Portrait & Architecture - your lenses of choice?

Hi All,

I am finally upgrading from my 20D to a 70D and wanted to get some new glass for it. However, there is so much to choose from I am walking myself round in circles. Just when I think I've decided I get cold feet

I have two small kids and part of the reason for the upgrade is to be able to capture them growing up (as well as video but that is somewhat secondary at the moment). My other love is architectural photography combined with running (that is to say I'll run to buildings photograph them and run back again) so I need to be a little mindful of weight and factor in that i might only have a bipod (so TS is out at the moment).

The existing lenses I have for the 20D are:

EF-S 17–85mm f/4–5.6 IS USM
EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM

Nothing special I know, so with that, I am looking to invest in two L-Series lenses that would cover my portrait and architectural needs. I am toying with these but very open to suggestions:

EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM
EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM
EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
EF 85mm f1.2L II USM

I would love to hear what folks think, all and any advice much appreciate!

Interested to see responses. One thought, wouldn't you want something wider for architecture?

rdmello wrote in post #16244438
One thought, wouldn't you want something wider for architecture?

If I go below 16mm am I not in fisheye territory? I'm not sure I want that much curve in my pics.

Well, since you're continuing on a 1.6x sensor, I would probably forgo the L UW's and go for something like the 10-22. Lot's of good reviews and really made for that sensor. You want wide with architecture. The 85L is good on any body, especially FF and 1.3X but I used mine with great results on a 20D many moons ago...........you might also consider one of Canon's TS-E lenses, great for architecture and also very sharp for portraits. No AF though..........

brass-monkey wrote in post #16244483
If I go below 16mm am I not in fisheye territory? I'm not sure I want that much curve in my pics.

You have to remember that 16mm is only 16mm on a FF body......the 70D has a 1.6X sensor so 16mm is equal to 25mm, wide but not that wide!

brass-monkey wrote in post #16244483
If I go below 16mm am I not in fisheye territory? I'm not sure I want that much curve in my pics.

Tokina 11-16 is not a fisheye. And it's usable down to 13-14mm on FF without significant vignetting too.

schmoelzel wrote in post #16244510
You have to remember that 16mm is only 16mm on a FF body......the 70D has a 1.6X sensor so 16mm is equal to 25mm, wide but not that wide!

Ah, of course, that'd slipped my mind entirely! Thanks Schmoelzel.

schmoelzel wrote in post #16244504
...you might also consider one of Canon's TS-E lenses, great for architecture and also very sharp for portraits. No AF though..........

I have been mulling this over but think, at the moment, having no AF will frustrate me. It is awfully tempting though, I've always wanted a TS lens!

Stay away from zooms. Go with 24L/85L. That being said, I'd pick 24 TS-E II over 24L, 24L is just way too soft around the corners for any real architecture work.

Humble Photographer wrote in post #16244560
Stay away from zooms. Go with 24L/85L. That being said, I'd pick 24 TS-E II over 24L, 24L is just way too soft around the corners for any real architecture work.

Both good lenses but that 24L on a 70D won't be very wide for architecture, especially indoor shots!

Oh sorry, I saw architecture immediately assumed it was full frame. Then ignore what I said. Not really sure how you can do architecture with good L glass without going full frame.

Humble Photographer wrote in post #16244573
Oh sorry, I saw architecture immediately assumed it was full frame. Then ignore what I said. Not really sure how you can do architecture with good L glass without going full frame.

So in all fairness then - reading between the lines - it would actually make more sense going for the 6D?

canon 10-22 for wide, sorry, no L equivalent to this, and by most accounts, better than L's. Use lightroom to fix horizontals and verticals.

50 1.2/85 1.2 for portraits since you mentioned "L"

Canon 10 - 22 or the Sigma 10 - 20 if you want to keep it cheap for the architecture
50mm f1.4 or 60mm macro (it can produce some great portraits) and since you have the 60 already you wouldn't have to buy a second lens. Google some of the results for the 60 as a portrait lens. Though might want to consider an 85mm f1.8 or if you want a "unique" lens try the 135mm f2.8 soft focus, it's an old design but it gives pleasing results!

brass-monkey wrote in post #16244594
So in all fairness then - reading between the lines - it would actually make more sense going for the 6D?

I would go full frame if you are serious about architecture. 10-22 this and 10-22 that is all you will get in crop.

I know some local real-estate people who do incredible work with an old 20D and the 10-22. It's not always the gear but the shooter!! Yes, FF may make things easier when thinking wide but there are enough options. I personally tend to stick to Canon gear if I'm using Canon. Nothing against the 3rd party gear but I've always been happy with Canon.