70-200 usm (non-IS) OR 24-105 usm

i have a 5d and only a 50mm 1.8 lens. i just cannot decide which lens to buy!! I do weddings, family photos, etc. Since they both have the same f stop, It all comes down to what kind of range i want. but i have the feeling that once i get an L-series lens, i wont touch the 50mm (which kind of pushes me to get the 24-105). any suggestions? anyone have either lens? any advice is greatly appreciated!! sample images wouldnt hurt either tanks in advance.

Welcome to the forum!

If you only currently have the 50 and want to do weddings and family stuff, get the 24-105L. The focal length range is much more useful and the IS is very nice to have.

I love my 70-200, but the lack of anything wider than a 50 with your proposed setup would be a deal killer if you plan to do weddings of any group event.

gonzogolf wrote in post #7513127
I love my 70-200, but the lack of anything wider than a 50 with your proposed setup would be a deal killer if you plan to do weddings of any group event.

Agreed. Youll be shooting bridals from the steeple. lol. I have had the Sigma 26-60 2.8 for 6 months and I LOVE that lens. On FF it is almost perfect for me. And Im waiting on my 70-200 F4L to get here tomorrow. Its a very good combo for me, because I generally shoot portraits and sports and eventually weddings.

I would look for a Sigma 24-60 F2.8, they are very affordable.

Get the 24-105 now and the 70-200mm later down the road.

OWSIU wrote in post #7513957
Get the 24-105 now and the 70-200mm later down the road.

+1

Wise purchase route suggested here. ＾＾＾＾＾＾＾＾＾＾＾＾＾

I too have a 50mm and it hasn't seen much action since I got my 24-105mm.

I've also had the 70-200mm f4 and though it is sharper I found the 24-105 to spend most of its time on the camera too.

+1 +2 to the advice above; 24-105mm first, 70-200mm next.

Also, canon was said to add new coatings to the 2009 lineup of the 24-105mm so I suggest sticking to that date code even if its not official.

-Eric-

I f you have a flash, and if you plan to buy the 24-105, I would suggest you to leave your 50mm. As 50mm is a focale where the 24-105 gives its best, I think you can easily leave the 50mm.
Regarding the 70-200, The 24-105 is highly more suitable for weddings. Even on a FF, the 50mm is not wide enough for group shooting.

I agree with the above. I bought a 24-105 this past fall and just got my 70-200 last month. Both great lenses. You may even want to save for the 2.8 if you are shooting indoors.