2 primes versus 17-40L?

In the constant search for my next lens(es), I've come across a dilemma. I am shooting mostly architectural things for profit, and was considering a 24mm f/2.8 and sigma 30mm f/1.4 OR I could get a 17-40L for about the same price as the two of those. OR should I hold out for a 24mm TS-E over all of those?

Thoughts? If you have a stance, throw up a picture or two to back it up. I have a 10-24mm tamron for my wide shots, 50D, 18-270 as an all purpose (doesn't enter into this equation), and a 50mm f/1.8.

hold out.. 24TSE has great reviews & it can do what none of those lenses can.

Why get a 24mm AND 30mm? Makes no sense to me

TS-E and a full frame (5D classic?)

Architective wrote in post #10259642
. I am shooting mostly architectural things for profit,

sounds like you need to invest in a TS-E

I have no idea why you would get both a 24mm 2.8 and a 30mm 1.4, they are so close together that selecting the lens you want would be sort of random.
Combined with your 10-24, I'd get a 24TSE which is in an entirely different class...

By the way, that doesn't rule out a 30 1.4, but a 30 1.4 would probably make your 50 1.8 obsolete (and you'll want to replace it with a 85 1.8 - like I want to now).

Another thing, what are you using for a tripod?
TS-E lenses are impossible to work with if you don't have a decent tripod and especially a comfortable head, maybe also look into using an L-plate to shoot verticals without depending on your tripod for that. Steep investments, but those things literally last longer than a lifetime and you will really be happy with a good, comfortable head when you are doing mini adjustments on the tilt/shift.

24 will be wide enough outdoors, but probably* too narrow indoors.
Wait till you can get a 5d as well... and maybe a 17 TSE, and why not a 45 too...

architecture = ts-e

Save for it, you won't regret it!

This thread hits me right where I live, except I'm not shooting architecture for a living. I vote TSE. In fact, I have both my 17-40 & 24-70 up for sale locally to fund my lust for a 24 TSE II. I'll pair it with my 35L.

I'll probably miss 17mm from time to time, but I look forward to gaining so much more.

Is the difference between the TS-E I and II big enough to justify the premium? I definitely plan on going to a 5D within the next couple year if business persists, but not yet. The II and a 5D Mk2 are roughly the same cost, so that makes that a hard call.

I see what you're saying on the 30 & 24mmbeing a duplication. I've always thought having a big array of primes would be nice but those are probably too close in purpose to justify both.

Has anyone seen a 24mm TS-E I on this side of $900?

And speaking to the tripod, I've got a Manfrotto 758B with the 3 way X,Y,Z head that came with it. It's a pretty sturdy tripod, although I've considered going with something a little more substantial legs and a better head. Any recommendations?

if you're shooting a crop i don't think 24mm is wide enough

banpreso wrote in post #10261692
if you're shooting a crop i don't think 24mm is wide enough

Even 17mm is barely wide enough for large architechture. I would want a 10 or 12mm for an APS-C, which of course rules out TS-E

I agree, you may want to go a little wider than 24 if your using a crop.
I had the 17-40L and didn't like it. I have since replaced it with two primes, 17 & 35mm.

If your going towards primes, I would suggest wider than 21mm for your wide end.

Btw, Canon is not the only lens producer. There are some awesome Alt lenses out there.

I'm open to any options, Canon or not. I don't know much about Tokina or alternative lenses, but i'm interested to know what other high quality options are out there .

I am not opposed to manual focus lenses also, as I know the TS-E is. I will mostly be using this lens in a composed, tripod, manually focused operation anyway.