Fellow landscape shooters...what would you do?

Hi everyone -

I'm first and foremost a landscape shooter using a 5DII, ZE21 and ZE50 MP however the birth of my first daughter has me busy with more people shots than ever before. I love 50mm for landscapes but I'm finding it too long and not long enough more often than not for shots of my daughter so Im a bit torn about what to do with it and still maintain my flexibility for landscapes and gaining a bit for images of my daughter.

I know it comes down to what I prefer so no need to remind me of this - just curious to see what other landscape shooters would do. I'm willing to add about $300 to my current gear, swapping out as noted below.

****Trading out the ZE21 or 5DII are not options****

Opt 1.
Keep both lenses, just add Singh Ray reverse GND to filter collection (actually got the P sized one for Xmas, trying to decide if I should just swap it for the 4x6 or use the cash towards one of the options below).

Opt 2.
Keep both lenses, just add 85 1.8

Opt 3.
Sell ZE50 MP, buy 24-105 and 85 1.8. Possible to also add the filter depending on the prices of the new acquisitions.

Opt 4.
Sell ZE 50 MP, buy ZE35 f2 and 85 1.8. Possible to also add the filter depending on the prices of the new acquisitions.

Opt 5.
Something I've not thought of?

I note that several of the "options" you are considering include the 85mm 1.8. While the 85 is a good "portrait" lens, I'm not so sure it's as good as a "people" lens. Shots of our daughter will no doubt not infrequently be of groups of two,three or more inside under space restricted situations. For that raeason, I really don't think you can beat the versitility of the 24-105. It's also a good landscape lens with 24mm being quite wide on your 5D and with the ZE 21 to take you a little further when needed. No doubt you dread the thought of losing the Zeiss 50 but fear not, you can always add it back in some day.

Good luck.

If I were you, I'd keep them both and pick up a tamron 28-75. you have a flash, so there you go.

I am not a landscape shooter (but would like to be someday), but...

If you plan on doing more natural light indoor shooting and feel 50 is not long enough, I vote for option 2: 85/1.8. For the first few months after my son was born, I used my 50 and 85 (w/FF) about 90% of the time. The Tamron 28-75 mentioned is good too (I have only had for a month now), just may need a touch of flash to boost or improve quality of lighting from time to time. But this is coming from original 5D owner - you having 5DII with higher ISO capability may find the 28-75 a little more capable of indoor low light shots. Keep in mind that you can get much better macro from 28-75 due to much lower minimum focus distance. Good for little finger/toe shots. Roughly 12" MFD vs 36" MFD of the 85mm lens. I used Kenko tubes with the primes which are fun, but a little fiddly since you lose infinity focusing.

For me too, 50mm is a rarely used focal length. I find the combo 35mm + 85mm really fantastic. So I vote for option "4"...

Titi

Hmm...didnt really think about the 28-75...that might be a good choice.

Seems I have split decisions so far on the other choices. Thanks and keep'em coming!

I'd say option 3 since the 24-105 is a good walkaround landscape/everything lens and you can use the 85 1.8 for your portraits.

For nice portraits, on full frame it's hard to beat the 85/1.8. Okay, the 85/1.2L is even "dreamier", but focuses slower (long throw for focus accuracy, at the cost of speed). However the f1.8 is a more versatile lens.

OTOH, a zoom can be nice when the kiddies are a little older and mobile.

I'd go with option #3. You can always buy the 50 MP again.

jdizzle wrote in post #13605973
I'd go with option #3. You can always buy the 50 MP again.

Wait a minute here....you just gave a recommendation that didn't include buying a zeiss lens? I sense a disturbance in the force...

MNUplander wrote in post #13606642
Wait a minute here....you just gave a recommendation that didn't include buying a zeiss lens? I sense a disturbance in the force...

Hehe! Sometimes capturing your children is more important. I use my 70-200 MK II all the time. Oops! Did I mention a Canon L?

mugenpowr wrote in post #13605413
I'd say option 3 since the 24-105 is a good walkaround landscape/everything lens and you can use the 85 1.8 for your portraits.

I concur.

Kids = zoom. They won't sit still long enough for you to change lenses.

Having said that, Canon 70-200 L (pick one) are great kid lenses.

Based upon your options, I go for Opt. 2. But, personally I would buy the Zeiss 85mm 1.4 and keep the other lenses which is exactly what I have done. Might break the bank, but the 85mm Planar is a great lens, heck mine is sharper then the 24-105mm it replaced.