Hello 35L! goodbye 70-200 2.8L IS

Hi everyone, I am new here. I have been wanting to acquire the 35L and at the moment, i am deciding if i should let my 70-200 2.8 IS go for it. Since I also own the 85L, I found myself not picking up the zoom hence, a decision is imminent.

The value of lenses all depends on what a buyer is willing to pay for. Considering everything but that, how much cash (fair) involved should there be assuming both lenses are in similar condition?

Thank you.

PS: I discovered this forum while reading reviews of the 35L

WICKEN wrote in post #9502732
Hi everyone, I am new here. I have been wanting to acquire the 35L and at the moment, i am deciding if i should let my 70-200 2.8 IS go for it. Since I also own the 85L, I found myself not picking up the zoom hence, a decision is imminent.
The value of lenses all depends on what a buyer is willing to pay for. Considering everything but that, how much cash (fair) involved should there be assuming both lenses are in similar condition?
Thank you.
PS: I discovered this forum while reading reviews of the 35L

Welcome to the forum, and I hope you can make your prime-dream come true! From all accounts, it's a great lens to own/use...and it's on my wish list!
Regards,
Simon

I would never give up my 70-200 for a single prime. It's just way too useful. But since you already have an 85 and considering that there is a newer 2.8 IS coming out, it may sound like a good idea. If you don't find yourself going in the 100-200 too often then I'd go for it.

The 35L is a great lens. Perhaps with a little more cash on your part, you could also get the 200 f/2.8L II to gain a little bit more reach.

used 35L goes for about $1100-1200. A used 70-200 2.8 IS in same condition goes for about $1400-1500.

I love using prime lenses, I own only 3 zoom and the rest is prime. But I still keep my 70-200 mainly because even though I don't use it that much it comes in handy when I need it. It really depends on what you shoot and your style of photography. Maybe you can trade + cash for 70-200 IS L f4 and use the money to fund your 35L. Just a thought

carpediem291 wrote in post #9503019
used 35L goes for about $1100-1200. A used 70-200 2.8 IS in same condition goes for about $1400-1500.

I love using prime lenses, I own only 3 zoom and the rest is prime. But I still keep my 70-200 mainly because even though I don't use it that much it comes in handy when I need it. It really depends on what you shoot and your style of photography. Maybe you can trade + cash for 70-200 IS L f4 and use the money to fund your 35L. Just a thought

So what you're saying is he should get a used 35L and use the money for a used 135L, right?

Keep the 70-200 IS. It's an extraordinary lens.

I think the 35 L is an excellent compliment to the 70-200 f2.8 IS, not a replacement. But, if you are going all primes, might as well as the 135 f2 as well.

Thanks for the replies. Yes, I am probably gonna end up with a 135L when it's all said and done

WICKEN wrote in post #9504267
Thanks for the replies. Yes, I am probably gonna end up with a 135L when it's all said and done

I say save the $$$ and skip the 135 and go for the 200 2L. Dump the zooms and go prime. I don't own a zoom and now will probably never own one. Once you get used to the IQ of lenses like the24L, 35L, 85L and especially 200 2L you'll never regret picking IQ over convenience. Yeah the 200 2L is pricey but to me it was worth every nickel

WICKEN wrote in post #9502732
...I have been wanting to acquire the 35L and at the moment, i am deciding if i should let my 70-200 2.8 IS go for it...

When i moved to an FF format from an APS-C format, I also moved from a zoom only lens line up (11-16 f2.8,17-55 f2.8 IS,70-200 f2.8 IS) to a prime only lens line up. After 2 months of using primes only, my girlfriend told me that i should get a zoom lens so that she's more comfortable with using the 5Dii. So in the end, she bought me a 24-70L. To make a long story short, the 24-70L stayed mostly in my storm case because of it's weight, size, and aperture. My girlfriend was going to take the 5D home with a 24-70 mounted to it but after she realized that it's heavy, she opted out. Eventually, it lead to a point that i sold it to save up for the amazing 24LII.

If you are a stickler for bokeh, color, and increased sharpness, then I'm sure you can make it work. Having primes as your only lenses to go to, you'll be forced into a different way of shooting with your feet.

In addition, you'll also, be more invisible to your subjects, have the ability to shoot movement in lower amounts of light, and you will carry a lighter load as your back will thank you for it later down the road in life.

WICKEN wrote in post #9504267
Thanks for the replies. Yes, I am probably gonna end up with a 135L when it's all said and done

If you are a heavy portrait shooter, and you like to work in close distances with your subjects, skip the 135L. I find it to be an awkward lens on a FF format and thus, it stays in my case.

Just like airfrogusmc said, you should go after the 200 f2L. I ignored his recommendation when i was after the 135L. I'll probably go back to his recommendation after attaining the 24L, and 50L. The 200 f2L is a hard lens to buy due to it's price. $5000 is a lot of cash compared to $2000. hmmm...

Marloon wrote in post #9504518
If you are a heavy portrait shooter, and you like to work in close distances with your subjects, skip the 135L. I find it to be an awkward lens on a FF format and thus, it stays in my case.

Just like airfrogusmc said, you should go after the 200 f2L. I ignored his recommendation when i was after the 135L. I'll probably go back to his recommendation after attaining the 24L, and 50L. The 200 f2L is a hard lens to buy due to it's price. $5000 is a lot of cash compared to $2000. hmmm...

Yeah but if your selective in what you buy then you can afford it and not only is the 200 2L sharper that the 135L and it has better CA control and because of the 4 stop IS its 4 stops faster than the 135. I love my lens line up.
24L
35L
85L
200 2L
and a couple of 5Ds.

You answered your own question. If you don't use a lens, lose it. I'm surprised you don't use the 70-200 — its my favorite lens. But, to each his/her own...

f/2.8 ? that's just sooo yesterday! SLOW