Lens Dilemma

Cliff Notes: Entering into photography "business", max budget = $1,500, get 1 lens (which) or multiple? Canon 24-70? Wait for new Tamron 24-70 w/ VC? Go high quality and get 24L or 35L? Something else?

Long version:

Hi all, I've lurked here for quite some time and finally decided to start posting recently You see threads like this all the time but with ever so slightly different background stories.

Anyways, I am having a difficult time deciding what to do about lenses.

I have a full time job and I've always had photography as a hobby.
Well I've had enough very positive feedback and people urging me to do more photography for money, so I think I will (I have always wanted to just preferred the money from a 9-5). This feedback comes from 2 engagement sessions, a family portrait session, and some promo photos for a friend's band. These were when I only had a 20D (the 5dMk2 in sig arrives today).

Initially I will be doing things like senior portraits, e-sessions, and maybe weddings if I can 2nd shoot or tag along with some locals that I plan to ask.

so my current gear is listed in my signature, and I realize I need another lens (or lenses) -- thus the dilemma.

Budget: $1,000 - $1,500 possibly a tad more

At first, I figured it was no-brainer to pick up the Canon 24-70 f/2.8 to cover my desperate need for the wide-standard range (with my 20D I only had the kit lens, but I used it well). I definitely need something wide. Whatever I get should be good for portraits.


My ideas/options I can think of:

1. Canon 24-70 f/2.8L I + used 100 f/2.8 macro
   
2. Wait and see about the Tamron 24-70 f/2.8 VC
   
3. Save more until I can get Canon 24L + 85 f/1.8
   
4. Used 24-70 f/2.8L and sell 70-200 f/4L and upgrade to f/4L IS
   

welcome and hope you're enjoyin that new mkii!

given your suggestions, i would suggest going with 3. fast primes, can't go wrong especially since it'll probably set you back 900 + 350. the 85 is a sweeeeet lens and a great bang for your buck producing stellar portraits, it goes without say. the 24 on your full frame will provide you with the wider shot you're lookin for and it carries the 1.4 that you'll find useful in situations like weddings where you may find yourself demanding more light. which, speaking of, have you considered any flashes?

For your consideration, here is a photo I took w/ 20D and kit lens

Willabee wrote in post #14249959
welcome and hope you're enjoyin that new mkii!

given your suggestions, i would suggest going with 3. fast primes, can't go wrong especially since it'll probably set you back 900 + 350. the 85 is a sweeeeet lens and a great bang for your buck producing stellar portraits, it goes without say. the 24 on your full frame will provide you with the wider shot you're lookin for and it carries the 1.4 that you'll find useful in situations like weddings where you may find yourself demanding more light. which, speaking of, have you considered any flashes?

I do really enjoy shooting with primes. I generally prefer to have the 50 f/1.8 on my camera. I figure it can hold me over until later down the road when I can get the 1.4 or maybe even the 1.2L version.

900 for the 24L? I assume you are talking about the version 1 then? Is it a better value to get the older version as opposed to the new model?

I should mention I have 2 flashes (Vivitar 285h) but considering getting a Canon branded flash with my "rewards" points that I get at my workplace. Also have the radio triggers as well for the flashes.

absolutely, primes get very addicting but a jump from 1.8 to 1.2L?? boy, what an upgrade! haha

but yeah, i was referring to the mki. the distinction in quality is there but wouldn't you accept a little softer edges on a wide angle/additional $3-500 (inevitable to some extent) in exchange for an 85?

Willabee wrote in post #14250022
absolutely, primes get very addicting but a jump from 1.8 to 1.2L?? boy, what an upgrade! haha

but yeah, i was referring to the mki. the distinction in quality is there but wouldn't you accept a little softer edges on a wide angle/additional $3-500 (inevitable to some extent) in exchange for an 85?

Yeah, although I am a bit of a snob when it comes to gear (not just camera, but car, audio, etc...) and I unfortunately love to buy things BNIB knowing I am the 1st person to ever use it Might have to get over this trait here soon.

