next lens to get? (for wedding, eshoot, portrait and modeling)

Currently I have my eyes on the 70-200mm f/2.8 II but I need to know if it's the right decision for my need before I blow $2500 on it. My main focus are weddings, e-shoots, portraits and modeling.

I shoot with a 7D. I only have two lenses which is the 18-55mm IS and 50mm f/1.8 II. My partner shares the Canon 24-70mm f/2.8 with me and he will be buying the 135L soon. Sometime I am out of town and I don't always have access to my partner's lenses.

My question is which next lens (or lenses) do you recommend? $2500ish is the max budget. Thanks.

weddings = get the 70-200mm f/2.8 II

advance congratulations on the right lens decision

mike cabilangan wrote in post #10080503
weddings = get the 70-200mm f/2.8 II

advance congratulations on the right lens decision

is the 70-200 also useful for eshoots, portraits and modeling?

I don't see the point of blowing it all on one lens. Upgrade your glass to f/2.8 zooms, or primes if you like those better. You can get a 17-55 IS and 70-200/2.8 IS used for $2500 or less.

jxs1984 wrote in post #10080514
is the 70-200 also useful for eshoots, portraits and modeling?

yes, all of the above.

jxs1984 wrote in post #10080514
is the 70-200 also useful for eshoots, portraits and modeling?

soundwave888 wrote in post #10080565
yes, all of the above.

what soundwave said. i only quoted the wedding part because weddings usually require two things:

1) one zoom lens (all in, no time to change lenses)
2) Image Stabilization

the II is great for the other uses as well, it's just that there are other specialized lenses for portraits and modelling, but having two spectacular lenses you can't use efficiently during the wedding won't help you much

mike cabilangan wrote in post #10080630
what soundwave said. i only quoted the wedding part because weddings usually require two things:

1) one zoom lens (all in, no time to change lenses)
2) Image Stabilization

the II is great for the other uses as well, it's just that there are other specialized lenses for portraits and modelling, but having two spectacular lenses you can't use efficiently during the wedding won't help you much

good point! I really like the IS on it, you could really see/feel it working. I just want to know the people of POTN's opinion.

Is there a reason not to get the 70-200mm?

The 70-200 is a great ceremony lens but it is a bit long on a crop camera. On FF my wedding basic kit is 35/1.4, 70-200/2.8IS and a rented 85/1.2. A pretty 'standard' kit for weddings.
You may want to spread you cash around a bit. If you can rent one and try it first, see if it fits you style.

In general you can not go wrong with the 70-200 but you may like some fast&wide glass for candids & eshoots - like a 24 ( for 38ish on your 7D ) Consider the 17-55/2.8 while it is basically a dupe of you kit lens optically it is a step up and the extra speed is very useful.

toxic wrote in post #10080552
I don't see the point of blowing it all on one lens. Upgrade your glass to f/2.8 zooms, or primes if you like those better. You can get a 17-55 IS and 70-200/2.8 IS used for $2500 or less.

What he said. You are better off with this combo. Although the new 70-200 is better, the original is no slouch.