Single Lens Dilemma - 35L II vs 24-70L II

Currently own two lenses with a 6D body - 35L I and 135L. I have two young children - 7 months and 3.5 years. I use my 35L 95% of the time but love the 135 when I use it. 99% of my activity is shooting the kids.

Question - I've got the itch to upgrade, especially after seeing the 35L II. If I decide to sell the two primes to fund a SINGLE *gasp* lens, I'm torn which would be the best all-arounder. Obviously the zoom has the versatility of the FL range and incredible IQ which I like. But I also enjoy shooting faster than 2.8 so the combination of low light capability, more fun with the faster lens, and of course insane IQ, is making the decision VERY difficult. Would love to hear comments from owners of either/both.

* NOTE: I'm not sure if it's my 6D or the 35L, but another reason I want to upgrade is for better AF performance. I know the 6D has a limited AF system, but I was hoping the newer model lenses will help in this area. Am I dumb to expect the lens to make this better and should I spend my $$ on a 5D3?

TIA for your input!

I don't use a 35L, but I have a 6D and absolutely no complaints about it ONE-SHOT AF performance. I assume you are referring to AI-Servo while chasing kids around. My 6D is really good in AI-Servo, only if I can keep the center point on target.

I'd rather have a fast prime than an f/2.8 zoom. I had a 24-70 and 70-200 in f/2.8 flavors. Sold both of them for primes.

Kids move a lot... and if you are only going to have one lens I'd personally opt for the 24-70.
You're really going to miss the 135L.

Perhaps consider the 35 f2 IS and the 24-70 f4 IS? You might be much happier. You might even be able to keep the 135 if you buy used/refurbished.
I'd much rather have these three lenses that the 35L II alone.

Uhm.. the 35L v2 is certainly an amazing lens, but the v1 is still a great lens for 20MP and you won't be blown away by the performance increase unless you really go technical on optical quality.

Many people here regretted selling the 135L, so I would keep it.

I don't think replacing 35/1.4 with 24-70/2.8 is worth it. Unless you really need the zoom flexibility and you don't care much about subject separation and natural [low] light.
I had the 24-70, replaced it with the 35L and never looked back.

Keep your current lenses and save for a new one. If you don't mind the size/weight, you may consider replacing the 135 with a 70-200/2.8 v2. That is amazing for kids.

FarmerTed1971 wrote in post #18251435
Kids move a lot... and if you are only going to have one lens I'd personally opt for the 24-70.

I agree with this. Looking back at the lens used the most when my kids were 4-8 years old, I shot with a 18-55mm probably 75% of the time on a Pentax crop sensor vs. the other lens that I had, a 50-200mm. I liked having the flexibility to zoom with the camera in tighter spots, like inside the house. A majority of the focal length range used was in the wide and narrow end.

I am in a similar situation. I am thinking of selling my 35mm f2 is and 85mm 1.8 for the 24-70 ii. I was planning on going the 50 1.2 / 135 f2 route. But chasing my 2 year old is pretty hard, I think I need a zoom.

In my opinion, a 24-70 2.8 is a boring lens. It's a very useful range, particularly when shooting events or being used as a travel/walk-around lens, but there just isn't anything special about the lens. Additionally, the f/2.8 can be limiting indoors.

35mm prime is great indoors. 135mm prime is great outdoors. My suggestion? Don't waste your money on upgrading to the 35LII. If you feel as though you aren't using your 135L, try to identify the reason. For me, it was that 135mm felt awkward in that it always seemed either a little too long, or not quite long enough for the type of framing I wanted. So, I sold it and replaced it with the 85 1.8 instead. I retain the ability to create good bokeh while having what feels like a more normal focal length.

Keep your 35, sell 135. 2 won't be worth the tangible difference as good as it looks.

If you are trying to keep it not bulky, I couldn't recommend Fuji x enough, really close to FF, I just got an X-e2 and their 23 1.4 which is 35 equivilant and one you get used to it, it is addictive and you will get the good kid shots because you will have it one you. Just throwing it out there.

mannetti21 wrote in post #18251985
In my opinion, a 24-70 2.8 is a boring lens. It's a very useful range, particularly when shooting events or being used as a travel/walk-around lens, but there just isn't anything special about the lens. ...

That was the reason I sold my 24-105/4.

To the OP. I have 35L (for sell) and 35L II. If you are using center point only with your 6D, you will not see much difference. I am using outer points only on 5dIII and apart from CA that's where to newer version shines. The lens is as sharp in far corners as some primes in center. The bokeh is even closer to 85LII than the 35L I.
BTW, I would not sell the 135. It's a great lens for kids outside activity.

If I had kids, I imagine the versatile and excellent 24-70II is what I'd want. And as others above me have said, keep the 135L.

The 24-70.. is an aweosome lens , durable, rugged and quick af..and prime like iq

Cant go wrong especially chasing kids around .. the zoom will work

Though i do have to agree with what some say.. it does get boring ..
Cant do anything too artsy fartsy with it. ... but for chasing kids its great, covering events

So I had a similar situation. I ended up going with a Sigma 50mm Art and 24-70 F4 IS. Same price as 24-70II, but more benefits. Only downside is weight of 50mm art.

24-70L ii all day long with young kids, such a versatile zoom. I had the 1st gen when my daughter was that age, some of my favourite shots from that lens on a 10/20D.

Now I'm using the 24-70L ii for my grand daughter...

it's the old quality vs quanity.... if I'm after that blur, I'll use the prime, otherwise if I want everything in focus, I'll even shoot a 24-70f4. The answer isnt straight forward. More often than not, for family photos, I'm shooting a 35/50/85/135 prime. Sometimes I'll bring a 35 f2.8 + 85 f1.4 pair, sometimes just the 35 or just the 50.

I have many nice shots coming from either approach, but my favorites have come from the older canon 35f2 or 50f1.2