What's the best way to cheat on my wife?

No, no, no...not that kind of "cheating"!
Quick bit of history/info'.

I shoot with 2 x 7Ds, mainly opera/classical concerts, (Missus Skygod is a pro' soprano).

I recently sold my much loved 30D and EF50f/1.4.

I have a Sigma 30, and Canon 100 (macro) on either side of where the 50mm FL was sat.
I've got a Sigma 17-50 OS f/2.8 which is working well.
Plus there's a 70-200L, 100-400L and EF-S10-22 in my bag too.
BUT, I've got an itch for another prime...

So, the question is, bearing in mind that Missus Skygod hasn't worked out yet that my 30D became a second 7D, nor that my 50 prime became a 17-50 zoom....which lens is best/easiest to sneak into my camera bag.

Other info':
1) I also shoot plenty of PR stuff for our musician friends. Those shots end up on business cards, promo flyers, posters and the like = portrait quality needed.
2) We're in the planning stages of building a home, with a mini-concert hall/photo studio on the ground floor ("first floor" for you guys in the USA). The length of the room looks like about 8m so far....which would impact on which prime to go for.
3) I love my 7Ds. I'm not interested in "upgrading" to FF. Might get a mirrorless dSLR in the future if Canon pull their collective fingers out of their arses and make it/release it.
4) Why the sneakiness? a) It's fun. b) Re-read the bit about building a house, and think what Missus Skygod thinks I should spend money on...

VOTE NOW!
And add any interesting ideas too, as I'm bored of all the rain this time of year in Japan

Simon

Go heavy or go home, go big, go all the way.... 200 2L

airfrogusmc wrote in post #14620401
Go heavy or go home, go big, go all the way.... 200 2L

Hahahahahahahaha! Would love one, but 200mm is waaay too long to use in the studio - after it's built.

skygod44 wrote in post #14620412
Hahahahahahahaha! Would love one, but 200mm is waaay too long to use in the studio - after it's built.

85L then!!!!

skygod44 wrote in post #14620412
after it's built.

After it's built? Then there is still time to make it bigger!

I think the 85 is the right length. I'm so satisfied with my 1.8 under all conditions, that I never think about a 1.4. However, I shoot mostly action at that 8m distance... portraits might need a bit more softness. 85 is not the right length for any group... but you know that.

85L, my wife bought me one. not sure why, I've used it maybe 4 times.

50L + 85 f/1.8.

Costs about the same as an 85L.

34C



not suggesting that you follow my advice!

Simon, you've had the 50 1.4 and you have the 70-200, what's your question? Is it about the focal length? I'd think you could answer that for yourself...

As to a 50L and/or an 85L, well you know both of those lenses are "special"...are you just looking for an excuse to grab one? Of course, grab them both!

airfrogusmc wrote in post #14620424
85L then!!!!

I'm pondering on that....but the AF is reported to be as slow as an iceberg.

Luckless wrote in post #14620445
After it's built? Then there is still time to make it bigger!

Sadly not. We've already binned a whole set of plans due to tighter-than-a-politician's-arse building regulations in Japan....
The space will be about 7.2m by 8m. With a ceiling height maxing out at 5.75m, and the lowest ceiling height at 2.5m (it's all about the acoustics).

bubbygator wrote in post #14620446
I think the 85 is the right length. I'm so satisfied with my 1.8 under all conditions, that I never think about a 1.4. However, I shoot mostly action at that 8m distance... portraits might need a bit more softness. 85 is not the right length for any group... but you know that.

Not worried about group shots.
It'll be a "fun" lens, plus portraits for PR/posters etc.
And I must say that despite all the know-it-alls we bump into in POTN, I found 50mm on my 7D to be an excellent FL for portraits. It was just the bokeh which sucked a bit. But with 8m, maybe 85mm might be better...?

rick_reno wrote in post #14620707
85L, my wife bought me one. not sure why, I've used it maybe 4 times.

You lucky boy!!!!

Timphoto wrote in post #14620757
50L + 85 f/1.8.
Costs about the same as an 85L.

Good idea....worthy of you, sir!
I'll put that into my thinking.

Wilt wrote in post #14621080
34C

not suggesting that you follow my advice!

Been there, done that, lost 100 grand-plus (UK pounds!) to prove it
Wouldn't do it again!!!

tonylong wrote in post #14623332
Simon, you've had the 50 1.4 and you have the 70-200, what's your question? Is it about the focal length? I'd think you could answer that for yourself...
As to a 50L and/or an 85L, well you know both of those lenses are "special"...are you just looking for an excuse to grab one? Of course, grab them both!

Hey Tony.....living in the U.S. of A, you might not fully understand how the rainy-season here in the far east can drive someone to distraction.

So....I've tried the 50L in the past. Liked it. But the price? Hmm....
Don't forget that we really are building a home, so that could be pushing my luck for one lens.
The 85L. Not tried it. Yes....could be fun....but again, how do Canon justify that price? Is it really twice as good as the new Sigma 85 f/1.4?
I've read Bryan's reviews again and again in The Digital Picture.com, but as always, the main issue between the 85L and the Sigma is the focusing "pot-luck".
BUT, it seems the Sigma 85 is "better" than the Sigma 50 at that.....

And I wouldn't say I'm looking for an excuse....
My old 50 took great portraits. And the Sigma 17-50 is "OK" for now, at a push....but that extra stop or two......hmmm.....boke​h.....!


Any more thoughts, anyone?

All are great options....I just can't vote because I couldn't ever suggest that you buy something without the Mrs. knowing

jra wrote in post #14623430
All are great options....I just can't vote because I couldn't ever suggest that you buy something without the Mrs. knowing

Hahahahahahahahahahaha​hahahahahahahahahahaha​hahahahaaaaaa....


[So that means you've never bought your loved-one a surprise gift? ]

I would say a 1D of some sort and a 500L,

Now i know your happy with your body and the 500L is un-practical, but i'm realllllllllllly curious what you could get away with before your wife notices

Get what you like while you can. Tempus fugit.