One less thing to think about with these lenses, and they required a more considered approach, rather than zoom to fit, you had to move to fit, with attendant effect on perspective and depth of field etc.
I don't know if these were better lenses, or just forced me to work better, but I usually got better results from them.
Believe it or not: the FD 85 mm/1.2L. I just can't afford the EF version at the moment, so I kept my A-1 just for this lens. I thought about an EdMika conversion, but with that, it won't focus to infinity on my 5D2. So, I'll just wait until I can afford the EF 85/1.2 II, which will then by my new favourite ...
Since I got my Kirk Focus Rail and Macro tripod it's been the 100 2.8 Macro. But for non macro it's been my 24-105 lately. It's nice to have a decently sized walkaround with IS that's not my former brick (24-70 mki)
i just entered the world of great primes this year so i have to say the 35mm 1.4L right now. it has made me really want the 85L or the 50L though. i picked up the 85mm 1.8 to tide me over but i haven't really spent enough time with it yet.
i also really enjoy working with the 24mm TSE. shifting and then combining images to expand the field of view creates images that still really intrigue me. again...that lens has made me jones for the 17mm TSE.
On crop camera, my favorite is the Canon 8-15 f/4L. Full frame, I think I will love it even more. The only thing I don't like about it is the lens cap.
If true, then your next purchase MUST be a FF camera. Get a used 5Dc or 5D mark ii ASAP even if you need to sell other stuff to get it. Once you see the 8-15 on a FF, the crop sensor camera you have now may never get used again!