Another decision...

[GooniesNeverSayDie11]

If you had the choice between one of these two scenarios, which would you choose. Lets assume you don't already have lenses to cover this area.

1) Canon 28mm f/1.8, Canon 50mm f/1.4, and 85mm f/1.8

2) Canon 17-40mm f/4L, Canon 50mm f/1.4 and 85mm f/1.8


I just ordered the 50mm and the 85mm, but I have an offer to sell the 17-40 that would allow me to buy the 28mm as well as something else ( possibly a used set of pocket wizards or a 430ex to compliment my 580ex. ) I am worried that I would miss the convenience of the zoom. However, if I ever really needed a zoom for like a wedding, I could always easily rent one ( and a 2.8 would be better anyway ) Typically I shoot towards the wide end of that focal range, and often times take off the 17-40 in favor of the 10-22.

Just curious what others would do.

 

[Rephargotohp]

Even though the 17-40 is my favorite lens on FF

i assume you are on a crop sensor and shoot weddings and on a crop sensor the 17-40 range sucks
i would get the 28 or a 35

 

[MLeeK]

I'd go with the 17-40 option. I am a zoom kind of girl for weddings and events.
I have a 17-50 for my crop sensor and as much as I love it, I tend to get into trouble with it for portraits with the barrel distortion. Otherwise? it's invaluable to me. I just need to remember to pay attention to what I am shooting.

 

[GooniesNeverSayDie11]

Yeah, I am on a 7D. I don't shoot weddings often, but would pick one up if the opportunity presented itself. Ideally, I would get the 35mm f/1.4L but cannot afford it now.

 

[analog.universe]

I had the 28mm 1.8 and it didn't impress me for the money. It was alright, but not $500 alright... If you really need something faster than the 17-40 maybe look at the EF-S 17-55 2.8 IS? Besides that it's a much a steeper budget to the 24 1.4 or 35 1.4. (That being said, my 35 1.4 is on the camera more than anything else)

 

[GooniesNeverSayDie11]

The only way I could get the 35mm right now would be by selling my 400mm f/5.6 and I definitely do not want to do that.

 

[Robin Usagani]

To me getting all kinds of primes right now is not very beneficial. You want to focus your money. If I had to start over, I probably go with 24L, 85 sigma, 60mm macro with 2 full frames. Thats it. I can shoot weddings for sure with those 3. Or if you are afraid with not having longer lens, replace 85 with 70-200 2.8L. I just hate changing lenses or carrying many lenses.

 

[GeorgieGirl]

I agree its an odd assortment .....I think a zoom at the longer F/L is important, just as as shorter one in the 10-20/22 range. I don't know what Goonies wants to focus on and so his efforts might be of a less than general focus. I'm stumped though with the items.

 

[GooniesNeverSayDie11]

To me getting all kinds of primes right now is not very beneficial. You want to focus your money. If I had to start over, I probably go with 24L, 85 sigma, 60mm macro with 2 full frames. Thats it. I can shoot weddings for sure with those 3. Or if you are afraid with not having longer lens, replace 85 with 70-200 2.8L. I just hate changing lenses or carrying many lenses.

I have a 70-200. So I have the wide end (10-22) and the long end (70-200 and 400mm ) but I am trying to decide whether to replace that 17-40. I really don't use it that often. I am just worried that as soon as I did sell it, I would miss it.

 

[GooniesNeverSayDie11]

Note: I never said that this was all the gear I owned, I was just asking about that specific focal length range and what others would prefer having. Since I already ordered the 50mm and 85mm, it really boils down to, is the 28mm good enough to be my only focal length in the 22-49mm range.

 

[GeorgieGirl]

I think you are covered with what you have. I think if you sell the 17-40 you will not miss it on the 7D.

 

[Robin Usagani]

If you really want to get into wedding, you really need to start thinking about what 2 combos you want on 2 cameras. Thats it. Other lenses you will hardly use (or will be used when people start dancing like UWA). What combo, that depends on your shooting style. If i were you, I focus my money on 24L instead of 3 primes. Pair 24 with your 70-200, you can do weddings no problemo. 24 is fantastic on either crop or full frame. Sell the 17-40L if you have to.

 

[Derrel]

Option #2, clearly. Why? The focal length flexibility of 17-40MM ZOOM IS TREMENDOUS. It has a 17,18,20,21,24,28,35,and 40mm lens...all in one tube--plus additional in-between lengths! Just lots more FL flexibility than a 28mm prime.

 

[GeorgieGirl]

Option #2, clearly. Why? The focal length flexibility of 17-40MM ZOOM IS TREMENDOUS. It has a 17,18,20,21,24,28,35,and 40mm lens...all in one tube--plus additional in-between lengths! Just lots more FL flexibility than a 28mm prime.

If fixed on a crop then take/trade for the 17-55....