Which Canon L Lens for 7D Mark II?

[7DMachII]

I am about about to upgrade from my Canon T2i to the 7D Mark II. I consider myself an enthusiast trying to make the move to pro. I decided that with my 7D Mark II purchase I would buy my first Canon L lens. The plan is to be an all purpose photographer doing weddings and other events.

Which of the following lenses would you get?

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Standard Zoom Lens

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-24-70mm-2-8L-Standard-Zoom/dp/B0076BNK30/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

Thanks for your input.
or

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM Telephoto Zoom Lens

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-70-200mm-2-8L-Telephoto-Cameras/dp/B0033PRWSW/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

 

[Hannes]

Your question is difficult to answer as I can't see why a wedding photographer would want to pick up a 7DII. If you are trying to make it as a pro you will need a body with good low light capabilities matched with good glass. A 6D will be a far better choice, better yet two of them even if this means combining them with the 24-70 2.8 I and 70-200 2.8 IS I. You are going to need high iso far more than the very sharpest photos imaginable and besides, a 24-70 I is probably sharper on FF than a 24-70 II on crop in real world shooting.

 

[candyman]

Yes, 6D would be a better camera for wedding and events. A 24-70 on a crop camera would be FOV 38-112mm. I would go for 6D with 24-70II and save up for a 135mm f/2. You could also buy the Tamron 24-70VC. That lens performs great as well and has stabilization.

 

[Ruined]

I am about about to upgrade from my Canon T2i to the 7D Mark II. I consider myself an enthusiast trying to make the move to pro. I decided that with my 7D Mark II purchase I would buy my first Canon L lens. The plan is to be an all purpose photographer doing weddings and other events.

Which of the following lenses would you get?

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Standard Zoom Lens

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-24-70mm-2-8L-Standard-Zoom/dp/B0076BNK30/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

Thanks for your input.
or

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM Telephoto Zoom Lens

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-70-200mm-2-8L-Telephoto-Cameras/dp/B0033PRWSW/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

So. basically:

Events such as Weddings or parties:
EOS 6D + 24-70 f/2.8L II

Events such as motorsports:
EOS 7D2 + 70-200 f/2.8L IS II

Both the ideal body and lens differ depending on what type of event you are covering.

 

[rs]

I am about about to upgrade from my Canon T2i to the 7D Mark II. I consider myself an enthusiast trying to make the move to pro. I decided that with my 7D Mark II purchase I would buy my first Canon L lens. The plan is to be an all purpose photographer doing weddings and other events.

Which of the following lenses would you get?

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Standard Zoom Lens

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-24-70mm-2-8L-Standard-Zoom/dp/B0076BNK30/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

Thanks for your input.
or

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM Telephoto Zoom Lens

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-70-200mm-2-8L-Telephoto-Cameras/dp/B0033PRWSW/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

Events require a lens with a focal range that starts much wider the 24mm on a crop body, so rule out the 24-70 and 7D2 combo straight away. And likewise, 70-200's work great for weddings and other events, but only on full frame. I personally would never dream of using my 70-200 on my crop body for an indoors event.

Before we all start saying "no, don't get a 7D2", what lenses do you currently have? Certainly the best setup for weddings would be a FF body (such as a 6D) and both the 24-70 II and 70-200 II, but that is more cash than you were talking about here. If you currently have some very good EF-S lenses, getting the 7D2 to use with your existing lenses could make sense. Otherwise, get a 6D as a second body, and buy the FF version of whichever focal length range is weakest with your T2i lens selection.

 

[AlanF]

Is this a spoof question? There seem to be quite a few such questions from people with just one or two postings, and it is making me suspicious.

 

[David_in_Seattle]

If you don't intend to upgrade to full frame within the foreseeable future then I'd recommend getting the Canon 17-55 f2.8 IS or the Sigma 18-35 f1.8 as your workhorse lens for weddings and events. From my experience, Canon lenses tend to have a better resale value in the long run so if you do plan to transition to full frame you'll likely get more from the resale value compared to the Sigma.

The Canon 70-200mm f2.8 IS v2 is a fantastic lens, but it's very heavy and I rarely use it on my 60D because of the crop factor when I shoot indoor events or weddings. Instead, I use it on my 5Dmk3. However, if you're shooting sports then the crop factor could be a benefit for the added reach.