I would also like to upgrade my 70-200 to at least the f/4L IS version, as it is supposedly one of Canons best lenses IQ and build wise. But maybe that's reaching and I can wait for that.

heck I could even sell my 70-200 f/4L and put it towards the 135L
giving me 24L, 50/1.8, 85/1.8, and 135L
for right around the same budget

Whoops. I went and looked at the sample images thread for the 135L.
Big mistake. I want it.

Hmm. Let's see:

(used) 24L v1 = 900
(new) 85/1.8 = 400
(used) 135L = 900
total = 2200

could probably sell my 70-200 f/4L for $500

2200 - 500 = 1700
a tad more than my original budget, but I could swing it. I plan on selling some audio equipment I bought but never use (studio monitors, firewire interface, and 2 midi controllers).

fotojennik wrote in post #14249978
For your consideration, here is a photo I took w/ 20D and kit lens

That's a fairly mediocre photo. Not sure I would dive into a business right away. I'd say definitely don't quit your 9-5 as you have a lot you can learn.

People love free...which can taint the comments you receive - the same if it is friends and family. Paying customers are more discerning.

Now, this doesn't mean you shouldn't get a nice lens and have fun, but you should probably try to learn more - get an assistant/2nd shooter position and learn more.

If you plan to do portraits, a 70-200 lens is pretty much a must-have.

1). If you don't already have one, budget for at least one good flash.

2). Where was that picture taken? I love covered bridges.

Numenorean wrote in post #14250441
That's a fairly mediocre photo. Not sure I would dive into a business right away. I'd say definitely don't quit your 9-5 as you have a lot you can learn.

People love free...which can taint the comments you receive - the same if it is friends and family. Paying customers are more discerning.

Now, this doesn't mean you shouldn't get a nice lens and have fun, but you should probably try to learn more - get an assistant/2nd shooter position and learn more.

If you plan to do portraits, a 70-200 lens is pretty much a must-have.

I didn't say it was my best photo -- just 1 from an e-session (my 1st one ever I should mention)

I also don't plan on quitting my day job at all -- only meant to do photography evenings and weekends.

I reached out to a now full-time (and awesome) wedding photog friend that I used to work with a few years back about opportunities.

I have the 70-200 f/4L but when light is low it is hard to AF and shots aren't so sharp unless on a tripod with still subject (or I can use flash). I would definitely lose a lot of reach dropping to a 135L but I would see better individual results (so I think).

Anyways, thank you for your serious input -- I do really appreciate it.

tempest68 wrote in post #14250472
1). If you don't already have one, budget for at least one good flash.

2). Where was that picture taken? I love covered bridges.

1) I have 2 Vivitar 285h flashes, but I could very easily (and for free) get a Canon 430 EX with rewards points I get at my job. Already have more than enough. Also have the stands/cold shoes/umbrellas for 2 flashes.

2) McConnells Mill State Park (~30 miles north of Pittsburgh)-- http://en.wikipedia.or​g …cConnells_Mill_​State_Park

Do you have a speedlite? Return the 5D2 and get one with the 24-105 because it's a good package. Add the 580ex2 and a 100/2

FEChariot wrote in post #14250493
Do you have a speedlite? Return the 5D2 and get one with the 24-105 because it's a good package. Add the 580ex2 and a 100/2

I have already came to the conclusion I didn't want the 24-105. It's a nice lens and all but not what I want to shoot. I've mentioned 3x in this thread I have 2 Vivitar 285h flashes and considering getting a Canon 430 EX -- don't have enough for a 580ex2.

If you go all primes you'll want 2 bodies to minimize lens swapping and missed opportunities. So if the 20d is still good enough, then you're all set. Otherwise, you may want to look into a 40d or 50d if the 20d's ISO capabilities don't cut it. I'd keep the second body a 1.6x; it's cheaper and will give your ef lenses a double life in the FoV department.

Good luck.