Sell Zoom Lenses for Prime(s)?

First post here...been a photography hobbyist for quite some time now and I'm looking to upgrade my 20D to full frame. Over the years I've amassed a few lenses...

17-40L, 50 1.4, 85 1.8, 100 2.8, 70-200 4L, 1.4x

Question is, after seeing some drool-worthy shots with the 35L and 135L (I rented the 135 many years ago and loved it), I'm thinking those might be better suited for my needs. With our first on the way, I'm looking for something versatile to take candid shots of the baby and follow him as he grows older. I don't shoot landscapes so my 17-40 would probably not get much use.

So my plan was this, if I buy a "kit" package with the 24-105L, do I sell the 17-40 and the 24-105 to fund a 35L then buy a 135L later? I feel like the 35L will be more versatile in the range I'll need for candids plus give me an option for wider shots. After some time possibly replace the 70-200 with the 135L later down the road.

Thoughts?

TIA!

My philosophy has been Zooms to carry the load, primes for specific purposes. So my kit has 17-40, 24-105, and 70-200F4is, with the 135L, 85 1.8, 50 1.8 and 28 1.8. I listed the primes in order of how often they get used. On the wide end the zooms work for me as well as primes because I'm usually not going bokeh on the wide shots. Some people love the 35L, but honestly it doesnt appeal to me as a focal length on a full frame camera.

You have a 17-40, which includes the 35mm focal length, but you say that you don't use it much. Why then would you want a 35mm prime as your main wide lens and why do you think it would be more versatile than either a 17-40 or a 24-105? Also, how does a 35mm give you an option for wider shots than either of the 2 zooms? I'm having a hard time following your reasoning.

Ever since I got my prime trilogy my zooms just collect dust!

maverick75 wrote in post #15997119
Ever since I got my prime trilogy my zooms just collect dust!

Why? You don't list your equipment so it's hard to guess why you would have lenses available for which you can not find a use.

bob_r wrote in post #15997140
Why? You don't list your equipment so it's hard to guess why you would have lenses available for which you can not find a use.

Well because they're shady lenses to being with haha, I'd love to own the 17-40L and 70-200L!


10D
Zooms
Canon 35-80mm 4-5.6
Canon 18-55mm 3.5-5.6

Primes
Promura 28mm 2.8 Macro
Cosina 50mm 1.7
Tomioka 135mm 2.8

I was going that way. Decided that I did not want to give up my 24-70 so will be selling my 85 (hopefully) and getting a 135 and another prime. That way I will have the tools to cover anything I like to shoot. My needs change often so both zooms and primes are the best combo for me.

I can't see any sense in buying a kit to sell the lens

For roughly the same price as a 35L + 135L
I would prefer the (Sigma 35 + 70-200 IS f/2.8 II) or (S35 + S85 + 135L)

For me, the difference between the 135L and zoom is mainly weight and size, which is why I intent to add it to my kit, I don't see any performance benefit.
The 85mm lens (S85 or 85L) offer more points of difference.

Use what you have for the time. The 17-40 can work with kids. Adjust to full frame before buying and selling, you got decent gear.

DamianOz wrote in post #15997251
I can't see any sense in buying a kit to sell the lens
For roughly the same price as a 35L + 135L
I would prefer the (Sigma 35 + 70-200 IS f/2.8 II) or (S35 + S85 + 135L)

For me, the difference between the 135L and zoom is mainly weight and size, which is why I intent to add it to my kit, I don't see any performance benefit.
The 85mm lens (S85 or 85L) offer more points of difference.

how about to save money? my 5d3 cost me $2700 because I bought a kit on sale and dumped the 24-105L and got 2% back on the price of the kit.

nowadays zooms are just as sharp as primes. the 70-200f2.8mk2 and the 24-70mk2 proves that

Here are prices from an online store I use sometimes.

Canon EOS 5D Mark III Digital Camera Kit 24-105mm L Lens
AU$ 3,560.65

Canon EOS 5D Mark III Body only Digital Camera
AU$ 2,817.39
Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM Lenses
AU$ 690.97
= $3508.36

Save $52.29 less $9.50 for increase in shipping insurance if you take that option
So, now you have to sell the less, consider any adverting, shipping, packing, time and hassle, I hardly see it being worth it, in fact the risk of making a loss is likely.

Sure, if there is a sale on, or some incentive to provide more margin, but bodies go on promotion at time too.

I just don't see the logic in taking on the hassle in trying to save such minimal amount on a $3.5k purchase.

Thanks for the replies!

Sorry, I can see the confusion. By wider, I didn't mean wider than 24mm, I meant shots on the wider end of the spectrum, compared to 50mm. I also meant it would be more versatile because it gives me the option for indoor, low-light shots plus superb outdoor shots. Also, the difference in speed is crazy. I feel like I could get more creative with shots with the 35mm than the 17-40. Overall I'm just not happy with the lens and don't see myself using it. The 24-105 is extremely versatile, but I feel like I'd only be using it on the extremes.

"Kit" price $2399. Hopefully sell the lens for about 650-700 net. So net cost of the body for $1700-1750. Still saving $100-200 to put towards something else. Plus 2% back from B&H to use with that extra $$.

gonzogolf wrote in post #15995959
My philosophy has been Zooms to carry the load, primes for specific purposes. So my kit has 17-40, 24-105, and 70-200F4is, with the 135L, 85 1.8, 50 1.8 and 28 1.8. I listed the primes in order of how often they get used. On the wide end the zooms work for me as well as primes because I'm usually not going bokeh on the wide shots. Some people love the 35L, but honestly it doesnt appeal to me as a focal length on a full frame camera.

Agreed on the 35L. I don't shoot wide very often, but the 28 speaks to me more than 35. Must have been all the NatGeo magazines I read as a kid, mostly shot with a 28 or 90.

lewdogg wrote in post #15998285
Thanks for the replies!
"Kit" price $2399. Hopefully sell the lens for about 650-700 net. So net cost of the body for $1700-1750. Still saving $100-200 to put towards something else. Plus 2% back from B&H to use with that extra $$.

B&H do have a good deal on the kit, giving a little better margin.
Good luck, hope you get $650-700. recent sales here and ebay make me feel this is a little ambitious. Your $10 (2%) is out weighed by Paypal 3%, not to mention shipping cost (if applicable)
I'm predicting a saving of may be $80, however the sale price is subjective, so you may well be more accurate than I.
Not sure if I would bother myself, but I appreciate and thank you for the explanation.

Sorry, back to your more important questions..........