50/1.4, 85/1.8 and 580EXII or 24-70/2.8?

[John Rambo]

I have 5D MKII and 16-35/2.8 L II and I love this lens. 2.8 is fast enough for wide range.. but how about longer range? I shoot both stills and video and while 2.8 would be enough for video, 1.4 and 1.8 would be good bonus for still images (potraits etc). For the same price I would get 50/1.4, 85/1.8 and 580EXII flash or 24-70/2.8 II. I don't have flash at all yet. So.. I'm leaning to 50/85 and 580EXII... I also think that 50/1.4 and 85/1.8 does have the best value of all Canon lenses. What are your thoughts?

[musickna]

I think you are leaning in the right direction. It's always good to have a flash option available, and the 580EXII is a powerful and versatile unit. All the more important as the 5D II lacks a built-in unit. I also agree with you about the value of those prime lenses. I don't think you'll regret expanding your kit in this way at all. You'll have a lot of fun learning how to use flash with this camera.

[ShutterbugJohan]

I agree. 50/1.4, 85/1.8, and 580EX II sound good. Another good option would be the discontinued EF 28-70/2.8L and a 580EX II.

[Daniel Browning]

Personally, I go for primes most of the time. You will love the 85mm f/1.8.

[Keith B]

As much as I use/love my 24-70, I think the 50 1.4 and a flash are way too important parts of a kit to not have. Then the 85 1.8 is a cherry on top.

[Benjamin]

If you want a large aperture for portraiture, I would say the 85/1.8 is the best in this group. 50mm on FF in my personaly taste is too wide for portrait in general. Plus, the 85/1.8 feels much better than the 50/1.4.


Though it has been a great lens of mine and I have taken fantastic pictures with it, the 24-70 does get boring after some time (especially if you have the 16-35) so I sold it to raise some cash for future purchases (possibly primes such as 35/1.4L II, 50/1.4 II if they will eventually be introduced)...


Just my thoughts.

[nonac]

hi...


a flash unit is a must have accessory for all the photographers ((even the amateurs IMHO))....85/1.8 is a phenomenal lens....it's my first andpreferablechoice for portraits and some sport photography.....very sharp, great bokeh and contrast,light weight and awesome price.....if i have to get a portrait lens again it will be 85/1.8 ...if i were you i'll go with 85mm+580ex ....and consider another lens with the price difference between 24-70 and85mm+580ex....

[Rob Gardner]

The 85mm f/1.8 on a FF sensor (and 1D 1.3x) is pure magic - it's my most-often used portrait and low-light lens. Most every one of my portraits at http://www.ithinksmall.com/gallery ("http://www.ithinksmall.com/gallery) was taken with the 85. You're making the right decision with your purchase!

[Cozen]

I'm kind of in the same boat as you. I am considering investing in the Canon 24-70 2.8. But I'm worried the 2.8 will not be wide enough for certain times. So I'm considering saving some cash and getting a Tamron 17-50 2.8 and a Canon 85 1.8 combo which will also be about $400 cheaper. Decisions decisions.......





I do have a 430 ExII tho, and I'd have to say a flash is very nice to have for those times when you just can't get enough light. In fact I'd say it's a necessity.