which lens should i get ? prime or zoom ?

Hi guys , i'm using 7D ,17-40L and a flash 580 . Now looking for another lens to accompany me . i recently doing wedding shot and sometimes model shot . i still confused of taking a prime lens or zoom lens ? 135L will be my choices if it's a prime and 24-70 will be the one if i choose zoom lens . which one do you guys think if you were me . . Thanks for the replies guys . i just confuse of this 2 lens . .

Since you have a 17-40, I don't think I would add a 24-70 unless you plan to use the lenses completely for separate tasks and cannot swap between them.

Why not consider one of the 70-200 zooms?

I love 50mm on a crop body (FF too), and you could get the 1.4 for ~350 and save the rest for a 70-200 zoom.

Personally, I'd vote prime, but the 70-200 is a great choice as well as Jeffrey mentioned. I love my 70-200.

Another vote for 70-200. There are several models and prices to choose from. The 24-70 isn't that much different from what you already have in the 17-40.

There is a lot of distance between the 17-40 and the 135mm, a 70-200 zoom would perhaps be better. The mark II i guess would be out of your pricerange?, since the lenses you mention cost about the same here in Norway atleast. A mark I is in your range, i love mine. I would also love to have the 135mm, but i wouldnt loose my 70-200 for it. Never tried the 24-70, but it gets alot of love.
I guess you could go for a 50mm 1.4 and a 85mm 1.8, and perhaps a 135mm 2.8 soft focus for about the same price aswell. Lenses of 2.8 or higher would help you doing available light work, weddings and shallow depth portraits. Just kicking up some ideas for you. A 60mm macro for portrait/rings/flowers​?

I vote for the 70-200 too, 2.8 if you can afford it.

I'd vote for a 70-200 as well. I use mine a lot and I think that particular zoom range is a great addition to anyones kit whether on a crop or FF

kyng wrote in post #13743370
Hi guys , i'm using 7D ,17-40L and a flash 580 . Now looking for another lens to accompany me . i recently doing wedding shot and sometimes model shot . i still confused of taking a prime lens or zoom lens ? 135L will be my choices if it's a prime and 24-70 will be the one if i choose zoom lens . which one do you guys think if you were me . . Thanks for the replies guys . i just confuse of this 2 lens . .

24-70 is too soft comparing with recent L lenses. As others mentioned earlier, go for 70-200L II or 85L/50L, and you will be a happy shooter

Personally I would rather get 24-70 + 135L instead of the 70-200.....

kin2son wrote in post #13744319
Personally I would rather get 24-70 + 135L instead of the 70-200.....

I have the 24-70, and usually don't use it because of its soft results comparing with 70-200II/85II/50.

You don't get the best using an L lens on crop sensors. Unless you are going to upgrade to FF real soon the 17-55 2.8 IS would be good for you.

24-70L will provide semi wide and some reach. This will be a great combo for covering your ground. For a cheap prime to throw in your bag buy an 85 f/1.8 for portrait work. I will say the 135L is one of the cheapest L lenses that is incredibly sharp with beautiful colours.

A textbook scenario on a crop it'd be nice to have a 17-50ish and 70-200 range to cover your butt

A minimalist approach I think you can stick with your current 17-40L and buy an 85 f/1.8. Then consider getting an f/2.8 zoom if wedding work will provide you some $$$.

Lens suggestion is very difficult since everyone is different.

The 135L is oh so sweet but the 70-200 is more versatile. Both if you can swing it.

yalemba wrote in post #13744362
I have the 24-70, and usually don't use it because of its soft results comparing with 70-200II/85II/50.

It's not a matter of softness. OP is planning to shoot weddings, the fl of 24-70 is far more useful compared to 70-200.

The 24-70 is being called the workhorse for wedding photographers for a reason.

24-70 + 135L should cover all situations.

First I would sell the 17-40 and get the 17-55 2.8 IS. Then after that I would get a prime.