 

[Sportsgal501]

If your shooting weddings why would you pick up a 7D MArk II,I think the 6D or 5D Mark III would be a better fit for the type of photos you shoot. Unless you plan on shooting sports 90% of time with the 7D MarkII. ???

 

[7DMachII]

Is this a spoof question? There seem to be quite a few such questions from people with just one or two postings, and it is making me suspicious.

AlenF, really it is a real question. We all start our some where. I have been following the 7DmII since last spring here on Canon Rumors. A little about myself:

I got my Canon T2i back in December 2010ish just before leaving to adopt our daughter from China. I have been an avid "picture taker" all my life. Getting the T2i meant I was going to the next level. I take enough pictures that my family call me paparazzi. I do not feed myself from photography and never would as I am far too established in my computer career and should retire in about 9 years or so. For learning purposes I went to a MeetUp.com workshop where we took pictures of 2 riders on horses. That went well so I plan on doing in the not too distant future on that has human models.

Hopefully that is a descent introduction of me.

 

[Loswr]

I'd say neither. Instead, if you're set on getting the 7DII consider a high quality EF-S general purpose zoom. The EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 is IMO the best general purpose zoom for APS-C. As pointed out above, a 24-xx L-zoom does not give a wide angle FoV on APS-C, which really limits it's utility as a general purpose zoom. Personally, I found the 70-200 II to be an awkward range on APS-C, although I love it on FF.

I'd echo the sentiments above that for 'weddings and other events' the 6D would be a much better choice than the 7DII. If you're going to be a paid shooter at those events, you'll need a second body as a backup (your T2i could serve for that initially).

What lenses do you currently have besides the EF-S 18-200mm? What's your budget for this venture?

 

[Dylan777]

Don't forget about flashes if you pick 7D II for wedding.

 

[7DMachII]

What lenses do you currently have besides the EF-S 18-200mm? What's your budget for this venture?

That is my only other "working" lens. My 50mm 1.8 decide to act like there is sand inside so auto focus is out of the question and manual focus is difficult at best.

As for budget, approximately $4000.

For some of the other folks above please note that I have not been hired for any weddings or events as of yet. I will most likely start out as a second shooter to refine my skill and build a portfolio. Also I expect that some of my events will be outside sports though I think most work would be indoors.

I will say that I am hung up on / expect big things from the 65 DP AF points up from my current 9.

I know I still have a lot to learn so please continue to chime in.

Thanks again everyone for your input.

 

[vlim]

17-55 EF S f/2.8 IS + 70-300 EF f/4-5.6 L IS + one Art Sigma lens would be a great kit in my opinion...

 

[mkabi]

I have been a stand-in for a photographer friend of mine. They were paid gigs and all I used were my 7D, 16-35 and the 50mm... Sometimes the 100mm macro.

So its not impossible, but 1 lens and body would be better if you don't want to run around much.

Given my camera + situation... Its best to know how the ceremony will proceed so you can plan your shots (remembering the rule of thirds, framing correctly, and running around with the 50 makes for some epic pictures). Also... 8fps really captures those really critical/special moments.

 

[Don Haines]

What lenses do you currently have besides the EF-S 18-200mm? What's your budget for this venture?

That is my only other "working" lens. My 50mm 1.8 decide to act like there is sand inside so auto focus is out of the question and manual focus is difficult at best.

As for budget, approximately $4000.

For some of the other folks above please note that I have not been hired for any weddings or events as of yet. I will most likely start out as a second shooter to refine my skill and build a portfolio. Also I expect that some of my events will be outside sports though I think most work would be indoors.

I will say that I am hung up on / expect big things from the 65 DP AF points up from my current 9.

I know I still have a lot to learn so please continue to chime in.

Thanks again everyone for your input.

Let me start by saying that I have a 7D2 on pre-order.... that should tell you my opinion on crop cameras....

The next thing I have to say is if your budget is $4000, get a 6D. For some strange reason weddings seem to occur in churches and the lighting is not the best in the world.... For low light there is no substitute for FF cameras.

Other than the ceremony, most weddings involve a photo shoot, usually outdoors (unless it rains and then it moves inside to poor lighting) and that sounds suspiciously like landscape photography to me..... an area where the 6D excels.

#2 - Get a flash.... a decent one with a bounce/swivel head and spend a lot of time learning how to use it well.

#3 - a wide angle lens.... you can't beat the 24-70F2.8. This will be your go-to lens for weddings and you will use it a lot.

