of your baby with the trees is absolutely stunning! Thank you very much!!

[@graffitimanbg]

Best video on the subject! Objective and to the point. Addesses the practical aspects, not the usual way people would approach that very same comparison! Great job, Pye. Keep it up

[@andrewdoeshair]

I love it. When I went from DSLR to mirrorless I reluctantly sold my 85, 105, and 135 to buy an RF 70-200 and 9.9 out of 10 times I don’t miss the primes- the .1 times when I do miss them is when I want that overkill bokeh I’d get from 105mm F1.4... When I was using a 5Diii the wider aperture was super important to me because you really noticed the benefits as far as the camera’s focusing confidence and general low light performance, but on the R6 the low light performance is so good that even F4 lenses haven’t given me any problems (practically speaking)- I can stress test them and find simulated scenarios where the difference seems to matter, but in reality F2.8 and even F4 has been great.

[@michaela8802]

I shoot with both and I couldn’t agree more with every point you hit upon. Love the content - you’re one of my greatest sources for accurate and pertinent information. Thanks!

[@johnz4412]

You're one of the absolute best photographers and teachers on the planet. I've invested in a lot of your programs. You're certainly correct about the visible results. I've switched from my 70-200 f/2.8 to an 85 f1.8 for weddings. I use a 35 on one camera, and the 85 on the other after watching Neil Redfern's videos. The fatigue and back pain after a wedding lugging the 70-200 on my camera wasn't worth it. It's clear that you're on the money for general portraits, however. Thanks for so much incredible instruction over these past years. You're an amazing resource!

[@ck.standard]

I appreciate the time, effort & transparency you put into these videos. Thank you

[@chrisfoster8770]

Great video Pye!! I think I've been underrating the versatility of the 70-200. Taking it out today! I'm inspired! Thanks!

[@oivind76]

As many others here I also have both lenses. And this video confirms my choices. I almost always reach for the 70-200. Almost to the point where I'm wondering if I should sell the 85 mm.. (but sometimes I need the extra stops, so I'll keep it)

[@hurleygreen927]

GLAD I FOUND THIS VIDEO! These days I am shooting a 55-200mm DX ZOOM LENS on my full frame Nikon camera, which is giving me a 85-300mm perspective. You are really helping me!

[@iitstuann]

Always amazing videos and information with you! Thank you!

[@countrykilo]

Love all your work! Keep up the amazing work 👍

[@srb980]

Great as usual Pye👌🏾. I’ve been going back and forth with these two focal lengths.

[@MrTaali1027]

I started out with a 70200, but recently did an audit to see which focal lengths I use the most and I’m mostly at 70, 105-135 & 200. The 200 end being my most used for events and street photography. Of course I crop as needed with Sony A7RV, but I wouldn’t think of going to the 100-400 for reach and lose out on f/2.8. Great video!

[@AdiraHeart]

The thing I appreciate most about your videos is the tone and pace of your voice. Thank you!! 🙏🏽

[@kimberlyb7]

Very helpful ! Love all the tutorials and pro-tips you share !!! 👍🏼👍🏼🆙

[@jvyas76]

Great Video like always, Learning a lot from you!

[@efficaciousuave]

loved the audio quality man!! epic!!

[@matrixate]

I knew I needed the 70-200mm, but I didn't realize how much more versatile it actually was. I really only needed it for just zoomed-in close ups, but i had no idea that it can function like an 85mm, even at 2.8. Thank you for this!

[@iDesignMemoriesWP]

Great info. Love your videos. Always informative

[@larsmichael7162]

I have both. Both lenses are capable of creating beautiful background blur. And I used both for beautiful portraits. The 70-200 feels a bit more practical (zoom), but I am in love with the DS magic when used with closeup portraits.

[@Seitenwerk]

Absolutely agree. The 70-200 is versatile and with a prime level quality (talking about the RF 70-200 f2.8). And all that in a small package. Cant go wrong with that. But the RF 85 f1.2 DS is a lens on a whole new level. Especially the DS version. If your all in for background blur and bokeh look, I don't think another lens can achieve what this is capable of. Plus it probably a nearly perfect image rendering without any chromatic aberrations or other cons. One reviewer once said its the best lens he ever tested, and that was the non DS version. The 70-200 produces great images, but you can absolutely see the difference in bokeh especially when faced with backgrounds that are not very smooth (daylight with a lot of foliage for example).

