Hows my kit

Im just wondering how my kit as of now will be for weddings/portraits. Currently have:

2x Canon 5d
Tamron 28-75 2.8
Canon 70-200 2.8 IS
Canon 35 2.0
Canon 85 1.8
Canon 580ex
2x Sunpack 383 (Selling these to fund a 430ex)

Im looking to add another lens. I have the money to buy a canon 50mm 1.4 but i also want the Canon 17-40L. Should i get the 50mm 1.4 now or save for the 17-40 and buy the 50mm later?

Because of the 35/85 you already have, the 50 would be a low priority

Definitely the 17-40
Adds to your lineup, and gives you a bit of 'backup' should something happen to the 28-75 in the middle of a wedding

Ok so save up for the 17-40. Is there any other lens i could use instead of the 17-40? I just figured to have the extra wideness might be good for big groups etc. Im also doing weddings with my cousin and he has the 24-70L 50mm 1.4

I would not sell the sunpaks because they are good OCFs if you have triggers.

Tamron is slow focusing. No point in the 17-40.

unlimited6986 wrote in post #11917529
Ok so save up for the 17-40. Is there any other lens i could use instead of the 17-40? I just figured to have the extra wideness might be good for big groups etc. Im also doing weddings with my cousin and he has the 24-70L 50mm 1.4

You could pick up the 16-35 as it's a full stop faster than the 17-40, but if you do, don't get the mk I version. Spring for the mk II. The mk I is too soft around the edges. However, I try not to use this lens for group shots as you will distort those on the edges. But it's still one of my favorite lenses for other work. The 50 1.4 is an excellent lens and might serve you better than a wide angle zoom.

I also agree about holding on to the Sunpacks. I have four of them and I love them. They are excellent for off camera use.

Right now the 16-35 is to much for me to afford. Ill prob hold on to the sunpacks since i cant get to much for them. I have them 2 the one 580ex and 2 ab800's. Im keeping the 28-75 till i can afford the 24-70L as of now i can borrow a friends or use my cousins. Im just trying to gather useful lenses now.

unlimited6986 wrote in post #11917695
Right now the 16-35 is to much for me to afford. Ill prob hold on to the sunpacks since i cant get to much for them. I have them 2 the one 580ex and 2 ab800's. Im keeping the 28-75 till i can afford the 24-70L as of now i can borrow a friends or use my cousins. Im just trying to gather useful lenses now.

I would hang onto the 28-75. I had one, sold it to buy a 24-70. Use the 24-70 for a while but decided that the tammy was sharper so I sold the 24-70 and bought another 28-75. The 24-70 will focus a tad faster but my copy wasn't as sharp as I would have liked.

I think in your situation, a 50 1.4 would be the most useful lens.

Ok thx i might just go the 50 1.4 route since i have the cash now. Then see if i can save up for the 16-35 or 17-40 or maybe look at some other lenses.

I think the 17-40 would be a reasonable purchase for you. I'm not familiar with the 30 2.0, but an upgrade to the 35 1.4 now or later would be worth while. I also wouldn't get the 430 in the name of saving the $100 or so; find the money to get a second 580.

Ok so this would be good for now?

2x Canon 5d
Tamron 28-75 2.8
Canon 70-200 2.8 IS
Canon 17-40L
Canon 35 2.0 (Upgrade to 35L when i book more jobs)
Canon 85 1.8
Canon 50 1.4
2x Canon 580ex
2x Sunpack 383
2x AB800 (When i get the hang of it use them inside for the reception shots)

It's not like one pile of equipment is acceptable and another is not; it's a continuum. That's a better assortment than you have now and later you'll have a better one than this. That said, that collection of equipment will get you through the day and should not materially limit you.

Ok awesome ill look for a 50 1.4 now. Then prob use some of my tax money for the 17-40

IMHO you need a 16/17mm lens. Even with full frame. I don't use it a lot, but when I need it it's invaluable. Yesterday I used mine for some wide shots during the ceremony, a shot of all the guests, the wedding party at the head table, some cool photos in a small forested area, and a couple of other things. They're also invaluable for wet wedding days.

I wouldn't want to shoot a wedding without one. I could, but it'd be limiting.

I never liked the Canon 50 F1.4, for sharpness or focus accuracy. It's WAY down the list, after radio triggers and other off camera lighting equipment imho. The 85mm and 35mm lenses you have cover you fine. Remember you have to carry all this stuff.

I think the 16-35L would be nice for you especially on the 5D. I agree with Tim the 50mm doesn't seem like a priority in your current lens group.

Damn well i just bought one lol... Will see how it is. im gonna use my tax money for the 17-40