Last minute sanity check before I dump the 17-55 for 24-70

I just added a 1D Mk IV to my body lineup of a 50D and 7D. I have the 17-55 f/2.8 for the 1.6 croppers and love that lens to death. However, now I lack a mid-range zoom lens for the 1D IV (I won't count the 50 f/1.8 I have). I'm thinking VERY seriously about selling the 17-55 and picking up a 24-70 f/2.8. I have the Canon 10-22 to cover me on the wide end for the 50D and 7D, so it's not a huge loss there (except for giving up the f/2.8 at the short end).

I shoot sports action and also think the 24-70 could be very useful on the 1D IV during basketball season (also love the 85 f/1.8 for basketball as well).

I've read all the 17-55 vs. 24-70 threads and agree that the 17-55 is the way to go on the crop bodies, but I really would like to have a mid-range zoom for the 1D IV and can't really justify having both the 17-55 AND the 24-70.

Any comments on my plan?

The 24-70 is an awesome lens with solid performance! But in terms of sports action, I will use the 70-200mm that you have, unless you are at the sideline of a basketball game, then the 24-70 will gives u good results!

I have almost the same combination of lenses and bodies as you, and use them in much the same way. I've been looking at the 17-55, the 24-70 and the 16-35 as my "baseline" lenses, for shooting action around the basket in front of me. I'll use the 70-200, sometimes with the 1.4 TC for action from midcourt to the other basket.

If Canon made a non-EF-S 17-5, I'd already own it, as I prefer to use the Mark IV for the closer shots. You mention you like using the 85, as do I, but sometimes the baselines are crowded and you have to sit closer to the basket than you'd like with an 85mm. I think the 24-70 probably is the best bet for both of us.

Thanks for your input. I was going to do the same thing: use the 24-70 or 85 on the Mk IV for the around-the-basket shots and have the 70-200 on the 7D for the longer court shots as well as sideline/bench shots of the coaches and players.

For me, the 85 was almost a bit tight on the 7D for around the basket, but it may work out fairly well on the Mk IV due to the lower crop factor.

theoubobcat wrote in post #12626089
I have almost the same combination of lenses and bodies as you, and use them in much the same way. I've been looking at the 17-55, the 24-70 and the 16-35 as my "baseline" lenses, for shooting action around the basket in front of me. I'll use the 70-200, sometimes with the 1.4 TC for action from midcourt to the other basket.

If Canon made a non-EF-S 17-5, I'd already own it, as I prefer to use the Mark IV for the closer shots. You mention you like using the 85, as do I, but sometimes the baselines are crowded and you have to sit closer to the basket than you'd like with an 85mm. I think the 24-70 probably is the best bet for both of us.

Thanks a lot. I usually sit on the baseline around where the 3 point line intersects it (at least for high school basketball). I think the 24-70 would allow me to get a bit closer to the basket than I've been able to in the past. I have used the 17-55 on the 7D in that situation, but I have to crank up the ISO a bit compared to using the 85 f/1.8. Using the 24-70 on the Mk IV should be really nice with the better high ISO capability of that camera.

thestone11 wrote in post #12625915
The 24-70 is an awesome lens with solid performance! But in terms of sports action, I will use the 70-200mm that you have, unless you are at the sideline of a basketball game, then the 24-70 will gives u good results!

Definitely go with the 24-70. It is awesome.

I've been using the 24-70 for several years on 1.6X crop cameras with no complaints (other than it's size, weight and price). A lot of my shooting is sports/events... though mostly outdoors where my 70-200/2.8 and 300mm lenses actually see more use. I agree with others that 24-70 likely would be more useful for indoor sports, particularly if you have pretty close access.

I don't have 17-55 at all. Seems a really nice lens, but won't do for me because I use a combo of 1.6X crop and full frame. I think it's sort of a no-brainer, if you need a mid-range zoom on your 1.3X camera.

Thanks a lot. I figured it was pretty much a no-brainer, but, like the title says, just wanted a last minute sanity check. I was already about 98% sure that I was going to make the switch.

Like you, I do use the 70-200 & 300 lenses for outdoor events and will be using the 24-70 more for indoor events where I do have great access since I shoot part-time for our county newspaper.

I'm also bidding for a local high school athletic T&I contract and would be using the 24-70 for those types of shots as well.

amfoto1 wrote in post #12626522
I've been using the 24-70 for several years on 1.6X crop cameras with no complaints (other than it's size, weight and price). A lot of my shooting is sports/events... though mostly outdoors where my 70-200/2.8 and 300mm lenses actually see more use. I agree with others that 24-70 likely would be more useful for indoor sports, particularly if you have pretty close access.

I don't have 17-55 at all. Seems a really nice lens, but won't do for me because I use a combo of 1.6X crop and full frame. I think it's sort of a no-brainer, if you need a mid-range zoom on your 1.3X camera.