Next Lens - opinions?

[iqfanatic]

Polite comments and suggestions are welcome.

I'm looking to my next lens, thinking it will be an Prime L lens.
Here's what I'm considering.

28 f/1.8 USM
35 f/1.4L
50 f/1.2L
50 f/1.4 USM
85 f/1.2L

I have:
Canon 5D
24 f/1.4L
50 f/1.8
85 f/1.8
580 EX II

The lens I use most now is the 50, and 85 and 24 in that order.
I am not considering a longer lens yet since I do mostly indoor shots.
When summer comes next year I will want some longer lenses and will have money to get more at that time.

The lenses I have are only lacking that they don’t go to f/1.2 and AF in low light can be challenging.
The 50mm I love and use most but this cheap one lacks the startling IQ look of other expensive lenses.
Also the 50 f/1.8 is slow at AF and AF is useless in low light.
The 50 1.4 USM should be a clear winner for me, but I wanted to consider the 50L f/1.2 also.

I shoot mostly at 50mm, maybe if I had a 35 I would use it most, it works very well for the distance of subjects.

I have longed for a 35m lens, my 24mm too short 50mm too long for many days.
The 28mm f/1.8 USM - I included because it's a very good lens too and is the only lens close to the 35L IQ near this focal length.

The 85 f/1.2 I have to consider because of its reputation, and I shoot a lot of portraits.
I love my 85 1.8 but always crave more esp with portraits.

I've considered the L zooms ranging 24-70 but not sure they will give me the IQ I want below F/4.
Maybe someone wants to talk me into a zoom?

[mxracer535]

Originally Posted by iqfanatic

I have longed for a 35m lens, my 24mm too short 50mm too long for many days.

Looks like you have already decided...

The 35L is a fantastic lens and very good indoors

[gasrocks]

If you shoot mostly at 50, get a Sigma 50/1.4. Or EF 50/1.4.

[iqbal624]

I agree with half of what gasrocks said, since you know you love the 50... I would opted for the 50 1.2... Amazing lens!

[Mark-B]

Originally Posted by iqfanatic

The lens I use most now is the 50, and 85 and 24 in that order.

The 50mm I love and use most but this cheap one lacks the startling IQ look of other expensive lenses.
Also the 50 f/1.8 is slow at AF and AF is useless in low light.

Seems like an obvious choice to me. If your most used lens is also your worst quality lens, it needs to be replaced.

[Tom H. Photography]

I'd go for the 35L or the 50L. I agree with Mark ^^^

[jrscls]

If you rarely use the 24L, maybe it is too wide. Maybe replace it with the 35 f1.4 L. If you really love the 50 FL, then that would be a nice fit with your lineup.

[nightcat]

35mm L for sure.

[amfoto1]

Hi,

I agree that it definitely makes sense to upgrade your most used lens, the 50mm. It sounds as if you have your heart set on an L, but I think it's usually best to rent those and give them a try, before you buy. You might be happier with 50/1.4, either Canon's or Sigma's.

Do the same with the 85mm, before replacing your f1.8.

You didn't mention what camera you are using or give us much detail on what you shoot.

If shooting full frame, personally I'd want to add the 135/2 and the 35/1.4L (IMHO, the L's are the best choices here). If crop sensor, the 28/1.8 might be my choice instead of the 35mm, but you already have the fast 24mm.

I'm not entirely sold on L-series. Yes many of them are very nice, but they have a "price" beyond the additional expense: they often come with a weight/size "penalty", sometimes slower AF, and may be more specialized. There are some non-L's that work better for me. Still, most L's are incredible lenses and might be better choice for you.

I won't try to talk you into a zoom, since I really prefer shooting with primes as much as possible, too. There are a couple good ones, but you won't be able to find much of anything faster than f2.8, and those that are that fast are pretty big and intimidating, less useful for candid shooting, for example.

There is a time and place where a zoom is essential. But primes are still my choice whenever possible.

[friz]

I have the 24-70L and don't regret it a bit. Mine is sharp at 2.8.

[Merkin]

Originally Posted by amfoto1

You didn't mention what camera you are using or give us much detail on what you shoot.

He said he shoots with a 5D.

[wimg]

Originally Posted by iqbal624

I agree with half of what gasrocks said, since you know you love the 50... I would opted for the 50 1.2... Amazing lens!

+50

Kind regards, Wim

[Marloon]

Sell the 24L for the 35L if you rarely use it. Sell then 50 1.8 and move up to the sig 50mm f1.4 (its hard to buy a 50 right now because there is NO consistently built 50mm. Keep the 85mm 1.8 as it is, and the move to the 135L next year. If you have left over cash, get the 1.2 if you really must.

youll then have the 35, 50lux, 85 and 135.

[Marloon]

Get the 35 first though. Its an awesome lens, and its my fav walk around lens. Like you said, its not too wide like the 24, and its not too long like the 50

[toxic]

Sell the 24L for a 35L or 28/1.8, and upgrade your 50 to a Sigma or 50L.