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.

David

Look for an update to the 70-200 f/2.8 IS [II] soon.

I don't see the Zenitar Fisheye on the list.

It's funny how different the response is here than in the wedding forum.

What do you want to shoot? I could pick any of those options, depending on what I want to do.

I'd suggest 85mm F1.2L, it's the best len for portrait, you can view the photos took by 5D2 + 85mm F1.2

http://english.sellpower.net/modules/flickrorg/dlsr_index.php?id=1&dc_model=3&iso1=0&iso2=0&len_id=209&exposure1=0&exposure2=0&shutter1=0&shutter2=0&num_focal_mm=0&num_focal_mm2=&B1=Query

Not voting because it completely depends on your subject matter.

apdieb wrote:
Not voting because it completely depends on your subject matter.

That's a very good point. I primarily shoot weddings.

Bump!

for weddings I don't know why you don't have the 24-70L... it essentially is the wedding lens.

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.

David

I don't know why you don't have the 24-70L.

+1

kevinsullivan wrote:
I don't know why you don't have the 24-70L.

+1

I never said I didn't.

85Lll

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.

I'll give you the same response as izanaki...

5D2 + 24-70L or 35L (for effect or when you are in a cave)

1D3 + 85L II or 100 f/2

24L, 35L, 85L, 300 F2.8L IS to me

TSE 17mm f4 L

John Mills wrote:
TSE 17mm f4 L

For weddings