Home · Register · Join Upload & Sell

Moderated by: Fred Miranda
Username  

  New fredmiranda.com Mobile Site
  New Feature: SMS Notification alert
  New Feature: Buy & Sell Watchlist
  

FM Forums | Canon Forum | Join Upload & Sell

1
       2       end
  

Archive 2015 · Tell me if this is a dumb idea.

  
 
JasonRussell
Offline
• • •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Tell me if this is a dumb idea.


I'm on a tight budget right now but looking to expand my lens collection. Currently my only lens is a 24-70L.

My thought process, sell it and buy a 50 1.4, 85 1.8 and maybe another lense for around $200. Using a full frame body.

The 24-70 is a v1 so I'm thinking I could get around $700-800.

Only shoot portraits. This is a hobby for me and no longer a side business.

Yay/nay/thoughts?

I used to have the 35L, 85L, 16-35L and 70-200 2.8IS in addition to the 24-70 but got out of shooting weddings and sold all my gear so I'm starting all over 😕



Aug 22, 2015 at 11:42 AM
Lauchlan Toal
Offline
• • •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Tell me if this is a dumb idea.


For portraits, I'd definitely do it. Recently I moved to full frame and I no longer have a standard zoom. I don't miss it at all - my 50mm f1.8 and 105mm f2.8 work beautifully together for almost all my photography needs. Zooms can be handy, but I think primes give you some more peace of mind and freedom since you don't have to worry about your focal length. I doubt that you'd regret the switch.


Aug 22, 2015 at 11:52 AM
DougVaughn
Offline
• • • •
Upload & Sell: On
p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Tell me if this is a dumb idea.


For my portrait work (not a pro), I find myself gravitating toward 85mm the majority of the time. I just like the feel it gives, so I think you're on the right track. About three months ago, I purchased a classic Contax Zeiss C/Y 85mm and am like a kid in a candy store doing portraits with that one. I love the way it renders but also know manual focus isn't for everyone.


Aug 22, 2015 at 12:26 PM
JasonRussell
Offline
• • •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Tell me if this is a dumb idea.


I'm thinking you guys are correct. I tend to have an irrational thought process at times so needed opinions lol.


Aug 22, 2015 at 12:29 PM
Kathy White
Offline
• • • •
Upload & Sell: On
p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Tell me if this is a dumb idea.


I would hate for a 24 70 to be my only portrait lens. Right now my first grab is the 135L then 70 200 followed by 24 70 when I need wide. If I were you I think I would grab a 100 f2 or a 135 Soft Focus and a 50 1.8 stm and start from there.


Aug 22, 2015 at 12:50 PM
JasonRussell
Offline
• • •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Tell me if this is a dumb idea.


I didn't think about the 135SF. Good suggestion Kathy. Thank you!


Aug 22, 2015 at 01:05 PM
15Bit
Offline
• • • • •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Tell me if this is a dumb idea.


My most-used lens is a 70-200mm f/2.8. I've had that 6 or 7 years now and i wouldn't be without it. I only bought a 24-70mm f/4 last month, my first lens covering that range.

For portraits i quite favour the Voiglander 90mm SLII. Manual focus, but it has a much shorter minimum focus distance than the canon 85/1.8 and nice rendering, which makes it great for close-up full face portraits.



Aug 22, 2015 at 01:11 PM
JasonRussell
Offline
• • •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Tell me if this is a dumb idea.


I do miss my 70-200.
Will be buying another but not till March when my employer gives out our profit sharing checks lol.

With the family coming first, I limit myself to one large purchase a year. This year was a 5D, grip, 24-70, 580 and tripod. So I need to do some trading or seeking before buying lol.



Aug 22, 2015 at 01:16 PM
Mike Tuomey
Offline
• • • •
Upload & Sell: On
p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Tell me if this is a dumb idea.


For me, 24-70 is an event lens, meaning flexibility to get the shot from where I'm standing in the moment. I have one, use it for stage work and on a tripod for 'scapes because it's good wide and long. But a 35/85 or 50/100 fast non-L prime pairing is better oriented to people and portraits in varied light.

Kathy mentioned the EF 100/2 - I like mine a lot, believe it's not that far off the 135L I used to own. A little more reach & compression than the 85/1.8, less CA wide open too. The 100/2 and a 35/2 IS or 50/1.8 stm would round out a nice, small, simple 5D kit.



Aug 22, 2015 at 02:05 PM
Two23
Offline
• • • • •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Tell me if this is a dumb idea.


The issue here isn't so much the lens, but rather use of your money. If you can find a lens(es) that will do what you need for half the $$ you now have tied up, that sounds like a very efficient use of money to me. Spend the savings on a nice trip somewhere, or on something more useful for your family.


Kent in SD



Aug 22, 2015 at 02:12 PM
Ian.Dobinson
Offline
• • • • • •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Tell me if this is a dumb idea.


