Now I'm torn

so the wife is probably getting a camera to start learning. more than likely a crop sensor unless I get her a 5dc.

So now I am thinking since my 35mm f2 IS was 600, I could return it and get a used 16-35 MK I or II, 35mm art series (guess she wouldn't benefit from this change)
IQ and everything has been amazing with this lens while I've shot it but I know L quality build is always better and typically the glass is as well.
I have a few days left on my 30 day return policy.

I'm just trying to figure out if the 16-35mm MK I is on par with the 35mm f2 IS in IQ and stuff. I am mainly concerned about using a zoom lens at full zoom if anything will turn out soft.

I don't mind the f2 to f2.8 sacrifice. I bought this for a walking around portrait type of lens and now I'm thinking I may be better off with the 16-35 since its more multi purpose.
Then I could shoot HDR landscape and architecture as well.

Also, if my wife uses it she can actually use the 35mm ish focal length on her crop instead of the 50mm ish the 35 prime would be.

If its worth anything, I can put geeksquad on any piece of gear I own regardless of buying it from bestbuy and I can also insure it through USAA who replaces no questions asked at full retail price anytime I have an issue or my gear breaks.

/edit
I don't care about IS. Tripod+strobes+dont mess with low light or low shutter speed unless its long exposure

800 for used 16-35 and 1200 for 16-35 mk II

if you're going to get her a crop camera, get her a 17-55 F2.8 canon, costs less, performs better. I bet even the sigma and tamron 2.8 variants would perform better, and cost MUCH less. if you shoot full frame and plan to use her gear, best to get her a full frame camera as well.

if you shoot full frame, and she shoots crop, there will always be a question of why your images look so much better, at least if you're both shooting full frame or crop for that matter, you'll be on equal playing fields.

if my wife wants to learn photography, I'de give her my 6D immediately. I made the mistake of recommending someone a crop camera once, and he would nag me about his IQ not up to par...... of course, I was shooting full frame, it's a whole different ball game. my other brother asked me for recommendations for a camera.... told him a 5Dc as his budget was low...... he was shooting one of those newer rebels, and downgraded to a 5Dc. was estatic about the move.

Yeah
I think I am returning my extra strobe and 35mm F2 IS and getting a used 16-35mm II


I think all around it may be the best for me.
I think I may be able to get buy with a 24-70 II but I'm not sure.


I am getting her the 5DC since its like 350 bucks used right meow

Nick Aufiero wrote in post #17449467
Also, if my wife uses it she can actually use the 35mm ish focal length on her crop instead of the 50mm ish the 35 prime would be.

i don't understand this sentence at all

if you're looking to get a new lens for yourself, i'd go for it...you don't tell us what else you have so it's hard to tell if it makes sense to get rid of the 35f2, and switch to the 16-35mm

say what you want about crop cameras, but i have both the 70D, and a 5Dclassic, and i don't notice the 5D being any better...in fact, i grab the 70D more often than the 5D

i wonder if your wife may want more of the bells and whistles that come along with one of the newer rebels as opposed to the 5D