NEED HELP W/LENSES: What should I get next...?

[canon23]

Hi All,

I need your help on this.

My interest in photography has grown much recently and I want to pursue it with more commitment and dedication.

As I continue to learn about photography, reading and shooting, I also would like to build up my gears.
I have recently upgrade my camera from a Rebel XSI to the 5D Mark II. I only have 2 lenses: 24-105 f/4 and 50 f/1.8 II.

My interest is in wedding photography, portraiture, and landscapes (mostly while on vacations).

Which lens/es should I get next (in order if you have more than 1 suggestion)??

Some lenses I have in mind to get next are (but I'm thinking perhaps the order of purchase might help refine my skills for the types of photo shoot I've mentioned above?):

1) 70-200 f/2.8 IS II
2) 85 f/1.2 II
3) 16-35 f/2.8 II
4) 24-70 f/2.8 II
5) Your other suggestions

My budget is about $2,500 every 8 months.

Your insights are much appreciated. Thanks!

 

[LetTheRightLensIn]

Re: What should my next lens be...?

Hi All,

I need your help on this.
My interest in photography has grown much recently and I want to pursue it with more commitment and dedication.
As I continue to learn about photography, reading and shooting, I also would like to build up my gears.
I have recently upgrade my camera from a Rebel XSI to the 5D Mark II. I only have 2 lenses: 24-105 f/4 and 50 f/1.8 II.

My interest is in wedding photography, portraiture, and landscapes (mostly while on vacations).

Which lens/s should I get next (in order if you have more than 1 suggestion)??
Some lenses I have in mind to get next are:

1) 70-200 f/2.8 IS II
2) 85 f/1.2 II
3) 16-35 f/2.8 II
4) 24-70 f/2.8 II
5) Your other suggestions

My budget is about $2,500 every 8 months.

Your insights are much appreciated. Thanks!

maybe 70-200 since you have nothing long, 105mm is too short of lots of landscape and nature

24-70 ii shoul dbe much better than 24-105 but 100+ are entirely missing so that's infinitely more in need

 

[nitsujwalker]

Re: What should my next lens be...?

I'm sorry, I completely misread your post. My mistake. I agree with the post above.. I would get either the 70-200 or go wide 16-35 (depending on what kinds of landscapes).

 

[msdarkroom]

Congratulations on 'getting the itch' - good for you!

You mentioned weddings, portraits, and then landscapes.


Based on what focal range you already have covered and that you want to shoot weddings, portraits, and landscapes, here is my opinion for lenses:


Great for weddings and landscapes 16-35 - http://amzn.to/K2VcP2
Great for weddings and portraits 70-200 - http://amzn.to/K2V2qN
The ultimate portrait lens IMO 85 - great for weddings and portraits - http://amzn.to/JlEM4b
Also consider http://amzn.to/L2BS5C (17-40) instead of the 16-35.
My favorite lens right now is the Zeiss 50: http://amzn.to/JvlU7I



PS.

Here are some great books as well in the wedding and portrait fields. I highly recommend all of them.
Fine Art Wedding Photography - http://amzn.to/JytQ9R
VisionMongers - http://amzn.to/KhUGMT
People Pictures - http://amzn.to/KCA2vj
Picture Perfect Practice - http://amzn.to/IrI6gf

-MS

 

[Dylan777]

Sell your 24-105, that would add another $800 to your pocket.

1. 24-70 II
2. 70-200 2.8 IS II
3. 16-35 II
4. 85 prime

 

[bycostello]

i do weddings with a 24-70 and 70-200 but your current lenses are more than fine for it...

 

[Caps18]

16-35mm

If you are doing professional stuff, get the 50mm f/1.2 or the 85mm f/1.2 after that.

Then the 70-200.

I can't speak to the 24-70 vs 24-105 debate. The lower f/stop might help in lower light.

 

[Vossie]

Given the fact that you only have 1 good lens, I'dd suggest to expand your focal range first before going into "specialty lenses". More range will increase your flexibility and can help you further personalize your photography. Once you've experience the whole spectrum of focal ranges, you'll probably know where your want to expand your photography further (portraits --> 85 L; landscapes --> 17 TS; macro; etc.)

1) 16-35
2) 70-200

Good luck, you'll enjoy any of these lenses!

 

[PhilDrinkwater]

I wrote a post about this. It might help

http://www.phildweddingphotography.co.uk/index.php/2011/10/the-best-lens-for-wedding-photography/

 

[westr70]

I wrote a post about this. It might help

http://www.phildweddingphotography.co.uk/index.php/2011/10/the-best-lens-for-wedding-photography/

That's a nice synopsis of lens for weddings. Good to know.