I wouldn't do it .
The 24-70 mk1 has taken many good portraits in the hands of many photographers . Zooms can do portraits you know , it's not just for prime lenses

If at some point in the future you can get a 70-200 2.8 . i would say the 80-200L but even this die hard pipe lover would admit the 70-200/2.8 is the better alrounder . Then you would had a very good pair of lenses .

If something really needs the extra stops of a prime then rent something like the 85/1.2 when needed



Aug 22, 2015 at 03:02 PM
ShotByTom
Offline
• • •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · Tell me if this is a dumb idea.


I wouldn't do it either, the 24-70 is an awesome lens and is great for portraits. I wouldn't want to be limited to primes and potentially be changing lenses all the time during a shoot.

In my opinion, the 24-70 is a better lens than the 50 1.4 and 85 1.8, and is much more versatile.



Aug 22, 2015 at 05:19 PM
Mike Tuomey
Offline
• • • •
Upload & Sell: On
p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · Tell me if this is a dumb idea.


Jason, responses will probably in the end break down by experience and preferences. Zoom guys will recommend keeping the zoom. Prime guys will say go primes. Which did you shoot more and prefer when you had all your L primes and zooms?


Aug 22, 2015 at 06:39 PM
gdanmitchell
Offline
• • • • • • •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · Tell me if this is a dumb idea.


Can you hang onto the very nice 24-70 and find a way to swing a longer non-L prime — perhaps the 85mm you mention or a 100mm or so?


Aug 22, 2015 at 09:01 PM
Konablue
Offline
• •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · Tell me if this is a dumb idea.


My favorite portrait lens and most used is the 85mm 1.2L II. Occasionally, I'll use my 70-200mm 2.8L IS II. I use the IS mode since I'm hand-holding it. Third is the 24-70mm 2.8L II and that is for when I need wider zoom flexibility and getting in closer to the subject. The portrait lens that's next on my list for my collection is the 135mm 2.0 L. The 135L just might become my favorite as this focal range, aperture size, and overall quality seems to be just about right for portrait work without being too large. Plus, its very reasonably priced for a "L" prime lens. You might be able to pick up a 135L for about $750-$850 used or refurbished.




Aug 23, 2015 at 08:31 PM
JasonRussell
Offline
• • •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · Tell me if this is a dumb idea.


Right now I could add a 50STM, that's about all lol.

Hence the reason for this idea.
Then come February or March, I can grab a 70-200 2.8IS. That was my most used on my 5D before. Weight didn't bother me so I ended up using it as walk around mostly



Aug 24, 2015 at 09:33 AM
gdanmitchell
Offline
• • • • • • •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · Tell me if this is a dumb idea.


JasonRussell wrote:
Right now I could add a 50STM, that's about all lol.

Hence the reason for this idea.
Then come February or March, I can grab a 70-200 2.8IS. That was my most used on my 5D before. Weight didn't bother me so I ended up using it as walk around mostly


Considering that February and March are only 6 months away, it is even harder for me to see how it makes sense to sell off the 24-70 for a couple primes that will have focal lengths within the range of the zoom that you'll get so soon.

Sit tight with what you have?



Aug 24, 2015 at 09:39 AM
OntheRez
Offline
• • • • •
Upload & Sell: On
p.1 #18 · p.1 #18 · Tell me if this is a dumb idea.


Short answer - yes, you're crazy. The flexibility, durability, and IQ of the 24-70 can't be duplicated with the list you've given. Hang on to it, and when you get a bit of scratch pick up a used 135mm f/2.0L. I can't think of very many portrait situations these two lenses won't handle well. The 135mm is a particular gem.

Robert



Aug 24, 2015 at 12:24 PM
molson
Online
• • • • • • •
Upload & Sell: On
p.1 #19 · p.1 #19 · Tell me if this is a dumb idea.


OntheRez wrote:
Short answer - yes, you're crazy. The flexibility, durability, and IQ of the 24-70 can't be duplicated with the list you've given. Hang on to it, and when you get a bit of scratch pick up a used 135mm f/2.0L. I can't think of very many portrait situations these two lenses won't handle well. The 135mm is a particular gem.

Robert


Hard to argue with this logic!



Aug 24, 2015 at 01:26 PM
surf monkey
Offline
• • • •
Upload & Sell: Off
p.1 #20 · p.1 #20 · Tell me if this is a dumb idea.


JasonRussell wrote:
I'm on a tight budget right now but looking to expand my lens collection. Currently my only lens is a 24-70L.

My thought process, sell it and buy a 50 1.4, 85 1.8 and maybe another lense for around $200.


I think that the focal lengths of 50mm and 85mm are too close if those are you're only lenses.
The typical make up for a two lens prime kit would be a 35/85 or 50/135, both of which would be more versatile than a 50/85 kit.

You might take a look at a 50 f1.8 stm and 100 f2 kit for a bit better focal length separation.



Aug 24, 2015 at 04:16 PM
1
       2       end




FM Forums | Canon Forum | Join Upload & Sell

1
       2       end
    
 

You are not logged in. Login or Register

Username       Or Reset password



This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.