Purchase 70-200mm OR 35mm?

Hey guys! I want to thank you for introducing me to the DSLR world (please ignore the embarrassing profile name--this was before I went SLR!). This website has been an amazing source of inspiration.


My dilemma: Should I buy a 70-200mm f2.8 IS for my next lens, or a 35mm f1.4? My gear is in the signature below.


I want the lenses for very different reasons, naturally. I love the 35 mm focal length and want one truly amazing portrait lens. (Currently my 50mm 1.8 does it the best!) But the 70-200mm might open up my photography to more possibilities, and I hear people raving about this lens too. I would purchase the older model to save $.


This summer I'll have a vacation on the ocean with lots of family, and later I have a good friend's wedding. But that's not helping me decide either. Help, please!

i'd say get the 35L then ditch the 50 f1.8 and 35 f2 to help with funds.

70-200 for nature and sports events+ portraits. It is a beautiful lens.

Thank you for your suggestions. I decided to go with the 35 L after looking at (even more of) the photos that have been posted here.

The 35mm is my most used focal length, if you want the most mileage that would make the most sense

I shoot with my 70-200 more than any other lens. It's an insanely good lens. It really is. That said, the 35L is definitely not a bad choice. I love that lens too, but it's definitely not as useful. It works great in low light though. You'll be happy with it for sure, but I suggest getting the 70-200 f/2.8 IS II too as soon as you can!

different horses for different courses...

Having said that, since you have a 35/2 already, i'd go with the 70-200 first. It will be a significant update compared to the 55-250 that you have.

Another vote for the 70-200

70-200 for sure my friend. See if you can rent/borrow/steal a full frame body for it once you get it, it's an amazing series of focal lengths on one, awesome for portraits. Not that it wont be good for your cam, but just saying.

Gah! Probably should have slept on this one. Man this is a dangerous hobby.

I should ask payroll to deduct $25 per paycheck for "L glass." Ah who am I kidding--make it $100!

Another 7-200 vote. You already have the 35 2, and its not a bad lens.

dont second guess yourself. the 35mm prime is freaking nice! sell the 35 f2 and 50 1.8 and your looking at about $1100 for a new 35L and not really sacrificing any focal range you had before.

On my last crop body (50D) my favourite lens was a Sigma 30 F1.4, I found it so useful and there were many times I walked out the door with only that lens. That length on a crop is just so good. In saying that if you got a 70-200 you would be in love. but I found that length on the crop body a bit too long at the short end. If it was me I'd go the shorter one first, then sell off some gear and get the 70-200 later. But that is just me, not you, so your needs may be different to mine. Whichever way you go you will like either way.

Which of these 2 lenses sees more use 55-250 or 35/2?