mmurph Offline Upload & Sell: On
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Trying to "rationalize" my lens kit to a minimum kit that I really use. As a former pro, the 2 "must have" lenses for me are:
24-70 2.8 II and 70-200 2.8 II
Those 2 lenses will always be in my kit. They are like permanent "niches" that need to be filled. Most of the following are similar. They are basic niches. The specific lenses will get upgraded as better versions come out, like the new 16-35 4.0 IS.
I also own a f/ 4.0 kit, especially because that 70-200 is so big and heavy. What I happen to have is:
17-40 4.0 and 70-200 4.0
I haven't upgraded the 17-40 to the excellent 16-35 4.0 IS, because I have barely used the 17-40 5-10 times in 10 years.
If you don't shoot wide, I'd definitely recommend the
24-105 4.0 IS and 70-200 4.0 IS
That is a high quality, versatile pair for every day shooting. Then pull out the 2.8's for events. I consider those sort of "permanent niches" too. I have had those lenses for 10 years.
Otherwise the triple kit:
16-35 4.0 IS, 24-105 4.0 IS, 70-200 4.0 IS
I also have the Sigma 35 1.4 Art and Sigma 85 1.4. I had the Canon 85 1.2 before.
Until the Sigma 85 comes out in an Art version, or Canon updates the 85, you might buy a Sigma 50 1.4 Art or Canon 85 1.8 instead.
I went from 15+ L lenses plus 5 other lenses to that kit that pretty much covers everything that I really shoot.
If you need long, you might add a Sigma 120-300 2.8 OS plus 1.4x and 2x teleconverters. If you need tilt shift, one of those specialized lenses. If you need wide and fast (the reason for the 1.4 primes), maybe the 24 1.4.
ETA: I know that you probably can't afford to pop for that whole kit, or probably justify the whole thing. What is important to me is that each lens is sort of the "best" for each role. And the roles are the same, so there is no question about changing or churning.
That kit works for me for the long term.
Good luck!
M
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