Hard time deciding what kind of photography to specialize in?

Hey all. I'm in the process of wanting to start doing portrait, events and that type of thing, but I am used to doing landscape/seascape, surfing/bodyboarding photography.. I'm currently debating on which lens to buy next and I can't decide because there are so many to chose from and limited budged... Recently bought a 5DmkII and I'd like to get a 24-70 II, but I'd pretty much use my whole budget on just that lens... My other options is either a 17-40L 4.0 and a fast prime that's affordable, or a 16-35 L II 2.8.. Hard time deciding. Anyone else in this sort of dilemma??

Your 70-200 is great for portraits.

welcome to the hobby of photography!

enjoy the journey...

I would suggest specialising in the type of photography that interests you not what you think might make you some money.

If you don't enjoy it it will show up in your photographs.

As for choosing lenses, I would never buy from a list like that. I only ever buy a lens if I find that there is something limiting my shooting ie I want to shoot a particular subject and I physically need a particular lens to do so.

With the equipment you listed, you will end up with a lot of duplication between your full frame and crop body kits. Being on a budget, for event photography on full frame I would buy the 17-40 since you already have a fast 50mm and a 70-200mm. Then I would ditch the 10-22 and the 17-50 and buy a longer lens like the 300 f4 for your 7d to use on surf and bodyboarding. You're going to find that carrying a couple of bodies with incompatible lenses is a real pain when you want to switch lenses while out shooting.

neilwood32 wrote in post #16065970
I would suggest specialising in the type of photography that interests you not what you think might make you some money.

If you don't enjoy it it will show up in your photographs.

As for choosing lenses, I would never buy from a list like that. I only ever buy a lens if I find that there is something limiting my shooting ie I want to shoot a particular subject and I physically need a particular lens to do so.

I agree with this 100%!

Gatorboy wrote in post #16065871
Your 70-200 is great for portraits.

Yes, but I also need shorter range and I want something sharp and decently fast. I was thinking a tamron Sp Af28-75 2.8. I also like doing seascapes so I can't decide on either getting a 16-35 or another sharp UWA for my sunrise/sunsets and stars also...

ride5000 wrote in post #16065969
welcome to the hobby of photography!

enjoy the journey...

Thank you. I'll try!

neilwood32 wrote in post #16065970
I would suggest specialising in the type of photography that interests you not what you think might make you some money.

If you don't enjoy it it will show up in your photographs.

As for choosing lenses, I would never buy from a list like that. I only ever buy a lens if I find that there is something limiting my shooting ie I want to shoot a particular subject and I physically need a particular lens to do so.

What would you recommend for lens choice options then?

whuband wrote in post #16066710
With the equipment you listed, you will end up with a lot of duplication between your full frame and crop body kits. Being on a budget, for event photography on full frame I would buy the 17-40 since you already have a fast 50mm and a 70-200mm. Then I would ditch the 10-22 and the 17-50 and buy a longer lens like the 300 f4 for your 7d to use on surf and bodyboarding. You're going to find that carrying a couple of bodies with incompatible lenses is a real pain when you want to switch lenses while out shooting.

yeah. that's why I'm in the market for 1 or 2 lenses for the 5D. I'd have a hard time selling the 10-22 cause I would still bring the 7D with me hiking and that one works good on it still,just got it repaired from Canon. The 17-50 will be sold soon when I can find a replacement. I'm thinking Tamron 28-75 2.8 for the 5D so I can also afford a good UWA or short prime...I also have a sigma 2x tc that help me get close surf/wave photos. Eventually I'd like to get a water housing for it.

Why not just get a 2x teleconverter for the 70-200? you have enough light. It'll give you more reach?

I was in the same boat as you deciding what to shoot. After shooting many different subjects for awhile ive started going into mainly surf you start to feel attracted to one over the other. As for a lens i agree with the 70-200 great sports and portrait lens. can not go wrong.

Do what you love.

If you're considering doing this at a professional level...I would submit that getting some business formation education might be your first step, maybe consult your banker.