Finally talked the boss into me buying an L lens

OK, so I get the wife to agree that I need an L lens.

I could either get a 24-70mm f/2.8L USM or a 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM.

I currently have accessible to me a 50mm 2.5 and an EFS 17-85mm f/4-5.6.

I know that the 70-200mm is the work horse for everyone else. It kind'a makes me wonder if it'll be mine or if I'm better of with the first. Right now I shoot mainly just corporate studio head shots but would like to get into senior photography. Scared a bit about wedding photography but I've done a few of friends and family.

What do you guys think? I can only get one ... for now.

ofcourse 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM since it costs more. You can sneak behind her and get 24-70 later since it is much cheaper.

seriously, base on what you're doing now, 24-70 is a better choice.

I would get the 70-200 for the fact it is so versatile and it can be a great portrait lens.
It would be a great lens also for when you get more into wedding.
I think that would be the best bet, since you already have the 17-85. and 50mm, but I would sell that sigma and buy either a used or new 50mm f/1.4, much better in lowlight situations, especially for portrait work.
Ok well best of luck!

For what you're doing, I'd say 24-70

If you have the budget for a 70-200 f/2.8 IS and can squeeze in a little more, you should consider the 85/1.2 L for your portrait work. Or the 85/1.8 and good lighting.

I'd say get the 70-200. You already have the focal range of the 24-70 in the 17-85, and with the 70-200 you'd have a great portrait lens range between 70-105-135, plus you'd have the telephoto range of 200mm.

I never really understand why a lot of photographers seem to double and even triple up on focal lengths/focal length ranges, esp near the wide/short telephoto range. It's like they're "scared" of longer focal lengths. They may not think they "need" a long telephoto focal length, "NOW", but if they've already got 2 or 3 short range lenses, why not get a longer focal length, and give it a try?

Sure telephoto lenses are heavy, but then so is carrying 3 or 4 lenses that cover basically the same focal length range. JMO

Good luck with whatever you choose.

Perhaps try to find a good deal on a used 24-70 and squeeze in a 70-200 F/4 non IS?

That 70-200mm is a fine, fine lens. You won't be sorry.

Canonswhitelensesrule wrote in post #5511435
I never really understand why a lot of photographers seem to double and even triple up on focal lengths/focal length ranges, esp near the wide/short telephoto range. It's like they're "scared" of longer focal lengths.

We all get those long focal length heebie-jeebies.

Now that I actually have the go ahead; I'm getting excited and a bit nervous. It just seems like it's a lot of money.

Anyway, I have an XTI body that I'm using right now (can borrow pretty much anytime). I figured I better get the lens first then I'll be able to squeeze in the body later. Maybe the 40D.

I think I'm leaning towards the 70-200mm since yes I have the 17-85 right now. But I'm still open to more arguments / pros and cons about the whole thing.

Looking at the sample shots on the sticky both lens are sharp. Both also have good ratings. Just want to make a good choice I guess, as I know that I won't be able to get another L lens for some time.

go for the 70-200. Very versatile and has IS. PLus, like somebody else stated, its more expensive and you can get the other one later. Plus, you have the 17-85, which isn't terrrible.

Don't do it....... you'll get another one soon after your first ...

go for the 70-200...my 24-70 gets passed over for my nifty fifty more times than i can count....

for as much crap as it gets, i found the 17-85 to be a decent lens. If you dont have a tele zoom for your kit yet id say go for the 70-200.

I went XTi > 17-85 > purchased 70-200 2.8 IS > sold 17-85 > purchase 24-70 (as soon as the canon rebates drop)

how about the 17-55 f2.8 since you are using crop bodies.
Perfect lens combo 10-22, 17-55, 70-200
How about you sell the 17-85 and get a 17-55 plus a 70-200 f4 IS or f2.8 non IS
you can get good deals on either of those in the market section since so many people start with them and upgrade to the f2.8 IS later on. Cover your range first what ever you do!!