Wider lens for new FF user - 35L vs. new 28 IS

[EvilTed]

My two favorite cameras / lenses for  "satchel over shoulder" convenience at the moment are:

Fuji X-Pro 1 + 35mm F/1.4 and
5D MK3 + 40mm F/2.8 pancake.

40mm on the 5D MK3 is a pretty good length and the "Shorty Forty" is an incredible lens for the money.

Which one do I prefer?

The money's still out on that one, but I've been reaching for the Fuji 90% of the time

ET

[preppyak]

It just seems like the 28 IS will work in my specific need (small, wide, low-light for non-moving stuff, still handles polarizers, not too wide for general walkaround use) without any degradation of IQ compared to the closest L lenses.  Seems like a win in my (admittedly bizarre) little world.

Yeah, seems like the IS would be important to you if you want to shoot lower light stuff (shutter speeds in the 1/8th, 1/15th area) without the need to carry around a tripod. If its a lens you'll use when you have a tripod around a bunch, then I'd just get the older 28mm f/1.8 and save a few hundred bucks, as it resolves nearly as well.

[AJ]

... I'd just get the older 28mm f/1.8 and save a few hundred bucks

+1

[KyleSTL]

It just seems like the 28 IS will work in my specific need (small, wide, low-light for non-moving stuff, still handles polarizers, not too wide for general walkaround use) without any degradation of IQ compared to the closest L lenses.  Seems like a win in my (admittedly bizarre) little world.

Yeah, seems like the IS would be important to you if you want to shoot lower light stuff (shutter speeds in the 1/8th, 1/15th area) without the need to carry around a tripod. If its a lens you'll use when you have a tripod around a bunch, then I'd just get the older 28mm f/1.8 and save a few hundred bucks, as it resolves nearly as well.

The 28mm f/1.8 is worse in corner resolution than the new IS version.  Comparison:

Canon 28mm f/1.8 USM vs. 28mm f/2.8 IS USM ( both at f/2.8 )
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=253&Camera=453&Sample=0&FLI=0&API=2&LensComp=789&CameraComp=453&SampleComp=0&FLIComp=0&APIComp=0

And wide-open for the f/1.8 is even worse, and if wide open is not usably sharp, then you're giving up the advantage of the wider aperture and might as well go for the lens that is sharper at f/2.8 (and has IS to boot), albeit at a higher price than the f/1.8 version.

[ahsanford]

Great  comments all.  I've been using the 28 IS the last two days, but will changeover to the 35 over the weekend and see what the the large aperture can do for me.

I very much appreciate your help!

[DigitalDivide]

But unlike in a clear "I am going out to [insert destination] to shoot something" situation, in which I'll pack a few lenses in a bag (which I still do often), I am now more and more finding myself putting one lens on the camera, strapping it around me like a satchel strap (over one arm, under the other) and running off with friends sans agenda.  This is sometimes out of trying to force myself to move my feet with just one length available, but it's also out of the pragmatic need to not need a bag -- having a bag while out in the city means it never leaves your side. 

So now, in this use, size and weight definitely matter.  The 24-70 is fine to hold and shoot, but it's a bit of a pickle jar to leave dangling around your neck all day (again, I'm not a pro).  I'll still take it on more serious/deliberate shoots, high-camera-need situations (i.e. vacations, events), etc., but for 'I'm just bringing it along if I see something interesting' responsibilities, the very light 28mm IS seems great in that regard.

If weight is a significant part of the problem, you might want to consider a Black Rapid strap.  I bought the RS-4 model after seeing many people rave about it on this site, and I am very happy with it.  It is amazing how little you notice the weight of the camera and lens, even a rather heavy one (such as the 70-200 f/2.8L II on my 5D2).  Changing lenses is a little more awkward with this setup, but it seems perfect for your single lens casual outings.  It is so easy and natural to grab the camera and raise it up to your eye and shoot.  Even if you decide on a new lens for the wider aperture or IS, I would recommend this strap for your application.

[ahsanford]

@DD:  Nice recommendation.  I totally see this making my 5D + 24-70 or 70-200 a more comfortable to walk with.

I will certainly consider it in the future.