Which Lens? SIGMA 50MM F1.4 DG HSM (ART) CANON vs. CANON EF 24-70MM F2.8L II USM LENS

I currently have a 5Dmarkiii and have been using the 35L and 100L macro for the past several years. It's been a good 6 or 7 years since I've had a zoom. I love primes but i'm finding the 35L too wide for studio work. I use the 100L mostly but there are times it's a bit too long. I used to love the 35L on my 7D but now I use it primarily for my newborn work on the 5Dmarkiii. Will the 50 be good enough or should I go with the more costly zoom for a bit more versatility? Will I find it lacking since I have a love of primes? TIA!

These threads are hard because it really comes down to what you want and your style and what you can afford. If you liked the 35L on the 7D, the 50 on a full frame will be even better. You mention studio, which I don't have a lot of experience with but I would think you would not want a zoom so much. Also on full frame, 85 seems to be the portrait studio lens.

All that said, I just got the 24-70 and I'm finding myself using my primes less and less - at least for now while the 24-70 is new.

If you love primes (like me) go for the 50, it’s a cracking lens. Probably the favourite in my bag.

The 24-70mm II is a great lens all round. I would stick to that first then add the 50mm at a later date funds allowing.

The 24-70 II is an impresive lens! Pretty much as sharp as the 50mm at the same aperture. What the 24-70 can’t do is f1.4 or f2, what the 50mm can’t do is be wider or longer. For a studio speed isn’t necessary. Will you use often outside the studio? Zooms are versatile, do you need the versatility vs the sheer speed? I love primes, every time I had enough money for a good zoom I ended up buying a fast prime. I have f4 zooms and f1.2 -f2 primes.

you're a portrait photographer and you're asking the peanut gallery?

I think he already made up his mind and is just looking for confirmation. These lenses are not cheap.

I have both. The 24-70mm f 2.8ii is definitely more versatile but not sure if you need that for a studio. However you probably don't need the speed of the 50mm for the studio either. For low light environments the f 1.4 is helpful, but for general photography it's hard to be the versatility of the 24-70mm and I have taken some nice portraits with it as well. Tough call, but I got the 24-70mm before the 50mm. Good luck.

I vote for the 24-70 because it is hugely versatile yet produces beautiful images.

I had the MK1 and miss it like crazy. I'm pretty sure I'll buy another when I convince myself to spend the money.

Moncho wrote in post #18744279
I think he already made up his mind and is just looking for confirmation. These lenses are not cheap.

Agree, his profile "last activity" is October 4th, two months ago.