Car Shoots: Keep 17/40 & 50 1.4, or Get 24-70?

Hey all, a little background on my shooting habits:

I'm a pro detailer and I've had a 17-40/5D2 for about a year now to take with me on shoots of my projects, which you can see in the link below. I also own a 50 1.4 that I barely use to take shots because of not wanting to lug equipment around (I have to drag around a lot for work as it is). I'm not completely thrilled with the 17-40 either:

http://www.eclipsisna.​com/portfolio.php

I've been thinking of getting a 24-70L to replace both the 17-40 and 50 1.4. Instead of having to bring 2 lenses around, I'd have the utility of the 1 zoom. Would this be a wise choice? Would the 24-70 give me better results on a full frame than the 17-40?

If you look at my work, you'll see a mix of close-ups to show defects in the paints, and then zoomed out shots for the final product. Would the 24-70 suit this style well?

Maybe get a 100mm f/2.8L IS macro for the close up shots? BTW, nice detailing work you do. I wish we had someone like you over here. My 2012 BMW X5 can use some detailing and polishing.

Take Care,
Cheers, Patrick

Thanks for the compliment Patrick. I have a 70-200 f4 IS that is for the macro shots. The 24-70 or what have you will be for the "glamor" shots of the car once it's finished.

I'd say if you don't use the UWA of 17mm then go for the 24-70L as it would be a very flexible solution, although it will be a heavy one.

Also, I love that Monte Carlo Blue M3 you worked on. Saw it on the Bimmer forums and just a gorgeous color! I hope to work with a car like that one day!

There are shows in my area on Saturday nights. I have always used my 24-105 but, I can't wait to try my 16-35 (will be here Monday).

Tony_Stark wrote in post #14183909
I'd say if you don't use the UWA of 17mm then go for the 24-70L as it would be a very flexible solution, although it will be a heavy one.

Also, I love that Monte Carlo Blue M3 you worked on. Saw it on the Bimmer forums and just a gorgeous color! I hope to work with a car like that one day!

That Monte Carlo M3 actually happens to be my car. Thanks for the kind words Tony, it's an incredible color in person.

The UWA seems like a bit much on the full frame. The flexibility of the 24-70 is the main reason I'd make the switch. I need different focal lengths for my work and the prime just doesn't see much use. How big is the difference between the 24-70 at 50 and the prime?

24-70 or 24-105

I'd go with 24-70, even though it's a bit heavy. I had the 17-40 before and f/4 wasn't cutting it.

There are some used 24-70s on the forum, I'll probably go for one of those. Anyone have any reasons why I might miss the 17-40 or 50?

if those are your choices, i'd get the 24-70. i like my 100mm 2.8 for cars, i can get in close enough to eliminate the people.

Man, you really are a pro - not just a detailer, but you restore the car back to his due beauty.
IMHO, you are getting ok shots, but you need to control the shine/reflection a little better - comes in mind a CPL, and your backgrounds/surroundin​gs. All that glare, and the cleanup tools in the finalized car shots, do not help much in the shot 'glamour'

not to really show off the car, you wont need the 17-40. go with the 24-70 and you will be fine. for stills i use my 75-300 and for rolling shots i use my 28-70

NWPhil wrote in post #14187013
Man, you really are a pro - not just a detailer, but you restore the car back to his due beauty.
IMHO, you are getting ok shots, but you need to control the shine/reflection a little better - comes in mind a CPL, and your backgrounds/surroundin​gs. All that glare, and the cleanup tools in the finalized car shots, do not help much in the shot 'glamour'

That's very nice of you Phil. I take a lot of pride in the work I do. I agree with your critique as well, which is why I've spent a lot of time lately looking into how I can improve my photos.

I know this is the eternal question of the forums, but would a 24-70 or 105 be better for my intended purpose?

Nice detailing!!!
I wonder how much it would cost to do something similar on my car haha.
After seeing your website, I realize how dirty my car is!!!!

id go with 105