Need help building a lens collection

Hello All,

I've just made a switch to Canon and currently have a 5D and the 17-40mm. I couldn't find any specific post comparing the 24-105mm with the 70-200m f/4 IS. I would like my next lens to take outdoor portraits. I've read so many good reviews from the forum regarding the 24-105mm, but I feel that there's a little overlapping with my 17-40mm. What I would like to know is if the 70-200mm would be good for portraits comparing to the 24-105mm. Here's the setup I have in mind:

17-40mm (currently own)
50mm 1.4
70-200mm f/4 IS

I'm not really looking to have a "carry around" lens. Would that be a good start to build my collection?

Thanks!
Ken

Why not go for the 24-70 f/2.8L.

Cheers

For portraits on a FF I would recommend the 85L. It is much sharper and gives better DOF control than any of the zooms. It also has superior low light capibility if you dont want to use a flash. I almost forgot to mention the awesome bokeh...

jj_photography wrote in post #4058029
Why not go for the 24-70 f/2.8L.

Cheers

I'm hesitant because of a little overlapping with my 17-40mm.

mebailey wrote in post #4058305
For portraits on a FF I would recommend the 85L. It is much sharper and gives better DOF control than any of the zooms. It also has superior low light capibility if you dont want to use a flash. I almost forgot to mention the awesome bokeh...

Thanks, I'll go do some reading on the 85L.

One more recommendation. If you find the 85L too pricey, look at the 135L. Its even sharper but does give away some in speed and DOF control to the 85mm. But its still at least whole stop faster and has better DOF control than a zoom. I use it for face and shoulder portraiture. Its usually too long for full body or groups.

This is what I would like to have with a 5D, with the addition of the 24-105.

blueM wrote in post #4058637
This is what I would like to have with a 5D, with the addition of the 24-105.

This is where I'm stumped. Yes, it would be nice to have both , but I would like to choose either the 24-105mm or the 70-200mm. Wouldn't owning these 2 lens together have an overlapping range in the 70-105mm? This is where I find it hard to start building a lens collection.

Maybe I can ask this question to simplify my selection from the people who have own both. How are the image quality between these 2 lens? In terms of portraits, would I need anything beyond 105mm if I were to choose the 24-105mm? 135mm was also suggested so it makes the decision a little tougher now.

I think you are really overly concerned about overlap. If you were talking about owning both a 24-70 and a 24-105 then yes that is too much. Otherwise a little overlap is nice for most people because it means that you can do more without changing lenses.

All in all, the 17-40 + 50 + 70-200 should be fine though....particularly for a person who does not need a generalist "walkabout" lens.

JeffreyG wrote in post #4059008
I think you are really overly concerned about overlap. If you were talking about owning both a 24-70 and a 24-105 then yes that is too much. Otherwise a little overlap is nice for most people because it means that you can do more without changing lenses.

All in all, the 17-40 + 50 + 70-200 should be fine though....particularly for a person who does not need a generalist "walkabout" lens.

I agree. I don't have a 5D (maybe I'll buy one soon though). But I do have the 24-105. There is nothing I can complain about this lens. It is sharp, it focus fast and accurate. I like its focusing system better than my 17-55 even. And again, a little overlap is better because you won't have to switch lens too often.
Have fun

JeffreyG wrote in post #4059008
I think you are really overly concerned about overlap. If you were talking about owning both a 24-70 and a 24-105 then yes that is too much. Otherwise a little overlap is nice for most people because it means that you can do more without changing lenses.

Thank you for making it clear. I will start off with the 24-70L and then add the 70-200mm to compliment my collection. Thanks again everyone for your feedback.

i know youre talking for 5d but my plans for my xti as follows.
16-35 f/2.8L to replace my kit lens
24-70 f/2.8L
70-200 f/2.8L IS to replace my tamron zoom
maybe a 2x tc
and i already have the 50mm f/1.8.

this covers about everything, except for 400+mm which i'd never use or be able to afford, and the super wide, which wouldnt be too useful on my 1.6 crop anyway.

good luck!

Forget that SLOW 70-200 and get a 50 f/1.4 + 135 f/2 L. The 135 f/2 L is a Ferrari compared to the slow, poor DoF/bokeh 70-200. Oh, and slightly cheaper as a bonus
I upgraded from the 70-200 f/4 to the 100macro and i haven't regretted it for one second. For me, the 135 was too long so it was either 2 stops or one stop+macro (100 f/2 vs 100 f/2.8 macro). Even a single stop makes a visible difference both in terms of lowlight shooting and DoF. The 2 stops the 135L earns you will blow you away. Especially since you said you were going to buy it for portraits.

Dragos Jianu wrote in post #4074715
Forget that SLOW 70-200 and get a 50 f/1.4 + 135 f/2 L. The 135 f/2 L is a Ferrari compared to the slow, poor DoF/bokeh 70-200. Oh, and slightly cheaper as a bonus
I upgraded from the 70-200 f/4 to the 100macro and i haven't regretted it for one second. For me, the 135 was too long so it was either 2 stops or one stop+macro (100 f/2 vs 100 f/2.8 macro). Even a single stop makes a visible difference both in terms of lowlight shooting and DoF. The 2 stops the 135L earns you will blow you away. Especially since you said you were going to buy it for portraits.

Another poster have also mentioned the 135L as well. Yes, I'm looking to get a lens that is in good range for outdoor portrait and if this fits the criteria then I will get it. Thanks for the comparison.

You are likely to get lens overlaping sooner of later. I have three lenses that will shoot at 28mm, and three that will shoot at 70mm.

Thank you everyone for the feedback. The information posted has helped me a lot to plan out my lens collection. With that, here are the lens I'll be purchasing:

24-70/2.8
50/1.4
135/2.0

Hopefully that will be a good start for this expensive hobby.