Help Choosing My Next Lens? :)

[samueljay]

Just for a bit of fun, I thought I'd ask around to see what people would recommend as my next lens. You can see the lenses I currently own below I was going to get the 85mm ƒ/1.2L USM II, however I have been thinking lately that the 50mm might have me covered for a while, and I should get something drastically different to add more variety in my line-up.

Should I get a macro? Or Maybe a tilt-shift (If so, what focal length? I've read that the longer a tilt shift lens the more exaggerated the effect, however only the 17 and 24mm's are L series), Wait for the new 24-70? Or get something a bit longer 135 or 300mm prime?

Any suggestions are welcome! Budget is around $2,500 Go nuts! And thank you in advance!

Also worth noting that 300mm was one of my favourite lengths on film, and I'd love to have that focal length, however I don't think I'll be able to afford the ƒ/2.8 version, is the ƒ/4L still a good lens? Or is it aging now? How does it compare to the new 70-300? (despite the obvious lack of a stop)

[remsy_atassi]

If you want TS I say wider is better. The 17mm is a crazy good lens.

You are also missing the something like a 16-35 range. The 2.8 L 16-35 is amazing.

If you want a long zoom you could go with the 100-300L 4.5-5.6 IS, but it's not that much of an addition to your 70-200 and is slower.

[neuroanatomist]

I have $500 budget to spend at Home Depot.  Please recommend what power tool I should buy.

Get a snow blower.  Oh wait, you didn't mention that you live in San Diego...

What I'm saying we need more information.  You want to buy a lens...to shoot what???

[Random Orbits]

I'd consider the 16-35L and the 100L.  The 16-35 is a nice UWA zoom and the the 100L opens you to macro photography.  Both would open areas of different types of photography for you to explore.  I wouldn't consider the TS lenses unless you are serious about landscape/architecture and have a good tripod system.  Wider TS (17 and 24) are generally more useful for landscape/architecture esp. indoor.  The TS 45 and 90 are typically more used for product photography.  All TS lenses are manual focus only.

I'd skip getting a prime 300mm or longer -- it doesn't sound like it's a pressing need.  If you want to extend your reach, you could consider getting an extender or two.

[marekjoz]

ok, so here we are:

1. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/279582-USA/Canon_8806A002_EF_17_40mm_f_4L_USM.html - 779$
2. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/727169-USA/Sigma_320101_85mm_f_1_4_EX_DG.html - 969$
3. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/647011-GREY/Canon_3554B002_EF_100mm_f_2_8L_Macro.html - 979$

When you digg deeper, you'll get into your budget and have fun with new equipment until the end of this summer

[distant.star]

.
Send me the $2500. I'll send you a lens.

Surprises are such fun!!

Seriously, as Big Brain intimates, if you're just a lens collector, it really doesn't make much difference. One fancy lens is as good as the next. If you're a photographer, you'll choose a lens because it will help you create a particular image that reflects your vision.

Perhaps you want to explore your vision before exploring the lens market.

Sorry to intrude on the fantasy.

[bp]

ah, I miss the days of lens lust - having those lenses you eyeball for months and then finally buy and check the tracking number 10 times a day...  nowadays, I've only got like ONE I might like to get at some point.  boring

if I had your bag, and 2500 to blow, I'd probably pick up the 24L II and the 135L

or if I really wanted to toss some high mm telephoto in there and some macro, maybe the 100L and a 100-400L

...so many possibilities

[mathino]

With your gear...

...I would get:

1.) 35L + 135L to have 35L / 50L / 135L prime "trinity"
2.) 16-35L + 100L macro - you have no UWA (expect fishy zoom)
3.) wait for 24-70 Mk II to be available, sell 24-105 L in favour of 24-70 Mk II and get 17-40L

These are my 3 scenarios/recomendations for you.

[neuroanatomist]

1.) 35L + 135L to have 35L / 50L / 135L prime "trinity"

Actually, the 'holy trinity' of primes is generally stated as 35L, 85L II, and 135L. 

[bdunbar79]

Agreed!  The 50L is certainly not in the class of the prime trinity.

[marekjoz]

Agreed!  The 50L is certainly not in the class of the prime trinity.

Does adding EF 200 F2 to them make it the holy quadrity?

[mathino]

1.) 35L + 135L to have 35L / 50L / 135L prime "trinity"

Actually, the 'holy trinity' of primes is generally stated as 35L, 85L II, and 135L.

I know that "holy trinity" is generally 35L / 85L / 135L  But in this case, OP could have his own. Seen his gear and budget, 85L will certainly come in future 

[mathino]

Agreed!  The 50L is certainly not in the class of the prime trinity.

Does adding EF 200 F2 to them make it the holy quadrity?

Could be  But average mortal have to sell a kidney to get one 

[bp]

Agreed!  The 50L is certainly not in the class of the prime trinity.

Does adding EF 200 F2 to them make it the holy quadrity?

Could be  But average immortal have to sell a kidney to get one 

Ooof, yeah, the 200 f/2 takes the "trinity" to a whole new level of awesome. drool
And, if you're immortal, you wouldn't need your kidney, so definitely sell that #$%&

[mathino]

Agreed!  The 50L is certainly not in the class of the prime trinity.

Does adding EF 200 F2 to them make it the holy quadrity?

Could be  But average immortal have to sell a kidney to get one 

Ooof, yeah, the 200 f/2 takes the "trinity" to a whole new level of awesome. drool
And, if you're immortal, you wouldn't need your kidney, so definitely sell that #$%&

Sorry, I ment mortal  Corrected