 

[PhilDrinkwater]

Thanks. I've recently bought a 135f2. I'm just about to add that too

 

[preppyak]

Given the fact that you only have 1 good lens, I'dd suggest to expand your focal range first before going into "specialty lenses". More range will increase your flexibility and can help you further personalize your photography. Once you've experience the whole spectrum of focal ranges, you'll probably know where your want to expand your photography further (portraits --> 85 L; landscapes --> 17 TS; macro; etc.)

1) 16-35
2) 70-200

Good luck, you'll enjoy any of these lenses!

I agree with this, though, I'd get the 70-200 before the 16-35, since the 16-24 range isn't really neccessary for wedding or portraiture, and 24 is wide enough for most landscapes.

Actually, what may work best is keeping the 24-105 for now, complimenting it with the 70-200. And then, at the next 8 month period, you can sell the 24-105 and decide exactly which 2 lenses you need. They'll probably be the 16-35 and a prime, but, it might be a T/S lens or a macro. For your purposes though, you'll definitely want something in that 70-200 range....the other ranges will depend on how much you do of each type of photography.

 

[RLPhoto]

Options For Good $$$

Fast Telephoto

EF 135mm f/2L Or EF 100mm f/2 Or 70-200mm 2.8L II(if the budget permits, Otherwise the Two Primes are faster, cheaper and sharper)

Standard Range

EF 50mm 1.4 or 24-70mm 2.8L


Wide Angle

16-35mm 2.8L II or 24mm 1.4L II(super fast Prime Wide angle great for weddings)

 

[mitchell3417]

1. 70-200 2.8

It's gorgeous and is perfect for weddings and portraits. I know everyone says that, but there is a reason they say it. IT'S TRUE!!!!

24-70 is a range that's not flattering to people. I avoid it like the plague because for portraits and weddings it just doesn't set the subject apart.

 

[bdunbar79]

1. 70-200 2.8

It's gorgeous and is perfect for weddings and portraits. I know everyone says that, but there is a reason they say it. IT'S TRUE!!!!

24-70 is a range that's not flattering to people. I avoid it like the plague because for portraits and weddings it just doesn't set the subject apart.

I agree here. If I were you, I'd get the 70-200mm f/2.8L II IS lens first. I shoot with this lens on a 7D and 5D Mark III and before I bought the Mark III, I had the Mark II you have and the images were stunning, even in JPEG mode. I'd then save my money and either buy the 85mm f/1.2L (if you can afford it) or the 100mm f/2.0 (much cheaper). I would also recommend the 135mm f/2.0L but make that purchase in 3rd priority, as the 70-200mm will have you covered. My personal preference is the 85L and 135L combo, but if you shoot correctly, you could get by with one of the 100's. If you only buy one lens in the 85-135 range, buy the 100 f/2.8L. I also would urge you to keep your 24-105mm f/4L IS lens. That is a great, great walkaround lens, especially with the 5D Mark II. That would also eliminate your need to buy a dedicated 24-70 lens. If you really need a mid-focal length range in there, such as at 50mm, just use your 50 f/1.8 or upgrade to a 50 f/1.4 later when funds are available. You can really get a nice set of lenses here if you just prioritize what you need and when you need it.

1. 70-200mm f/2.8L II IS
2. 85L or 100 f/2.0 non-L (it has L-grade pictures, trust me! And great in low light!)
3. 135L
*If only one lens in the 85-135 range, then purchase either the 100mm f/2.8L or 100 f/2.0, either have advantages. You do not need both an 85 and 100 lens in my opinion.
4. Still might be a good idea to buy a 50 f/1.4 later
Keep your 24-105 lens!
It is ideal to have both the 85L and 135L and not a 100mm lens, but weigh your options/priorities. You may be more confused now, because you actually have a ton of options for what you want to do!

My opinion of course!

 

[dunkers]

I would get the 70-200 f2.8 II for sure. It's such a versatile lens. Great for portraits and weddings. I think that everybody should have a 70-200 or 70-300L in their bag.


Then later on, it's a toss up between the 85L and the 24-70L II. The latter isn't out yet so waiting another 8 months for that lens would let all the dust settle. Most of the reviews should be out by then highlighting any flaws (if any).


The 85L would serve you greatly as a dedicated portrait lens. But the 24-70 also has so many uses and can be used for portraits, although it may be on the short side on a full frame...

 

[SPL]

Yes,..the 70-200 f2.8 II IS! Fantastic lens and very sharp. A lot of fun to use!

 

[canon23]

Thank You All for such wonderful and helpful insights. Every bit of advice made sense.
Before this post, I've been leaning towards getting the 70-200 f/2.8 II as my next lens.
Many of your responses made this more of an affirmation. So, I'll be saving for that come the holiday season.

After this, I'll see where my needs are at that time...my feeling is, it'll be either the 85 f/1.2 II, or 135 f/2...then the 16-35 f/2.8

That's my foreseeable future. We'll see where my photography skills/needs are by then. I'm sure I'll be back for more advice before then Thanks again!