Have the mad money and approval for 2/3 lenses on my wishlist, help me choose!

I have some "mad money" set aside + Mrs. Dorman wants to see me enjoy it + invest back in to my photography.

I have let a few lenses go the past few years to fund other purchases (17-55 F/2.8 IS, 24-70L, 70-200 F/2.8 IS), so I've been working with what feels like a fairly limited kit: 17-40, 70-200 F/4 IS, 100 macro, 5D, 30D

I have nothing in the "normal" range, and no fast glass to speak of. I have been renting glass as needed for client work and assignments (24-70, 70-200), What I'm looking at is general purpose shooting, so all around I'm looking to add some versatility + speed to my bag.

I have three on my wish list, I'm looking to pick up two. Given my current kit what would you choose?

A) 24-70L + 35L
B) 24-70L + 135L
C) 35L + 135L

I'll start first by saying that my head says 24-70L + prime for the versatility (torn between A+B), but if I was choosing solely based on want/gut feel it would be the 35L / 135L combo.

personally, id take the 3rd combo. and scrounge up some cash to pick up a tamron 28-75mm 2.8. the primes would be my main weapons of choice, the tamron would be a back up when things get tough

I would take the 24-70L + 300 f/4L.

You already have lenses that would cover 35mm, and 135mm, but you don't have anything longer than 200mm.

Canonswhitelensesrule wrote in post #12009631
You already have lenses that would cover 35mm, and 135mm, but you don't have anything longer than 200mm.

But maybe he doesn't need it.

I would get the 24-70 (for the 5D), and then sell the 70-200 and put it towards a 70-200 mkII (in place of the 135). It's not quite as fast as the 135, but it's more versatile.

The 135L is wicked tack on so I like your #3 right now.

TheBurningCrown wrote in post #12009707
But maybe he doesn't need it.

Maybe if he HAD a focal length longer than 200mm, he might USE it.

It could open up a whole new world of subjects for him. Why LIMIT yourself?

Of your choices, I like C, but you could also get...
35mm f2
135mm f2
300mm f4
for around the price of C.

Canonswhitelensesrule wrote in post #12009774
Maybe if he HAD a focal length longer than 200mm, he might USE it.

It could open up a whole new world of subjects for him. Why LIMIT yourself?

It all depends on what you shoot. It's not about limitations, it's about what's useful to you (in this case, the OP).

TheBurningCrown wrote in post #12009828
It all depends on what you shoot. It's not about limitations, it's about what's useful to you (in this case, the OP).

^^This is so important to let us know, so we can try to help you.

pbelarge wrote in post #12009845
^^This is so important to let us know, so we can try to help you.

Along these lines - you said that you were renting the 24-70 and a different 70-200 for the client work you were shooting. Why not go with both of those (selling the 70-200 f/4 IS)?

TheBurningCrown wrote in post #12009828
It all depends on what you shoot. It's not about limitations, it's about what's useful to you (in this case, the OP).

I realize it all depends on what you shoot, but that doesn't mean you ONLY have to use certain focal lengths to shoot whatever you (the general you) shoot.

If you shoot portraits, you CAN use telephoto lenses to create a different perspective, and to separate the subject from the background.

If you shoot landscapes, you CAN use telephoto lenses to isolate a particular part of the landscape.

You can practically use any lens for any subject. You just have to open up your creative thinking.

Hey it was just a suggestion. Just trying to help.

What do you mean by 'approval'? From a bank?

After looking at the images on your site, I'd go with "A". I think you'd find more uses for the 35 than the 135.

Canonswhitelensesrule wrote in post #12009858
Hey it was just a suggestion. Just trying to help.

No hard feelings, we all understand the intent .

Similarly: OP, have you ever tried a 50mm? A nifty could be thrown in with one of those combinations .

OP,

Curious as to why you sold your 70-200 f/2.8 IS and kept (or bought) the f/4 version. Also curious as to why you sold the 17-55 f/2.8 and kept (or bought) the 17-40 f/4. I'm guessing that one was so that you could use it on both bodies.

Really need more info about what you shoot to make a recommendation.