Going from Zoom to Prime

Hi all,
I was tipped off to this forum by a good friend. I had no idea this place existed and I have been scouring the archives for a few days now but finally decided to sign up and ask some questions.

Right now I have 2 lenses with my 60D. See sig.
I started out with the 50mm and later got the 15-85mm and haven't put the 50mm back on since getting the 15-85mm.
I love the 15-85 but I really am considering adding another prime and possibly getting rid of my 15-85 (my friend is interested).

I really don't need much reach right now since the majority of my photos are indoors and of things where I don't need to zoom to 200mm or anything. I'm considering 24mm, 35mm since I'm on a crop. Just wondering if anyone can offer any good advice about shooting with just a 24/35 prime and a nifty fifty. I really just want a faster lens right now. I like the idea of primes much more than zooms and have been thinking about this for awhile.

I know I could just add a flash and be fine with my 15-85 but I really want to get away from zooms. I find shooting with just a prime really makes me think about my photography more and opens up something creative in me. (have to move around a lot more to find the shot when stuck with a focal length)

Nice to meet you all!

Considering a switch to primes also. Interested to hear responses.

Would be handy to know the budget..

Why not pull up the images you have taken recently that reflect your typical shooting situations. Look at the focal lengths and see if there is a pattern....

Not sure about your comment that you want to get away from zooms though. I shoot with zooms and primes. They both have their uses and I wouldn't trade one for the other. In the end they are just tools and the person behind the camera is more important than the lens on the front of the camera....

Welcome .
It seems like you have a pretty good grasp on what you want and why, so I won't bother with any explainations of the pros and cons of either type of lens.
I personally like to use both.
But I do prefer the primes for exactly the reasons you have mentioned.
picture quality( however zooms are getting close to equal) the fact of speed, depth of field, and the ability in lower light makes them a joy to use.
Plus the smaller size makes them a little nicer to handle.
One thing I found helpful when starting with primes was to mount it on the body and just use it for everything you shoot for a while until you get to know it like the back of your hand.

OK...if you are considering the 24 or 35, I assume you mean "L" glass. Of those two, I'd go with the 35L. It's sharper wide open than the 24L and the 24L II. Personally I favor the 50L for it's more narrow DOF at 1.2 and the FL just suits what I like to shoot. The 35L though can produce absolutely gorgeous IQ and I'm certain you'd be pleased. Be careful though...the L bug will eat your wallet. BTW...once you attach the 35L you'll forget where you put your 50 1.8.

I'd like to spend less $1000 or less plus what I can get for my zoom. I have no clue what I'd get for that. Maybe $400 or so?

I really am interested in a really sharp and fast lens which is why I'm interested in the 24mm L and the 35mm L. I know I could probably get a few non-Cannon primes for the price of 1 L prime but the Ls build, sharpness and speed really impress me.

I use the 24L wide open all the time and its sharp, I can show you some samples if you like. IMO 24 and 35 are both very sharp I would simply go by the FL you prefer but I would still keep the zoom if you can.

I hope you'd get more than $400 for that 15-85. Check the classifieds here to get an idea.

BananaRaw wrote in post #13463444
Would be handy to know the budget..

psssh....like people around here pay attention to budgets

Tommydigi wrote in post #13463554
I use the 24L wide open all the time and its sharp, I can show you some samples if you like. IMO 24 and 35 are both very sharp I would simply go by the FL you prefer but I would still keep the zoom if you can.

Sure, I'd love to see some samples.

randy98mtu wrote in post #13463556
I hope you'd get more than $400 for that 15-85. Check the classifieds here to get an idea.

Really? That's great then. I just assumed since it can be had for under $700 new now that I wouldn't get much. I paid $800 for it unfortunately

pol024 wrote in post #13463557
psssh....like people around here pay attention to budgets

Well the $1000 is the "wife approved" budget. I'm sure I could extend it with the right type of barter.

Looks like they've been going for around $600. Not sure what the current rebates will do to the used market, as you can get a new one for $670 now. Still, that makes $600 90% of new, which is a baseline. I'm sure you'll get over $550.

Bazinga wrote in post #13463538
I'd like to spend less $1000 or less plus what I can get for my zoom. I have no clue what I'd get for that. Maybe $400 or so?

I really am interested in a really sharp and fast lens which is why I'm interested in the 24mm L and the 35mm L. I know I could probably get a few non-Cannon primes for the price of 1 L prime but the Ls build, sharpness and speed really impress me.

Then you gotta hurry. The 35L is 1255.00 at B&H right now, that's a $150.00 savings

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …2_Wide_Angle_EF​_35mm.html

I will put them in as links. If you view my flickr you can find more. I use the 24L a lot on my 60D but IMO the 35L is just as good, I just went 24 because I have the 50L which is my fav.

60D + 24 L @ 2.8
http://www.flickr.com …324114153/in/ph​otostream/

60D + 24 L @ 2.0
http://www.flickr.com …in/set-72157626423179914/

60D + 24L @ 1.4
http://www.flickr.com …245360745/in/ph​otostream/

60D + 24L @ 1.4
http://www.flickr.com …/in/photostream​/lightbox/

A few on Full frame

5D2 + 24L @ 1.4
http://www.flickr.com …157626423179914​/lightbox/


http://www.flickr.com …157626423179914​/lightbox/

5D2 + 24L @ 1.4
http://www.flickr.com …157627773608991​/lightbox/

I still have the 24 to 70 F 2.8. I have a 30 1.4 and an 85 1.8.. I really like shooting with primes !!!
The 24 to 70 is collecting dust right now.