[@xxjsmoothxx8104]

@@Seitenwerk I’m getting the DS version next week. Would you highly recommend it over the original RF 85MM 1.2? I do prefer the DS makes the subject pop and background less distracting.

[@bahaatamer1245]

@@xxjsmoothxx8104 you can let us know 🙃

[@art_by_adrian2913]

This is so so weird just yesterday I watched every video on this topic and a lot were from years ago and it's beyond strange that y'all just happened to revisit it at the start of my today ... Great content as always

[@flickrchannyuk4396]

Lovely photos and great analysis. The main take away I got from this was that the working space distance is the main factor.

[@HarshvardhanSaboo]

You are just amazing. Always love your work and your videos. You are an inspiration.

[@Just_Kev_]

This was so helpful, thank you!

[@johnblunt1834]

Hello from the UK, loved the points you made (and your photographs). As you said its hard to tell the difference between them. Space being an issue for me sometimes I go with the 85, but you are right the 70-200 if there is enough space. In low light though, for me there is only one choice really. I did enjoy this, thanks.

[@patriciazyzyk5091]

This helped so much. I have been struggling with which lens to purchase. Still want both but will probably go towards the 70-200 initially.

[@TiMb0g1773]

Great comparison! The events/versatility vs portraits/low light part is dope!

[@geeqphotosgh422]

This is well explained… thank you bro I love it cus I was wondering as well for the choice between those two beast.

[@johnscott1372]

I love this real world comparison. You could have flipped the images and lenses and still proved your point. I own the new Sony 70-200GM II and it really is a zoom prime lens. The old version rarely left my bag because it was so heavy with average image quality. I have been pondering this question ever since that lens arrived. I love my 85mm, and 135mm primes especially in low light but I no longer feel like I'm compromising in any other way. The new 70-200 even gives the king (Sony 135mm GM) a run for it's money. I will still use the 35,85 and 135 for portraits but the 70-200 cannot be beat for an event. I even picked up the new Tamron 35-150 for when I just want a one lens solution with maximum versatility.

[@johns6290]

interesting video. I found I have gravitated towards the 50 f1.2 instead of the 85 lately. Closer and more useable inside for portraits.

[@pixelart4043]

I have both and use it on different occasions…85 and 50 1.8 (Nikon)probably use indoor and 80-200 2.8 out doors. Certainly the background aesthetic is good or better in zooms. Great video Mr. Pye. (Always 😊)

[@robmcd]

Summary: We need a 80-150 1.8

[@stefanogavosto4452]

16-200mm f/1.4

[@M_santana26]

@@stefanogavosto4452😂😂😂

[@tanvirahmedsiddiquee127]

14-300 F1.1 . It is possible with my invented technique and ideas.

[@bryanotero123]

@@tanvirahmedsiddiquee127 mind sharing? Sharing is caring heh

[@BOUNTYEATER]

Tamron 35-150 F2-F2.8 is even better.

[@csc-photo]

I have a few primes (20 1.8, 50 1.8, 85 1.8, 105 2.8 MC) and they're amazing - love them. I'm considering the 70-200 2.8 for all the reasons you mention but I've been overlooking distance to subject, so this was a helpful reminder. I'm concerned I'm overlapping coverage too much but at the same time I feel the 70-200 is a must-have for event coverage. Thanks for this insightful & informative video!

[@charlesjames9783]

I have the primes and the zooms. I prefer the look of the primes 100%. The clients don’t. I miss moments switching lenses. For the most part now I use 28-70 and 70-200. The 28-70 has that prime look in a zoom and I get more special moments.

[@franksmith7390]

I love the 85 but when working I always go for the 70-200

[@BabaSteveMedia]

Thank you sir. This was very helpful. I have both and will keep them.

[@serenemachine9110]

Man! Thank you for this video!

[@FrodoBeutlin1984]

For me you are the most logical photographer on KZbin! And also someone who finally takes the magic out of the RF 85mm/1.2 - rightly so in my opinion! Because the 85mm is simply praised far too much in the sky. For the fact that it is only a portrait focal length.... Therefore, I recommend everyone first look at the RF 50mm/1.2 before buying an "inflexible" focal length! The 50mm can also always stay on the camera since much more universal! :)

[@TheSilverGlow]

You make it 50 vs 85...but its not that at all...they are two focal lengths that each have their own mission, and one cannot replace the other in many instances. I have both RF f1.2 primes and use them equally. As to the arguments of this video, I do not buy it's premises. Looking at one photo and not side by side, just because you might not be able to tell the FL of the lens used does not support his conclusions.

