This thread is in response to izanaki's question regarding lenses for a 5D & 1DIII. There were a lot of useful responses there, but I like data from polls, plus more people typically respond. I tweaked the polled information to suit my needs and budget. Thanks for your responses.
All of the above are good event lenses, just depends on your shooting style and where your current kit stands. A good event kit is a mix bag of zooms and primes...the f/2.8 zoom trinity (16-35, 24-70, 70-200/2.8) and the prime trinity (35/1.4, 85/1.2, 135/2) are examples, although you can get by with much less, both in quality and quantity. The 50/1.4, 85/1.8 and 100/2 are all held in high regard among event photogs and their quality to cost ratio is very good. Point is there are sever routes you can travel to get to where you need to go, it just depends on personal preference and, of course, your budget.
Okay, I have the 24-70, the 70-200 2.8 IS, the 85 1.8, and the Sigma 50 1.4. I rarely use the 70-200, but it's quality is great. I intentionally framed the question and the poll for a reason. I have some flexibility with what I could trade or sell. I won't be ditching the 24-70. It has the least coolness factor of the ones above, but it is a true workhorse.
I like the 35L. The focal length works for both cameras very well. At weddings you can get in close and do groups. The bokeh, contrast and colour is second to none. For the wedding photographer it would be THE workhorse prime.
