Help me choose between the two: 70-200 f2.8 IS or 17 TS-E?

[GoodVendettaPhotography]

I am torn. I shoot both weddings, and shoot real estate. I shoot both wide life and the night sky. I shouldn't buy them both. Which one would you choose and why?

[pdirestajr]

I'm in the mood for a piece of fruit. Should I have an apple or an orange?

[Normalnorm]

I have them both because they both make money for me.
Which use makes the most money? Buy the one that will help you the most.

IMO the 17TS-E is the one to buy as it is unique in its capabilities.
There are a lot of low cost alternatives to the 70-200 2.8 that will get you by until you can afford one.
OTOH if you are a pro just bite the bullet and buy both.

[Niterider]

I'm in the mood for a piece of fruit. Should I have an apple or an orange?

Haha, I got a laugh out of that one!

Anyhow, Normalnorm makes a valid point that there are not cheaper alternatives to the 17TS-E (except for the rokinon that is coming out in a couple months, but that is a 24mm). But, if I were you, I would go with the 70-200mm IS ii. Between August and January, we will have the unique opportunity to photograph what is likely to be the best comet of our lifetime. Comet C/2012 S1, otherwise known as comet ISON, is the driving motivator why I picked up a 70-200 (F/4 non-IS).

[J.R.]

I'd say take both as both are stellar lenses.

What is your current selection of lenses?

[cdang]

I had to make that choice a while ago. I decided to go with the 17mm tse. It is such an awesome lens and fun to use.

[neuroanatomist]

I shouldn't buy them both.

I disagree.  You should buy them both.   

[kirispupis]

If you shoot weddings, then buy the 70-200/2.8 IS II.  Wedding pay a lot more than RE, so it makes the most sense to invest your money in the area where it will provide the most return.

[GoodVendettaPhotography]

I'm in the mood for a piece of fruit. Should I have an apple or an orange?

Apple.

I shouldn't buy them both.

I disagree.  You should buy them both.   

+1


Thanks!

[neuroanatomist]

5D Mark III | 7D | 17mm TS-E f/2.8 | 24-70mm f/2.8 L | 50mm f/1.2 L | 70-200mm f/2.8 II IS | 100mm f/2.8 Macro | ST-E3 | (x3) 600 ex

New additions?  Congrats! 

(Note - the TS-E 17mm is f/4.)

[Drizzt321]

I'm in the mood for a piece of fruit. Should I have an apple or an orange?

Apple.

I recommend an avocado.

[GoodVendettaPhotography]

5D Mark III | 7D | 17mm TS-E f/2.8 | 24-70mm f/2.8 L | 50mm f/1.2 L | 70-200mm f/2.8 II IS | 100mm f/2.8 Macro | ST-E3 | (x3) 600 ex

New additions?  Congrats! 

(Note - the TS-E 17mm is f/4.)

Whoops!

Thank you!

[TexPhoto]

My solution, get both.  Then, shoot weddings exclusively with the 17mm tilt shift.  Your unique perspective will set you apart in the field.

Likewise architecture: only 70-200.  Tell your clients their interiors are the problem not your shooting technique.  If they can't convey the room in a 2x2ft area of that room, you are not at fault.

You will be called a visionary, an artist unwilling to compromise to conformity.