Help deciding a lens :)

Hey guys,

I'm into shooting my kids/friends, indoors and outdoors a lot (so portraits). I used to have a 600D (T3i) - 135mm f/2L and a 50/1.8. I always wanted a Full frame so I let my 135 go and bought a 5D2 at that time. Right now I'm stuck with a 50/1.8.

I've been saving for a 85/1.2 L (half way there) but today I was offered a 24-105 f/4L, in perfect condition, for a good price ($580). I'm not sure if I should go ahead a buy it or save for 3-4 more months and buy the 85L.

Because of that 50 stuck to my camera, I don't feel like going out and shooting much anymore. 10-50 pics a week or less. So, what would you do in my position? :/

IMHO photography is about doing, not looking forward to doing, or planning to do, or saving to do. If you're not shooting now because you don't enjoy the lens you have, you have nothing to lose by trying the 24-105. That's a terrific price, so why not try it and sell it (at a profit) if it's not for you? At least you'll be shooting again.

I recently bought a 24-105, which I use on a 7D. I like it; it's hugely versatile and does pretty much everything well. You don't get the shallow depth of field of a prime, but you do get other stuff. aT that price, in your position, I wouldn't hesitate.

IMO. the 24-105 is too slow for indoor work, and real useful on a T3i. Get a better 50. Sigma 50/1.4 is one of many.

Neither lens can do what the other does, so the question I have is what is the main reason you want the 85L. It's a GREAT lens, but I use it less than any other lens in my bag. This is because it serve one purpose and that shooting wide open.

If you are not happy shooting unless it is a specific style, then the 24-105 may not be for you. However, as previously stated, you can buy it, use it, then sell it for a profit and it would add to your piggy bank. That is what I would do if it were me.

My best advise is to make yourself get out more and take pictures. If you are not happy with the results, that is one thing, but if you are not happy taking pictures, make sure that the 85L is the answer to your unhappiness before you take that big step.

Before you even think of getting an 85/1.2, get the 85.1.8 first. May be all you need. Maybe a MF Rokinon 85/1.4? The 85/1.2 is not the end of the earth - they are better so don't get lost in the hype. I am a beiliever in working your way up the ladder slowly. Gene

Thanks guys for your replies.

@Ceegee: Yep, buying and selling it can work.

@Zero: I've been exposed to the 135 f/2L, used it for a year and shot a lot almost every day. The main reason would be it's sharpness/bokeh + I'm (literally) only shooting portraits, I've been considering it. 50mm is a great lens but I've used it a LOT and am kind of bored with it's FL.

@Gasrocks: I bought the MF Rokinon 85/1.4 a week back but returned it because of it's hit n miss @ large aperture (1.4). My kids (everyone's?) don't like staying at one place for more than 10 seconds. Because of that It was VERY hard to focus.

Couple of other options that I've been considering = to buy back the 135 f/2L or the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 ART.

gasrocks wrote in post #15866501
IMO. the 24-105 is too slow for indoor work, and real useful on a T3i. Get a better 50. Sigma 50/1.4 is one of many.

not with flash

anyway.. do you need 1.2? the 85/1.8 is plenty fast and amazingly sharp, for waaaaaaaay cheaper.

Looks like I know what to get now

24-105 + 85 1.8

Thank you all for making it easier for me.