Need opinions on a third lens

I currently own EF 70-200 2.8 L II and EF 85 1.2 L II. I love them and I've learned where they can take me.


I do primarily portrait and event blogging early-pro, that is I'm paid but only starting this calendar year.


I'm getting requests to do weddings and after another canon body feel I'll be ready to take on a Spring wedding. My current body is 5D MK II, w/ battery grip.


I can only afford either a:
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"]<span style="font-family: Calibri;"]<span style="font-size: small;"]Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L USM or
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"]<span style="font-size: small;"]Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8 L II USM
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"]<span style="font-size: small;"]
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"]<span style="font-size: small;"]My art side wants the 16-35, my logical side tells me I'll get more journalistic wedding and event shots with the 24-70.
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"]<span style="font-size: small;"]
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"]<span style="font-size: small;"]I need to get one or the other before Christmas, you know my basic needs and I will buy one or the other, not third party candidate. What say you? Thanks, Greg

Get the 24-70mm f/2.8 first. It may not be glamorous, but it's a workhorse that is ultimately more useful for wedding photography. Then when the proceeds roll in from your first couple of weddings, get the 16-35mm f/2.8 II.

Is there a term for clearly hearing what you already know to be true? It's only one voice of reason but I know it's true, Thanks Sean.

You could buy a used 16-35 version 1 ($900) and a used 28-70/2.8 ($700). Both are great lenses. Do you have a flash? If not, you might want to buy a 580EX II or two.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by GAButler

I currently own EF 70-200 2.8 L II and EF 85 1.2 L II. I love them and I've learned where they can take me.


I do primarily portrait and event blogging early-pro, that is I'm paid but only starting this calendar year.


I'm getting requests to do weddings and after another canon body feel I'll be ready to take on a Spring wedding. My current body is 5D MK II, w/ battery grip.


I can only afford either a:
<p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"]<span style="font-family:Calibri;"]<span style="font-size:small;"]Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L USM or

<p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"]<span style="font-size:small;"]Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8 L II USM
<p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"]<span style="font-size:small;"]
<p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"]<span style="font-size:small;"]My art side wants the 16-35, my logical side tells me I'll get more journalistic wedding and event shots with the 24-70.
<p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"]<span style="font-size:small;"]
<p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"]<span style="font-size:small;"]I need to get one or the other before Christmas, you know my basic needs and I will buy one or the other, not third party candidate. What say you? Thanks, Greg

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Greg


I was at the same sort of crossroads. I have the 5D mkII and same thing, the arty itch pushed me to get the 16-35 II. I kept telling myself the 24-70 was too "vanilla". So I buy the 16-35, love it but for most "pro" applications, it doesn't cut it and 2 months later I had to turn around and buy the 24-70. It quickly became my most used and most beloved lens. At this point I don't think I could function without it.


I shoot a lot of wide portraits of people in their elements. This lens allows me to do it and then get a tighter cropped head shot without changing lenses. I use to have to use either my 24 1.4 L or the 16-35 then swop out to my 70-200 2.8 IS. But now it is just the 24-70. Love it. I also shoot a lot of food and product shots and the 24-70's macro, is macro enough for these shots.


So like Sean said go with the 24-70 and start saving for the 16-35.

Thanks Johan and Keith, experience is the best teacher. What did people do before forums? Lots of apprenticeships and mentorships...


I borrowed a buddy's 28-135 IS from the 7D kit tonight for an outdoor shoot at a Christmas tree lot. I'm yet to work the shots but wasn't really happy with the .jpg previews. A lot me, some my choice of lens.


I am going to get the 24-70 but have to find a source to borrow or rent something prime orzoom in the 16mm area. This tree lot shoot was begging for hyper wide angle. I balked at taking a 10FT ladder and wish I had, I need a bucket truck to get some of the shots I scheme.


Thanks for your time and input. Greg

Do you have another body?


It is essential to have at least two bodies for wedding. I'd get the 24-70 and put it on the 5D Mk II and the 70-200 onanother body.You are pretty much covered.Of course you'd need two flashes.