your go too lens for family photos?

PCousins wrote in post #18499505
Easy Choice the EF 24-70 f/2.8 II, it is so versatile and sharp that I found I no longer needed my 24L and 50L.

easiest no nonsense choice..... that said, I often complicate matters.

I often get more pleasing photos with a fast 35/50. The biggest reasons I'de even shoot something else is due to the size and aperture. I really do enjoy using all the varieties, fast 35, 50, 85, and cheapo 28-75 zoom. I've owned the 24-70ii twice now, and ultimately, the size got to me. Very sharp for sure, but it's heavier than my 25/50/85 combined, and a good 40% heavier than my 28-75. Maybe one day I may go back to a state of the art modern 24-70 f2.8, but size and weight are painful. A 2/3's sharp lens, I'm happy with. When weight becomes overbearing, then I'll just go to a small prime.

As I posted earlier in the thread my Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 is my standard walk around lens for everyday use but I find a lot of times I am getting too wide when I really want to get in close for a head and shoulders portrait, leading to needing to crop and losing resolution. So I picked up a Canon 18-135mm IS USM lens in excellent condition off eBay for $200 which I'm going to force myself to use in those more informal situations where I don't want to be right up in the kids' faces while Im shooting. It is certainly a well regarded lens amongst those who have used it and I've always been happy with the STM version so I have high hopes for it. Don't need f/1.8 glass if I'm shooting at f/5.6-8.

-Joe

It depends on the circumstances, the location, number of people and how much room I have to move. That said, I love the look, perspective and working distance of the 50L.

Primary family photo lens I use would be 85L and 35L every single time.

Chet wrote in post #18502372
Since the arrest I absolutely love my 100-400mm with 2x extender. Allows me wonderful candids of the kids from the car window.

Manual focus, I presume? F/11 at 400/800 mm.

Previously on my 7D I would use my Sigma 17-50 f2.8. It seemed to work well for an all around lens. I just upgraded to the 6d Mkii and the Sigma 35mm f1.4 Art lens thanks to some Black Friday Deals. I was initially going to get the Canon 24-70 f2.8 ii but it was just too much to spend at one time. Saw the Sigma was on sale and read some really good reviews after my brother recommended it as a good focal length for a lot of things.

Well I used it this weekend for group portraits, photos and at a wedding and was amazed how great it was to use for everything. Very impressed with this lens and focal length on a full frame.

I normally shot f4 for group shots as I want to get everything in focus but it appears I would have been okay with f2 on this lens. Something I will try for sure in the future.

Love my 24-105 for this, recently added a 100 macro and loving that too.

24-70 for groups, 70-200 for portraits, but 35 f2 IS is my main go to for running and gunning

24-70 2.8 II.

Covers everything and sharp as hell.

James Crockett wrote in post #18477766
would like to know what lenses you like best for family photos. thanks!

EOS 1Dx with Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Lens. Fantastic combo.