[@davidinnes5947]

Really helpful. Thanks so much.

[@olonkpostudios]

Thanks for this great tip keep up the good work.

[@davidschumannphotography6680]

I already have both so I am late for this but it was still informative, the reason is I am able to have the option to do both if needed! keep up the great videos though I love these.

[@CarlosCruz1988]

*Thanks π for your information!*

[@Photosbyabis]

Much love to Pye. Video was interesting and insightful.

[@macintoshsmith4734]

Thank you so much for this lecture. The results which you point out are something that I have always felt. However, over the past decade there has been so much hype about the compression of the 85mm prime lens. I have actually began feeling insecure about not owning a prime lens. Your analysis has confirmed what I have instinctively believed from my beginnings when starting photography. A comparison I would like to see is the benefits between a full frame lens, and an APS lens on an APS camera. I've heard considerable arguments regarding sharpness.

[@la1negrita]

Great video! You answered my question on the best distance for the blur effects.

[@OftenMissing]

Hello Pye, thank you for this review. I have the RF 70-200 F2.8 as well as a Sigma 85mm F1.4 and found your information on point and useful. I can get great smoothing and bokeh from both. The RF is to me a better lens for the fact in my case because it has image stabilization at the lens.

[@oscarmolina8178]

Great video, great points to consider. I own a 70-200 f2.8 already, nevertheless, I am considering the 85 for closer working distance with couples and studio work. Thanks for your videos from Nicaragua.

[@debbieditmyer926]

Thank you for this video. These are the two lenses I've been going back and forth which to purchase. I want both but, I think you helped me with the clear choice for now. The 70-200mm. Thank you!

[@akontehalosius4031]

Thank you for the tips Pye. I was wondering what would be your recommendation for starters when it comes to choosing wide angle lenses and if we even need it all for event and landscape photography

[@rommeltvaccount4403]

I love watching Pi’s videos, Adorama more videos from Pi please! He’s videos are really easy to understand, it’s the way how he explains it! Thanks Pi 👏

[@ambrosevinyu7559]

Well explained and clarity

[@oliverlein7961]

Thanks for the informative video.

[@TMM6900]

Omg. Pye answering my question!

[@richardsmusiitwa9425]

U have done an amazing work bro, thanks for the light... Though I have not used 70 -200mm so much in my photography life, most of the time I used to be with 85mm n it did some great work for me, but for yo guide I have to atleast love working with 70-200mm 👍👍👍👍

[@coconuthair]

great video! a good friend of mine showed me this concept. I use it with a 70 200 to achieve the effect you are talking about, vs 85mm. my question is, can you tell the difference between a 3rd party lens like Tamron 70 200 then a Canon RF 70 200? all being equal in settings achieving similar results. i really appreciate and enjoy how you edit and do not hide your editing process vs other you tubers. I would like your thoughts?

[@taiwoopawoye6121]

What!!! You teach like professor .. I love how detailed you are

[@priyankomusic]

You are doing an amazing job ❤️

[@saadaljnaby1160]

Really really good video thanks for that

[@user-fd8eh4vu1w]

Very logical, well crafted presentation

[@shirishpandey3503]

Hi Pye, yes on mirrorless with lenses designed for mirrorless the surmise is correct. However, as an owner of a D 3000 and a Z6 with a mix of the dslr lenses, two S line lenses and a Jupiter 85mm adapted to work with the Z6 , I must say that the difference between a nikon 70 - 300 vs the 70 - 200mm S lens is massive , but , the Jupiter 85 despite being so much older is a sheer delight in terms of aesthetics. Thanks for a lovely and though provoking talk . Loved it 🥰

[@joostmak]

Great video !! New thoughts now I'am completely used working with my 35, 50 and 85 mm primes (and the 85 is my favorite among them), but I have to say I hardly do events, usually photo settings you have 'all the time' in the world. But especially the photos of the young girl with the 70-200 are really beautiful .....

[@MarkMilliman]

I use a 35-150 mm f/2-2.8 lens for portraits. I call it my "tweener" lens but it has become my go-to lens for portraits and artistic shoots. I see that I'm not the only one that has found this Tamron lens a great utility lens.

