Another "what would you buy" question

I have the following lenses right now:
50 1.8
85 1.2 L
70-200 2.8 IS L
100 Macro
17-40 F4 L

I have the 5D MK2 and the 40D and a 580 flash. I received a gift certificate to Henry's for $1000 from my supportive girl friend for my brithday and am willing to put more money if the purchase makes sense. I am not sure which way to go between a longer zoom (100-400), another prime (35, 50 1.2, 135L), or a 24-70L. Since I've purchased the 5D2, I have really enjoyed the 17-40 so much more then on the crop body (as a lot of you have mentioned). I enjoy shooting anything from landscapes, portraits, family functions, nature, etc.

I would be extremly greatful for any suggestions that you might have.

Thank you for your time.

You miss a walk around lens, so maybe the 24-70 or 24-105 is a good choice for you.
But if you enjoy that wide angle, maybe you could consider a wide prime. 24L or 35L sounds like a good idea?

If you ask me, you have plenty of lenses, you're well covered and they're all excellent. I'd spend the money on two tickets two Costa Rica or some place you and her like - this way you make both of you happy and you get to use your fine equipment to create some unique shots - awesome memories for the both of you ... money well spent. She obviously is a fantastic girl and deserves it. It's a win/win situation ...

How about a bit of a shuffle? Sell the 50 1.8 & the 17-40, buy the 50 1.4 & the 16-35.

Phil

Like the macro? Maybe a MP-E 65? A nice ring light as well?

grab a teleconverter and a vacation.

If you need to ask someone else what lens you need....then you don't need another lens.

Lighting gear

I agree with the vacation idea. You have a nice lineup of lenses....get 'em out somewhere exotic and use 'em !

And I agree about the 17-40 on a FF....when I got my FF, that lens really came alive !

+1 for the vacation. Unfortunately, it sounds like Henry's is a camera shop...

If I were you, I wouldn't bother with a 24-70 or 105. I don't like to have lenses that need to compete for time on my bodies. I always end up feeling guilty that a certain lens isn't getting enough use to justify having it or sometimes I will second guess my selection and my shooting will suffer. If you think you have a need for a longer lens like the 100-400, then I think that you should get that. If not, see if your girlfriend can return the gift certificate or sell it or something.

1000 dollar wedding ring?

Thanks for the feedback. We have a vacation planned for the summer already (not Costa Rica as that's where I went with my ex wife for our honeymoon), so that's taken care of. Unfortunately the only rings that they sell at Henry's are the red one's that come around nice lenses...
I didn't think about lighting, but that's a great idea, same with the MP-E-65. Now I have more possibilites...

14 2.8LII would be a consideration. Also the 24-105L The 14 would produce UW ultra shap pics from a different perspective,although expensive and double your gift certificate.

Stan43 wrote in post #7719480
14 2.8LII would be a consideration. Also the 24-105L The 14 would produce UW ultra shap pics from a different perspective,although expensive and double your gift certificate.

Up here in Toronto, the 14 is listed for 2800... although I would love to concider that, I think that's a little high for me at this time.

However, the 24-105 is reasonable.

Yes, vacation sounds nice. You mentioned that you enjoy taking nature shots. Perhaps, you might consider the Canon telephoto zoom EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS lens to fill the bill.