I have been and am continuing to, pare down my zooms in exchange for primes. Most recently I have three lenses that I am willing to sell to get one new prime: My Canon 70-200 f4 that has been a faithful companion for 10 years. It was replaced this fall with the IS MKII. My cool little Tokina 10-17mm Fish that doesn't really serve a purpose on my 5DMKIII; and my trusty 17-40f4. All three have not seen much use in the last year, except the 17-40, and that is why I am writing this post and asking your advice.
Too many times I have felt limited by the 17-40 in tight, darkish hotel rooms as my bride has prepared. Too many times I've wanted a nice wide first dance shot, or cake cutting shot, or anything wide, and have been limited by f4. On the counter, I have grown to love capabilities of the 1.4's on my 50 and 85 and the IS of the 70-200 2.8. Mated to the 5DMIII all three have been brilliant. But I am lacking speed on the wide end.
What do you use for your WIDE fast prime? Your small, dark hotel room getting ready prime? I'd love to know! And if you are willing to share some examples of your recommended lens in action, that would be fantastic.
Wobble wrote:
Buy the EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM Autofocus Lens.
This is a great lens, but the difference between 24mm and 17mm is huuuuge. The 17-40 is slow for low light stuff without flash...I personally would like to upgrade to the 16-35 from the 17-40, but we really only use the lens for outdoors (plenty of light) and during the dancing (with off camera flash and usually stopped down to f8 anyway)
Hey Sheri, I still have the 16-35 if you want to try. I like the 24LII but the 35L is my "bolt-on" lens since it seems to be the perfect blend of wide angle, interior angles, and perspective. Problem with the 16-35 is keystoning and edge/corner performance. The widest ill go now to shoot people is the 21 Zeiss.
35L is just awesome- my main lens- had 24L, 17-40, 16-35 but 35L is hard to beat. I combine it with 100 2.0, and that combo is great (if I could I'd combine 35L with 85L and 135L, and that would be the perfect match imo). For very tight spaces I have 20 2.8 in my bag, but it is more like insurance. Buying 35L was the best decision in my photographic life Actually I think that this lens helped me with moving a level up with my wedding photography.
StowePhoto wrote:
Is 35 wide enough for you in the tight spaces?
A 35 isn't even a "wide angle lens". When you're shooting getting ready get in a tight space with your back up against the wall, you need to be looking in the 20 to 28 range.
We have a 16-35L II and a 35L for wide lenses, honestly I will use the 35L if it comes down to it. 16-35L II is a champ though, esp in tight spaces or for fun shots at the reception. I have had the 24L from CPS and enjoyed it, would love to grab one someday for personal stuff but the 16-35 & 35L seem to be better lenses for weddings for us.
Rent and see what works for you and your style. [:
Actually I think that this lens helped me with moving a level up with my wedding photography.