Creating a Portfolio

[Dave Throgmartin]

Hi Dave. Nice kit and some nice photos. Kit construction is always interesting, as so much can go into it besides optics.

I think the 35 f/2 IS could be a great pick up for what you are describing. I generally get the sense that there is a lot of love for both it and its bigger brother (35 f/1.4 II). I had the Sigma 35 f/1.4 Art for awhile, but sold it as I prefer the 50 mm focal length.

If you want high IQ, and fast apertures, you may also want to look at Sigma. They are really doing some good things. But, it seems like you are also looking at compactness, you may want to look at the Tamron primes. While I have never owned a Tamron, I generally sense there is a lot of love by those that own them for their recent primes (especially) and have a friend that is doing good work with their 24-70 f/2.8 and 70-200 f/2.8. But for what you are looking at, you might want to consider the 35, 45, and 85 mm primes they have recently released. All with VC, all f/1.8.

For example, a quick comparison of the Canon 85 to the Tamron:

https://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=1047&Camera=979&Sample=0&FLI=0&API =0&LensComp=106&CameraComp=0&FLIComp=0&APIComp=0

But, overall, I agree, getting faster apertures is one of the ways to get more distinctive pictures. Then, getting these lenses that are a bit sharper, bit more contrast, another way to have them stand out.

Thanks for feedback. I've used the Sigma 35 on a rental and enjoyed it. I haven't used the Tamrons or the Canon 35. I have used the Canon 85 1.8 and was very impressed with it.

I think if I was going with a 2 lens walkround kit I'd pick the 35 f/2 IS and 85 1.8. The 85 1.8 is not perfect, but is far better than the 24-105 and is quite reasonable cost and size. Some 3rd party lenses are really good, but AF concerns and resale value worry me. The other alternative would be to buy the Zeiss 50 f/1.4 again. It does not chart test well due to uncorrected SA, but takes beautiful pictures.

First world problems, right? Meanwhile the zooms are serving me well.

Dave

[Dave Throgmartin]

Thanks for feedback. I've used the Sigma 35 on a rental and enjoyed it. I haven't used the Tamrons or the Canon 35. I have used the Canon 85 1.8 and was very impressed with it.

I think if I was going with a 2 lens walkround kit I'd pick the 35 f/2 IS and 85 1.8. The 85 1.8 is not perfect, but is far better than the 24-105 and is quite reasonable cost and size. Some 3rd party lenses are really good, but AF concerns and resale value worry me. The other alternative would be to buy the Zeiss 50 f/1.4 again. It does not chart test well due to uncorrected SA, but takes beautiful pictures.

First world problems, right? Meanwhile the zooms are serving me well.

Dave

The 85mm f/1.8 will be in transit once it is back in stock, at the great holiday price of $269. I'm looking forward to putting it back in the kit. I also probably going to get a 35mm f/2 IS.

Dave