[@diamondly6250]

ya that seems like it would be nice you get the 35 the 50 and the 85

[@arpitkathuria6561]

Very well explained.

[@pagpapaitim]

photographers need to take that journey of owning both and realizing which one makes it to the bag when going to the field. i remember when i first started i had about 12 lenses all overlapping each other and now i only stick to 3 and sold the rest.

[@hellolau]

What lenses did you keep ?

[@MsKendricks1]

Hi Pie, thank you so much for your advice. So ironic I was wondering about this very question. This video helped. I have a client who wants to do a night shot with trees illuminated. What do you you suggest? I have strobes and speed lights.

[@HustleBaseball1]

Great job. Thank you!

[@samueludoh884]

Thank you so much for this video

[@mugshot749]

Very interesting video Py, I have both the 85 and 80 - 200 mm lenses , But I personally prefer the 85mm lens for shooting portraits, because it's physically much easier to handle and at the larger apertures one uses for portraiture produces better defiinition. P.S. 80 mm on medium format is equivalent to 50mm on 35 mm, it should be a 150 mm lens to give the same angle of view

[@hoaibao1992]

Thank you so much for video. I'm really wondering which lens to buy. and i watched this video.

[@DjPorkchop73]

Another awesome video! They both are fantastic however the broken produced by the 70 x 200 was absolutely nice! Which one would I choose? Neither. The last couple years have not been kind to me. Would have to sell my soul to afford even 1 of them sadly enough.

[@kevinsmithson8655]

Yeah great vid, well spoken and very informative, I was about to buy a sigma 85 art, already have the 70-200 IS2, and am now convinced that that's prob a waste of money for the type of photography I like to shoot, most of the time being in wide open nature backdrops.

[@Snapit551]

Great video 👌 on the gfx would the 100-200mm work better than before the gfx80mm ?

[@lrb05131963]

You put my mind at peace this morning about trading in my Fuji gear for the cannon r5 or r3 with the 70-200mm

[@ajaykumarlimbu2666]

its called true explanation ...... thank u so much

[@robvlogx4673]

I learned a lot, thanks ! from Philippines

[@tressashaw8157]

I have always been a 70-200 girl... It is versatile and the images are always amazing! Excellent video, thanks Pye. :)

[@tressashaw8157]

I just caught that you used your backpack as a stand weight...genius! LOL

[@RajanKannan11]

Another great video Pye. Its a very good Analysis. I'm an events photographer. I did this switch from Prime lens to a zoom lens just last week. I sold my Sony 35mm, 85mm lens for the new Tamron 35-150mm f2-2.8 e mount lens. I'm also debating to let go the Tamron 28-75mm lens as well. So my idea is to replace all these 3 lens with just one zoom lens. I was originally planned to get the new Sony 70-200 f2.8 GM II lens but at the lost moment got the Tamron 35-150mm lens since this focal length i us 80% of my time in events. Let me know your thoughts on the Tamron 35-150mm vs 70-200 lens. Would you pick this lens over a 70-200 lens?

[@JoeMustang99]

I've only got the 35-150 Tamron and couldn't be happier.

[@reganalbertson1593]

Get both, perhaps used, or the 70-200 f4 model. I've been using my 85mm (2nd body) for longer shots during indoor events or weddings after finding that I often wasn't going longer than that with the 70-200 f2.8. My main body has the 24-70. I'll pack the 70-200 and get it out if I think I'll need it.

[@fernandobarreiro6152]

Nice video, very detailed and well explained! You said that the extra stops of light are more relevant for portrait shooters, but as and events + portrait photographer myself, I find those 2 extra stops of light way more important when I'm doing weddings that when I'm shooting portraits. Those 2 stops of light allow me to shoot comfortably on difficult situations that would be impossible to shoot with the 70-200. I've gotten many, many shots thank to that extra 2 stops that otherwise I wouldn't be able to get with the 70-200. It's not just that extra light, it's that you can safely use a slower shutter speed too. I've got plenty of great shots at 1/50 that wouldn't be possible with the 70-200. Also, you usually have way less space to work and you can't easily get the right distance with your subject to work with the 70-200. And the 85 weighs A LOT less, that's also a huge thing when you have to shoot for 10 or 12 hours! I think all of that makes the 85 a much better option for weddings and events. At least for me. Just my 2 cents :)

[@bronwynmacdonald901]

My you should watch the video again as both distance and weight were mentioned

[@AlejandroMaagno]

Do you have the 85 f/1.4? 1.8?

