Next lens to purchase.

[littlepilotdude]

Hello,

I am currently using a Canon 5D Mark II and a 24-105mm L IS. My main subject is aviation but I am also getting into portraits.

What lens should I buy next? Post your thoughts.


Thanks,

littlepilotdude

[neuroanatomist]

Some info on your budget would help.  The 500mm f/4L IS II is great for aviation, but not cheap. 

[Imagination_landB]

100-400, 50 1.4 or 85 1.8 should be great. But what's your budget?

[littlepilotdude]

My budget is around $2000-2500.

[Mt Spokane Photography]

I'd go for a 100-400mmL for the air show, a zoom can be handy even though you will use it at 400mm a lot.  Add a fast prime for portraits 85 f/1.8, 135mmL, or a 100mmL (which would do portraits and macro both)

[Menace]

+1 for the 100L for portraits 

[sandymandy]

Id say 85L for portraits. Im not sure 100L macro lense will be really useful for u.

[RLPhoto]

135L. Done. 

[tiger82]

70-200 IS f/2.8 Classic plus 1.4x (98-280 f/4) and 2x (140-400 f/5.6)

[littlepilotdude]

70-200 IS f/2.8 Classic plus 1.4x (98-280 f/4) and 2x (140-400 f/5.6)

I was thinking about the 70-200, but, how good a portrait lens is it?

Thanks,

littlepilotdude

[Marsu42]

70-200 IS f/2.8 Classic plus 1.4x (98-280 f/4) and 2x (140-400 f/5.6)

I was thinking about the 70-200, but, how good a portrait lens is it?

The 70-200/2.8 is known to be the best portrait lens except for dedicated primes, so with a 2x extender it's inside your budget. Just remember that a 2x extender does degrade iq (though from a very good basis) and slows down af, so try before you buy - and be sure to imagine carrying the weight of lens+extender for a prolonged time...

Or, for a 2 lens solution either get the one tele zoom and a prime like the 85/1.8 or 100L, the latter is also the most fun lens out there because it has nearly no min focusing distance. For the zooms don't just look at the Canons (70-300L, 100-400L) but also at Tamron & Sigma if you can cope with a bit slower af and w/o a red ring.

[SJTstudios]

Either the canon 100-400, because your 24-105 is ok for portraits, bokeh is decent.
Or, the 28-300 l, it is a really gOod lens, or so I hear, your covered for air shows, and air shooting, the 300 also helps.
But you may also want that extra reach. The 3.5 aperture good at the wide end will best your 24-105 though. But, if portraits are that important, pick up a 50mm 1.8/1.4 and/or sell the 24-105 for a 400mm 5.6 is. I know the 24-105 is good for walking around, but either way, you may need to compromise.

Other option, canon 70-200 2.8 is ii.  get some extenders and a tamron 28-75 in place of the canon 24-105, the 28-75 is a remarkable lens, I borrowed it from a friend, and it is on par withe the canon 24-70 1 in terms of bokeh, but lacks a bit of sharpness.

I'd prefer option 2, for the versatility.