Next lens for a 5D?

I converted to digital last August with a 5D and 24-105L kit lens. I also bought a 50mm 1.4 to provide a basic starter kit with some low-light capability. Being semi-retired, I want to avoid the upgrade route and am happy to save for premier gear that'll substantially see me through until I die.

Premise - As a semi-detached journalist, grab-shot reportage is important, but I also photograph mountain landscapes, trains and planes, formal portraits, a few weddings and am currently being seduced by wildlife. So you can see that, if I'm fleshing out my lens inventory, there's an argument for both wide and telephoto. I'm instinctively inclined towards primes, but am not averse to a good zoom.

A recent windfall cheque means I have around £1300 to spend on glass with the estimable kerso (from whom I happily bought my 200 2.8L and 1.4 extender).

I obviously wish to avoid gratuitous overlap, but clearly cannot avoid it entirely, so current options are:

17-40L and 70-200 f4 IS
70-200 f2.8 IS and bits and pieces (filters, ballhead, etc)
300 f4 and 400 f5.6
85 f1.2

Outsiders include 35 1.4L and 135 f2L. The 24 1.4L seems little mentioned or rated. Anyone tell me why?

Given my interests, I'd be interested to read comments that may help me narrow down my options . . . the more I drool, the more confused I become!

For portraits something like the 85mm 1.2 comes highly recommended... it really comes down to which area you want to get something useful in first! Would you prefer something longer for birding or something for better portraits first?

That's the trouble - I'm photographically promiscuous. Though I have areas of interest, I'll find something to intrigue me in almost any situation * . . . That's why I want fresh opinions to jolt my mind-set.

* except macro and architecture

ETA : OK, let's invert the query - which of the above options would you argue against?

IMO a lens is just a tool. To be used based upon what, where and how you shoot and to what purpose (as in output). All the lenses on your list are fine lenses. I own a few myself or have shot with them. But it is not easy to give you some specific advice (other than buy them all ) when you display such wide photographic interests. Maybe you need to focus first in order to make a satisfying choice. You can always rent a lens to see if it suits your shooting habits.

xhack wrote in post #5312523
The 24 1.4L seems little mentioned or rated. Anyone tell me why?

I'm also a bit puzzled by the lack of popularity for this wonderful lens as I own one myself and also own a 5D.

For me, I find it to be a very handy lens for working under available lighting conditions and allows me to work indoors under tighter space restrictions to get a group of people into the frame rather then just the head and shoulders of one person with my EF 50 f/1.4.

Many professional newspaper photographers also choose this lens, the 24L, because of its low light strengths and some have won prestigious awards for their work with it. It may be a bit wide at times but you can always crop your image afterward and if you do have a desire for landscape photography, the 24L on a 5D is a powerful combination.

Enjoy your retirement and best of luck with your photography.

Cheers!

I'd break it down by what you currently can and cannot do.

The 24-105 can do a lot. 24mm is pretty wide, so while a 17-40 would be a nice addition you really only need it occasionally.

The 24-105 can also do portraits quite nicely. If you really feel a need for a faster lens with better bokeh then the 85/1.8 might be worth looking at. There is nothing wrong with the 85L mind, but if you grabbed the 85/1.8 you might have enough money to also get a long telephoto.

Which brings me to long. Right now your best reach is 280mm @ f/4. That's not enough for most wildlife on a 5D. So I think what you are most missing is a long lens. As you already have the 200mm and a TC, the 400/5.6 strikes me as an excellent fit. I might go for the 300/4 though simply for the IS. The 300/4 takes a TC well giving you nearly the same 420/5.6 at the limit of your 5Ds AF capability.

So check UK pricing and see if the 85/1.8 and 300/4 (or 400/5.6) can be fit into your budget.