What's my next purchase?

[rmfagan]

Hello Collective Minds of CR-

I could use some insight into what my next purchase should be. Currently have a 5D3, gripped, 16-35 II, 70-200 II, and nifty 50, along with a 430EX II, an ST-E3, 600EX, and 2x III on the way. I currently shoot for my college paper (a lot of sports right now, but also your typical PJ/editorial stuff) and also shoot portraiture, wildlife, and travel stuff for myself. Over the summer, I hope to intern with a wedding photog, or a publication.

I'm torn over what the next big purchase should be. The 24-70 II is a top contender... perfect for basketball and even has a place for near shots in the end zone for football, and I can see it's utility with the rest of my PJ stuff as well as making a great travel lens. Naturally, it would make a good wedding lens if I go that route.

But then again, I could also see a lot of utility in an 85 1.2 for portraiture, low light travel, and such. Again, it too has a role in weddings.

Lastly, there is the option of saving up a bit more and buying a 2nd 5d3. Granted, for sports, the 1DX is worlds better, and I love it after renting/borrowing it several times BUT for everything else I do, the 5D3 performs very well and is still acceptable for sports for me. Bottom line, I can't afford to go 1DX right now. If I end up a full time sports shooter, obviously I'd trade up to 1DX's though.

For what it's worth, I do intend to grab the 300 II off Canon Refurb in the spring.

So usually, easy call...lens is better buy than body. But given my situation I'm unsure. Then of course, it's which lens.

Your help, as always, is greatly anticipated and appreciated.

 

[Loswr]

24-70 II is a good choice. 85L is great for individual portraits, for >1 person you generally need at least f/2.8 for sufficient DoF, and you've got the 70-200 II which is also excellent for portraits.

If you do weddings, a second body is a must.

 

[rmfagan]

So 24-70 II is a great choice, and I need a second camera. Which do you think is the better buy first?

 

[Random Orbits]

So 24-70 II is a great choice, and I need a second camera. Which do you think is the better buy first?

Depends on how many weddings you plan on doing. You'll use the 24-70 a lot for everything. You'll need a second camera when you do paid events. It might make more sense to rent a second body when you need it if you don't do that many events. And if you will be able to fund the 300 II next spring, it might make sense to get the 24-70 sooner, a second body if you need one in the summer and defer the purchase of the 300 II.