#4 - a longer lens.... I would say 70-200F4IS. Keep it mounted on your rebel. You will be amazed at how much better it will make your T2i perform. (I have the 18-200 lens and have not touched it since I got the 70-200... it really is that much better!)

you are looking at:
$1900 - 6D camera
$2100 - 24-70 lens

and there goes your budget....

You could cheap out by getting the F4 version of the 24-70, but you don't save that much and in the end you will regret not having the faster lens as you stand in a dimly lit church or reception hall...

I recommended the F4 version of the 70-200 over the F2.8 version as the image quality is indistinguishable yet it is a LOT lighter and less expensive... it balances nicely on a rebel as your second camera....

 

[Hjalmarg1]

Let me start by saying that I have a 7D2 on pre-order.... that should tell you my opinion on crop cameras....

The next thing I have to say is if your budget is $4000, get a 6D. For some strange reason weddings seem to occur in churches and the lighting is not the best in the world.... For low light there is no substitute for FF cameras.

Other than the ceremony, most weddings involve a photo shoot, usually outdoors (unless it rains and then it moves inside to poor lighting) and that sounds suspiciously like landscape photography to me..... an area where the 6D excels.

#2 - Get a flash.... a decent one with a bounce/swivel head and spend a lot of time learning how to use it well.

#3 - a wide angle lens.... you can't beat the 24-70F2.8. This will be your go-to lens for weddings and you will use it a lot.

#4 - a longer lens.... I would say 70-200F4IS. Keep it mounted on your rebel. You will be amazed at how much better it will make your T2i perform. (I have the 18-200 lens and have not touched it since I got the 70-200... it really is that much better!)

you are looking at:
$1900 - 6D camera
$2100 - 24-70 lens

and there goes your budget....

You could cheap out by getting the F4 version of the 24-70, but you don't save that much and in the end you will regret not having the faster lens as you stand in a dimly lit church or reception hall...

I recommended the F4 version of the 70-200 over the F2.8 version as the image quality is indistinguishable yet it is a LOT lighter and less expensive... it balances nicely on a rebel as your second camera....

+1, the 2.8 version of both lenses are the best way to go. Due to your budget, I would pick the f4 IS version for the 70-200mm and the Tamron 24-70mm f2.8 VC that deliver terrific IQ, has f2.8 aperture and image stabilised.

 

[Loswr]

Consider Canon refurbished. Fully tested, same 1-yr warranty. 6D + 24-70/2.8L II comes to $3200, and that's an excellent core wedding kit. Add the 70-200/4L IS for just over $1K more.

 

[Robert Welch]

First of all, if you are looking to do weddings, you need backup equipment. I will spare the part about having experience first, except to say don't try shooting weddings without experience with them. But don't shoot a wedding with just one camera, lens or flash. You need multiple of each, and batteries and memory cards as well. To go to a wedding with just one camera & lens is doing a dis-service to the bride and groom. This is a once in a lifetime event (or at least they are planning for it to be so), and you will have one chance to get the photos, there is to rescheduling because of equipment failure.

All that said, if you are to get one lens for a 7DmkII, the best one Canon makes is the 17-55/2.8. It's not an L lens, but it's of equal image quality to most L lenses, if not build quality. The closest L lens would be the 17-40/4.0, or maybe the new 16-35/4 IS lens. If you just wanted to stick to L lenses, then I would suggest you need 2 of them if you were to get the 7DmkII, my choice would be the 16-35/4 IS and the 70-200/4 IS. They would be a nice pair of lenses to cover most needs for weddings on a 7DmkII. But if just one lens, then the 17-55/2.8 would be the best single lens to have on a 7DmkII.

 

[nc0b]

I don't shoot weddings, but I do shoot indoor dance events. Last year I used a new 6D and my 70-200mm f/2.8 IS II. A crop body would not have worked at all. I also have the f/4 IS version, but I needed the speed due to the limited chandelier lighting, plus the 2.8 focuses faster. I have two crop and two FF bodies, and for most of my shooting I only take the FF, except for wildlife. I recently shot a museum with a 6D and a 24-104 f/4 IS at ISO 10,000. My 60D or 40D would have been worthless in this environment. My only EF-S lens is the 15-85mm, which is fine outdoors, but it is too slow racked out and the bodies too noisy in dim light.

 

[pward]

Sigma 18-35 f1.8, this lens is smashing and I have been waiting on a crop sensor to pair it. My 6d is superb, but cannot wait to roll through the images on 7dII and sigma.