Bridging the gap

Hello All!

Just wanted to get some thoughts on how to approach this lens conundrum.

I currently own a T2i with the hopes of getting enough jobs/saving to move to a 5D2.

I find myself shooting portrait and lifestyle quite a bit. I do enjoy other aspects of photography but this is what I like the most.

In preparation to moving to FF and the style that I shoot, I have sold all my zooms and now own:

- Rokinon 8mm UWA (For specialized shooting)

- Sigma 50mm 1.4 (On the way!)

- Canon 85mm 1.8 USM

I do know that I'm not getting the full benefit of all these lenses due to my crop sensor but I am committed to at least keeping the 50 and the 85 since they will transition nicely.

So the question is: What lens would you purchase to bridge the gap between the 8mm and the 50mm? I was thinking a 17-40 f4/L (even though it's a zoom) but that may provide a great walk-around lens, double as a portrait lens, and provide some flexibility.

I would love to know what you all think! Thanks for all the inspiration!

Are you in any danger of purchasing a new body any time soon? If so - 24-70 mk2.

16-35 mk2 if you prefer really wide.

If you prefer primes, get a 24L and a 35 L

Your tendency towards economy may indicate a tamron 24-70 though.

the 17-40 is a good choice, the other one is 16-35. i had them both here over Christmas and tested them, i couldn't see $1k difference in IQ to justify the 16-35.

Tamron 28-75 for a zoom, or Canon 28mm F/1.8 for a prime. Both are FF compatible, and both are relatively cheap so are not going to use up your 5D2 savings (much).

Thanks for the responses everyone. The 17-40 or the 28 f/1.8 are in my range.

svarley:
No I am not get the 5d2 anytime soon. If I got the 24L (drooool) I would be out even farther!

You should consider a canon 17-55 f2.8 then... it's a great, great, great lens on a crop camera and you can sell it if you ever do buy a FF camera.

35L - a lot of people really like the 35 and 85 prime setup on FF