Lens recommendations?

So my current setup is:
Bodies: Canon 6d & 7d
Lenses: Canon 50mm 1.8, Canon 70-200
F4L & Canon 300mm F4L.

I have been photographing drag races with the 70-200 and 300mm with excellent results. The more time I spend at the races, I've started to gain wedding and family sessions.

I'm looking for something that will fit or replace my existing lenses.

I have $800 to spend towards gear and as you can tell on pretty frugal when it comes to buying lenses.

I was wondering what your recommendations would be? I tend to stick with primes unless its drag racing due to the fact I can get multiple angles. ( I may purchase the 70-200 2.8m2 when the new m3 version comes out due to the fact that its insane sharpness.)

What would you get if you had $800 to spend?

Sigma 50mm 1.4 ART? Canon 135mm f2 & 35mm f2IS?

Any help would he greatly appreciated!

Personally, I think you need to explore the focal length region well below 50mm. I say this especially in light of your comment "The more time I spend at the races, I've started to gain wedding and family sessions."

I would suggest you look at the following as possibilities:

Sigma 17-50 f/2.8, Normally $669, now $369. This an absolutely awesome lens. It is my lens of choice for a 60D and 80D. See
https://www.bhphotovid​eo.com …1_17_50mm_F2_8_​EX_DC.html

Sigma also has the 17-50mm f/2.8 lens at the same price, refurbished. Some people, and I'm one of them, feel a refurbished lens may be better than a never opened box. This is a lens that perhaps was overstock in a store, a demo, or something returned while in warranty. In theory someone checks it out prior to it being offered as a refurb. They have return privileges and a warranty, often the same as "new". See https://www.sigmaphoto​.com …/17-50mm-f28-ex-dc-os-hsm. In addition Sigma has the 17-70mm dock compatible f/2.8-4 DC Macro at $399, normally $499. See https://www.sigmaphoto​.com …m-f28-4-dc-macro-os-hsm-c

Although these are good lenses, ignore these recommendations for full frame, as "Left Handed Brisket" mentioned, these are crop lenses. That's what happens when you use the tiny screen on a dumbphone for replies!

You might however look at the Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM Art Lens for Canon EF that is currently $900. Currently that is not in stock at the Sigma Outlet but Adorama, B&H, Amazon show it is stock. If and when you find it as a refurb, it typically is $699.

I just looked up that lens on Lenstip and it appears to be a great lens for the money. That looks like a lens I should buy and keep on my 7d because I dont have lens specifically for it.

Considering potential/likely low light situations with event photography, I'd stay away from any crop lenses. You're going to want the better ISO performance of the 6D.

For your budget, Canon 24-70 MkI or it seems the Tamron version gets good reviews.

Do you have a speedlight?

I have a few Yongnuo speedlites that I use from time to time.

For weddings I primarily use my 6d with my wife using the 7d as a backup.

I have considered the 24-70 2.8 m1 but from what I researched I would be better off saving money and buying the m2 version.

*pics for attention*

Sure the II is better, but something is better than nothing. The I was considered a great lens until II came out.

So you're shooting weddings with a 50 on crop and 70-200 on FF? I like shooting events as long as possible, but that seems very limiting.

Yeah it's very limited but I love the focal range of the 50mm.

I have shot a large group with the 50mm. I follow a lot of film photographer and there are several film photographers that only use the 35mm and 50mm as their focal ranges.

That's why I was going to buy the 35mm f2IS for when I needed the extra range.

Here's another example.
I switched back to the 50mm on the 6d.

I guess ive shot with the 50mm for so long that's all I know.

There are photogs that use only "natural light" too, many who have never even tried using a flash.

I can think of plenty of times I would not have gotten a shot if I didn't have 24mm. I'm not talking about posed shots, rather those fast moving moments during the party where your back is against a wall or you are squeezed between the band and first rows of the dance floor. Lots of unique shots can be had at wider angles, even if 95 percent of your shots are longer.

Left Handed Brisket wrote in post #18655585
Sure the II is better, but something is better than nothing. The I was considered a great lens until II came out.

I had to repeat that. The I was putting money into a lot of photographer's pockets. It's not as though it stopped working when the II came out. There wasn't enough difference for clients to notice.

Totally agree with that statement. So your recommendation is the 24-70mm 2.8 m1?

Anyone notice any problems with the focusing of the 24-70 2.8 m1?

Considering your budget and desire to do event photography, yeah, I would stick with something in that range.

And like you I generally first grab for a prime lens. However, for most events I will stick with my canon 24-105 and supplement with sig 35 A and canon 85 1.8

Zooms are often more utilitarian. 16-24mm and fast primes can be more "fun" but they all have their place. One of the challenges of events is moving back and forth between one style of shooting and another, being limited by focal length choices can put a damper on creativity.

What your thoughts on getting a dedicated lens for my 7d and then getting 2 primes for my 6d?

For your budget restraints, 24-70 or 25-105. f4 is fine for a big sensor modern body. Both should hold their value reasonably well for when you want to upgrade. Unlike a lot of corporate commercial shoots, weddings are more about capturing emotion and touching moments. Cutting edge gear is great, but a good eye makes the money.

based on your budget constraints,

I would get the 35mm f/2 IS and maybe a 85mm f/1,8 (for low light).

If you have time and is able to increase your budget, I would recommend Classic Distagon 35mm f/2 and Classic Planar 85mm f/1,4 from Zeiss (but MF only lens).

Cheap 20mm prime would be fun on ff and wideish on the 7D.

I have bought the Tamron 17-55 non VC twice. It is not the best low light focuser, but it is sharp and cheap.

Actually, look at my gear list and you'll see a list of sharp and cheap. Well, except for 35mm sigma. Worth the expense, imo.