[@FrodoBeutlin1984]

As i can read you definitely don`t have the RF85mm 1.2. Because that`s much heavier than the RF70-200 2.8

[@sbk_nef]

Thank you so much. Your opinion is very true considering the larger mirrorless mounts aa far as the aperture/separation performance goes but for my work, I have to shoot in mid-length workspace and to get the absolute best compression from the 70-200, I must be at the tele end which demands more working area which is probably not in my control. Also, the size and the flexibility on a gimbal for hybrid work just leans me more towards the 85. Don't get me wrong, if I have that workspace on my projects, which is mostly weddings, I would love to use a 70-200 and in fact I have used it before but man, does 85 makes it so much easier.

[@tysonator5433]

Good video and debate on an issue where the lines are getting pulled closer ! I would love a 85mm f1.8 as for it would be lens envey and I would use it rarely ! Most zooms of 70-200, 70-300 f2.8 or f4 and very good for versatility. Uses you have a studio with a set environment then a prime would work well. Otherwise the zooms are well more practical.

[@freekvanbuul5100]

Enjoying your videos! One question on this one. You state 70-200 2.8 works best from let’s say 135mm and up. But how is the lens at 85 mm compared with rf 85 f2. Considering to upgrade my rf 70-200 f4 to 2.8. Thank you!

[@nclarke110]

Great video!

[@dartagnanpascaljoseph3985]

Now you just made my job harder to get a new lens between these two😩. Thanks for the comparison.

[@gregorypaulsen1552]

Great video. Thanks for making it and sharing. I hope to see more quality videos like this one!

[@i.4867]

Pye, great video as usual! Can you maybe share your opinion on Tamron 35-150? In my view this might be optimal balance between 85mm and 70-200mm and actually one single lens that could replace both. What do you think? Or what others are thinking - any comment on Tamron would be appreciated!

[@Justmakesomenoiz]

I love this. One question is a much worse lens to go for a Canon 70-200 2.8 ii or go for the 70-200 2.8 III instead. I'm on a R6 but can't justify paying those money for an RF.

[@Gabe731]

I have a affinity towards the 50mm primes. Could you maybe do a video on what you think they are best suited for, that is if you haven't already?

[@lukasvandewiel860]

It is an interesting discussion. The 70-200 2.8 is next generation, and such it is equally good to 85 mm prime lenses. But let us not forget the new prime lenses are *also* next generation, and should be expected to perform considerably better than what are used to from prime lenses.

[@LanielPhoto]

You need both! The 85 is faster, less distortion, and forces the photographer to actually move, changing perspective and often the angle. The zoom always has some distortion which software corrects but with loss of quality (minimal - but there), and tends to create a "lazy" photographer. The 85mm I believe is more conducive to the "slow photography" concept. But sometimes nothing but a zoom will do. I require and have both ! Any arguments?

[@angelrodriguez4731]

the performance of these new lenses is insane!

[@bronwynmacdonald901]

Thanks Pye I have been tossing up about upgrading my70-200 EF lense to an R series lense as I have a Canon Mirorless R series camera but have been using an adapter as my budget is tight. Cheers Bronwyn

[@petrthingsilike8487]

I have to admit I preferred the look of 70-200. Thank you for the video.

[@I0nut09]

It's incredible how good the raws look on you, you have the impression that they are already edited.

[@Projekt5.3]

Fantastic and helpful video! And your daughter is adorable lol

[@drnimish333]

Nice video. My personal choice would be 70-200 mm. Thank you for sharing this video

[@DAnoChannel]

Great shots and speedlight work. I agree with your comments, 70 to 200 is just a better overall lens and the longer range compression is visually more impressive. Only issues as you mention are budget and specific use cases should drive people to the 85mm.

[@RonaldPronk]

Nice video. What is missed is sharpness. A prime is usually a bit sharper, how much should we weigh this?

[@ElliotFranco]

Love the videos Pye! Please keep them coming. They are very informative.

[@jscottbradshaw]

I absolutely love my 70-200 but for all day minis or weddings/events I find the 85mm to be so much lighter and easier to manage

[@BOUNTYEATER]

just because of the weight of 70-200?