35L or 85L ?

Which lens is the best for wedding and portrait ?

I seen many great photo of 35L and 85L ...and don't know which one .

Thanks .

All depends on how close you want to get to your subjects.

Well, I suppose it really depends on what focal length you need really. If you are about to drop $1100 or $1600 on a lens you probably know what length you need.

Are you shooting weddings now? What lenses are you using?

When I shot the wedding party at night or in the church I used 24-105 (90%) ...and some time I used 17-40 ....my feeling is tell me to go with 35L .But i need some more advice and opinion .

Also I just sold my 70-200F4 ...and I thinking if I am going to get 85L ..can I get 70-200 F2.8L ...how is that sound ?

If you are suggesting to use the 70-200 f/2.8 instead of the 85L, then be aware that the 85L is 2 1/3 stops faster....a huge difference in DOF and low light capability. The 70-200 is of course much more flexible for focal length. Since weddings are usually devoid of fast action, the 70-200 f/2.8 IS might be a useful telephoto compromise.

Maybe try posting over at the weddings forum. My guess is that they will all suggest the 35L is nice for groups, dancing and table shots while the 85 (or 70-200) would be better for individual or couple portraits.

A budget approach might be 35L + 85 f/1.8 which together are less than the 85L. Make sure you don't spend your profits for the coming year on gear that is only marginally better. I bet the 85 f/1.8 would be absolutely adequate for wedding portraiture.

If you had a FF camera I would say go for the 85 1.2L for portraits. Sure it should be OK on a crop also although the FL might be a tad bit long for indoors except if you have a bit of space or just want to do head/shoulder shots. I do not do weddings so cannot advice there.

Thanks JeffreyG ....I don't shot group a lot ...most of my shot is portrai ...and some time group is about 4-6 people .So I think i would go for 85L ..and when I need the big group shot ,I would use my 17-40 .

I am aware of the low light condition , I shot at the club party and at that time I broght my 70-200F4 ...I saw 1 guy brough his 70-200F2.8 ..and his photo was sharp and fast focus at night .That whynow I want 1 prime lens with F2.8 or lower to shot at night .

I shot a couple wedding for my friend .....with F2.8 lens ....that is good already and now with 85 F1.2 L ....oh my god ,let the party begin .

without FF body, 35L would be a better choice for group picture (4-6). If you have FF then by all mean, go with 85L

Oh ..by the way ..I had 30D ..not 5D FF .

with 1.6x crop body, 85L is a bit too long. Go with 35L = 56mm while 85L comes out as 136mm

Bubble wrote in post #3715008
with 1.6x crop body, 85L is a bit too long. Go with 35L = 56mm while 85L comes out as 136mm

Look at your lens all prime which lens did you used the most ?

30D/35L is a great combo and my fave when I had the 30D. The 85L might be a little long for most shots unless you have space to backup or use outdoors.

Both excellent but I think focal length you shoot at most should help with your decision.

If you have a crop you would probably use the 35L most. If you have FF the 85L would probably be the most useful. But ultimately its like everyone said, look at your shooting habits and sibjects... Then get both!!

QX56 wrote in post #3715052
Look at your lens all prime which lens did you used the most ?

i used 85L and 35L , 135 the most.

mebailey wrote in post #3715080
If you have a crop you would probably use the 35L most. If you have FF the 85L would probably be the most useful. But ultimately its like everyone said, look at your shooting habits and sibjects... Then get both!!

OK ...let get 35L first ...then get 5D + 85L later