suggest me a lens to replace my 70-200mm f/2.8 IS II

Recently I bought the 70-200mm f/2.8 IS II and I like the sharpness, contrast and everything about it. However it's not working for me on my crop camera because I don't really like to be 10 to 20 ft away to get a decent portrait. It would be wise for me to replace it with another lens or two and maybe an alien bee to go with it.

What are your lens suggestion on a crop camera for wedding, engagement, portrait and modeling? My budget limit is $2500 or less.

Are you looking for a zoom or a prime (s)? Are you an 'L' snob?

If you want to take portraits, you generally wouldn't want to step in much closer than that anyway. 85mm has long been said to be a sweet spot for portrait shooting, so I would suggest the 85mm f/1.8, but if you're already displeased with 70mm, then I think your best bet would be something in the 50mm range, maybe the sigma 50mm f/1.4 or the canon L.

cdreemz17 wrote in post #10186267
Are you looking for a zoom or a prime (s)? Are you an 'L' snob?

maybe one prime and one zoom to equal the price of $2500 or less. I really would like to have IS but not an 'L' snob as long as the lens give me sharp image quality.

folville wrote in post #10186280
If you want to take portraits, you generally wouldn't want to step in much closer than that anyway. 85mm has long been said to be a sweet spot for portrait shooting, so I would suggest the 85mm f/1.8, but if you're already displeased with 70mm, then I think your best bet would be something in the 50mm range, maybe the sigma 50mm f/1.4 or the canon L.

are you referring to 85mm on FF or crop?

24-70L

I think the 85mm 1.8 won't do much good given the case. I'm working with a crop body (30D) also and although the images look great, it is too long for my liking as well and will probably sell it. I'm thinking of going with a 60mm via Tamron/Sigma for a nice, fast, prime lens, as on the opposite side, the 50mm 1.8 seems just a bit short.

what about 17-55mm IS and 85mm f/1.8?

Why not buy a full frame camera?!?!?!? Get a 5Dmk2 and you will enjoy you 70-200 ALOT more! Keep the 18-55 on your 7D and the 70-200 on your 5Dmk2!!

Canon EF 135mm f/2L or get a 5D Mark II.

Combatmedic870 wrote in post #10186615
Why not buy a full frame camera?!?!?!? Get a 5Dmk2 and you will enjoy you 70-200 ALOT more! Keep the 18-55 on your 7D and the 70-200 on your 5Dmk2!!

+1

Indeed, the best solution. Get a 5DII and keep your current lenses. The 70-200/II is great for portraits on FF.

I would do that but the 5DII is out of my price range at this moment. I'm looking to replace the 70-200 and get maybe two lenses + alien bee so it would be useful for $2500 or less.

A 5DII would be below your $2500 limit..

but he said he has to give up the 70-200 first, what good would the 5d2 be without a nice lens?

jxs1984 wrote in post #10186665
I would do that but the 5DII is out of my price range at this moment. I'm looking to replace the 70-200 and get maybe two lenses + alien bee so it would be useful for $2500 or less.

Used 5D Classic.