Sam Hassas wrote:
50L is fast. I know not what you noobs speak of. It's equally as fast as the 24L. I don't own a 35L so I can't speak on it. I will say however that I have the focus assist on most of the day. Suck a great tool.
Carry on.
Are you on crack? 24L is loads faster than 50L. 100 macro is faster IMO.
If you NEED one for the reception, the answer is easy, 24L or 35L. I don't have much experience with 50L. 85L has its moments, when sniping from one spot and prefocusing. 135L is nice if you like tight shots.
I guess I'd say say 35L + 135L combo.
Keep in mind the 35L is about to be refreshed if you go by the year it was released and the fact the 24L just came out. That won't stop the current 35L from being epic, but it is something to consider.
70-200L = The Postcard Puncher
135L = The Quicker Picker Upper
85L = The Money Maker
50L = The Only Decent 50
35L = The Game Changer
24L = The 5D Out Of Focuser
Get the 24 1.4 L II. You can crop from a 24 frame to about 35mm equiv on 5D II and still have 8mp from the center. you get 2 in one. the 85 1.8 is fine. Change the 50 1.8 to a 1.4 and you are set.
On the 24, use only the center point if you want images in good focus .
I have the 24 1.4 I L and 35 1.4L. The 24 gets a lot more use than the 35 simply because it is wider. You said it yourself: most of your shots are between 24 and 35 on the 17-40. If you start from 35 you can't get any wider, but from the 24 you can get a little bit thighter. Also, the DOF on the 24 is wider so this can be useful when you want to get more in focus when shooting wide open.
What you need to realize is that whatever you get is going to largely dictate your shooting style from here on. YOU need to have a plan for what that style is going to be. Why should you let some people you don't know on a photographer forum tell you what your shooting style should be?
My advice would be to rent a couple of these lenses, figure out which one suits your style the best, then go from there.
I do like portraits taken with longer focal lengths and love the bokeh possible from the 85L
I have seen some great photos of the bride getting ready taken with a 35L and feel that it would be very good during the ceremony as I have recently changed my modus operandi and feel that it is possible to get closer to the subject if you are dicreet and respectful - getting into the thick of it you could say!
I believe even portraits can be done with a medium wide angle if you are prepared to get involved with the client and the client accepts your proximity as something natural and always including some background in the photo!
What do you guys think?
That I would like all three lenses goes with saying..
The 85 is definently a great portrait lens. The 35 is well suited to thinking on your feet. they both work for the ceremony as they are fast and people don't move much but the 35 gets my nod for low light speed of focus at the reception when it is dark.
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