Lens Decision Conundrum

[norcalniner]

Hello everyone, long time follower first time poster . I am having a bit of trouble in making a decision on which lens to buy with my 5d2 purchase. Keep in mind I want to keep prices under 3k.

For a while I have been doing quite a bit of headshot photography with my 85mm 1.8(Love it) on my APS-C. As of late the demand for family photos have gone way up for me. 85mm is way to tight(especially on crop) for groups. I will definitely be keeping my 85 for individuals and I know my focal length will widen a little(I am assuming not enough for more than 2 subjects) but I am wondering if I should pick up the 50 1.4 or get the kit 24-105.

If I get the 5d2 body for around $2200 and the 50 1.4 for about $350 the total($2550) is only a couple hundred short of the price if I were to buy the full kit. So I guess really, I am trying to just get a little more insight on what would suit me best.

(PS. I generally shoot outside so the low light capabilities aren's too hight on the priority list)

Thanks

 

[neuroanatomist]

Do you want to shoot anything other than portraits? If so, the 24-105 is an excellent general purpose zoom, and the best time to buy it is in the kit, when it costs only $800.

 

[norcalniner]

Yeah I will be using it for more than just portraits. I suspected that would be the way to go. From what I have seen, the 24-105 looks to be a great choice.

Thanks for the advice!

 

[neuroanatomist]

I think it wins for versatility, especially if you also have a fast prime in the range. I've got 10 L-series lenses now - 5 zooms and 5 primes - and the 24-105 gets the most use of them all.

 

[BL]

Yeah I will be using it for more than just portraits. I suspected that would be the way to go. From what I have seen, the 24-105 looks to be a great choice.

Thanks for the advice!

After picking up the kit, if it turns out you'd rather have a fast 50 (or anything else for that matter) instead, you can always turn it around and sell it on ebay. I recently sold the 24-105 kit lens that was bundled with my 5D classic for $870 a few months ago.

 

[norcalniner]

After picking up the kit, if it turns out you'd rather have a fast 50 (or anything else for that matter) instead, you can always turn it around and sell it on ebay. I recently sold the 24-105 kit lens that was bundled with my 5D classic for $870 a few months ago.

Good call.. its not like I cant save for the 50 1.4 quickly anyways. I might as well take advantage of the deal at hand.

 

[ghosh9691]

After picking up the kit, if it turns out you'd rather have a fast 50 (or anything else for that matter) instead, you can always turn it around and sell it on ebay. I recently sold the 24-105 kit lens that was bundled with my 5D classic for $870 a few months ago.

Good call.. its not like I cant save for the 50 1.4 quickly anyways. I might as well take advantage of the deal at hand.

I use just the 24-105 f/4L and the 50 f/1.4...and I guess most of my usage is covered with those two lenses. I have not really felt the need to go for a longer focal length - maybe when I do wildlife... till then, my Nike zoom works wonders

 

[wickidwombat]

I find the 50 f1.4 on a 5D2 is fine for group shots of 5 or 6 I have shot groups of much bigger but you have to move wayyyyyy back and its a pain, times like that i wish i had 24mm or 35mm but if you family groups dont regularly exceed 5 or 6 people the 50 will be fine.

edit: if you are using flash the 24-105 is outstanding

 

[stevevihon]

Since you shoot mainly outdoors and are not concerned with low light, you will enjoy the 24-105. One thought -- do you live in a major metro area where you would be able to rent the lens for a weekend? Many local photo retailers that rent equipment will let you pick up the lens on a Friday afternoon and return it on Monday. This way you will be able to see how you like the lens versus guessing. (lensrental.com is also a great option -- just a bit more to invest $$ to rent since they do four or seven day rentals instead of a single day).

I am also a recent 5D MkII owner and am still shopping for lenses. I shoot more inside in low light, so I am passing on the 24-105. But, I did actually rent the lens yesterday to take photos and shoot video of my daughter's pre-school football game. I have found that renting a number of lenses has been helpful to determining what will meet my lens needs now and what to save up for in the future.

Another plus with the 24-105 is the IS which will help when shooting video. Based on what you described, this sounds like a good fit for your needs.

 

[Caps18]

I have taken outdoor family photos with my 5D2 and 85mm f/1.8. The camera had to be 80 feet away or something, but it turns out really well.

Last month I used a 50mm indoors to take a family photo of 6 of us, and the camera was about 12 feet away.

I think the 24-105mm would work for you. It would be the lightest, within your budget, and easiest solution. (And then you can save up for a 14mm or 17mm TS-E to get great ultra wide angle shots )