24mm 1.4L Prime vs 16-35mm 2.8L Zoom

DulaMug

I would be considered an advanced amateur. I am planning to buy two new lenses in 2009. I'm looking at the EF 24mm 1.4L vs EF 16-35 2.8L. I have a 5DMK2 w/ EF 24-105 4.0L, 70-200 2.8L IS. I would get greater versatility from the 16-35. Would the quality of the 24mm Prime justify the lack of versatlity? Would the quality of the 85mm 1.2L justify it in addition to the 24-105 4.0L?

Thanks,
Bill :scratch

ziggy53

DulaMug wrote:

I would be considered an advanced amateur. I am planning to buy two new lenses in 2009. I'm looking at the EF 24mm 1.4L vs EF 16-35 2.8L. I have a 5DMK2 w/ EF 24-105 4.0L, 70-200 2.8L IS. I would get greater versatility from the 16-35. Would the quality of the 24mm Prime justify the lack of versatlity? Would the quality of the 85mm 1.2L justify it in addition to the 24-105 4.0L?

Thanks,
Bill

Bill,

There is no real way to gauge what you need until you tell us what it is you want to do.

How would you use the new lenses?
What do you have now for lenses?
What is lacking in what you have?

DulaMug

ziggy53 wrote:

Bill,

There is no real way to gauge what you need until you tell us what it is you want to do.

How would you use the new lenses?
What do you have now for lenses?
What is lacking in what you have?

I have a 50mm 1.4, 24-105mm 4.0L, 70-200mm 2.8L. I photograph mostly events to include weddings. If I photographed a large wedding group would the quality be better with a prime 24mm L lense or 16-35mm zoom? I also shoot portraits. What would be the difference in quality if I used the 85mm 1.2L vs the 24-105 4.0L? Is there enough difference in Prime lense quality to have both prime lenses and "L" quality zooms?

Thanks,
Bill

Tee Why

DulaMug wrote:

I have a 50mm 1.4, 24-105mm 4.0L, 70-200mm 2.8L. I photograph mostly events to include weddings. If I photographed a large wedding group would the quality be better with a prime 24mm L lense or 16-35mm zoom? I also shoot portraits. What would be the difference in quality if I used the 85mm 1.2L vs the 24-105 4.0L? Is there enough difference in Prime lense quality to have both prime lenses and "L" quality zooms?

Thanks,
Bill

I think if you are going to do large group shots, the zoom may be better as you would get versatility if you cannot foot zoom and you would be stopped down anyway, so the speed of the 24mm f1.4 would not help you. I don't think unless you are pixel peeping you would notice the difference between the two in normal sized prints under such conditions.

If you do portraits, I think the 85mm f1.2L would be better if you can control the distance you shoot from your subjects. Having said that, I'd save the money and just get a 85mm f1.8. I've tried the 85mm f1.2L and it's AF is pretty slow, even the II generation version. Another option is the 135mm f2L, which will give you a different focal length and fast speed at a much lower speed. But if the funds are there and you want speed, why not.

DulaMug

Tee Why wrote:

I think if you are going to do large group shots, the zoom may be better as you would get versatility if you cannot foot zoom and you would be stopped down anyway, so the speed of the 24mm f1.4 would not help you. I don't think unless you are pixel peeping you would notice the difference between the two in normal sized prints under such conditions.

If you do portraits, I think the 85mm f1.2L would be better if you can control the distance you shoot from your subjects. Having said that, I'd save the money and just get a 85mm f1.8. I've tried the 85mm f1.2L and it's AF is pretty slow, even the II generation version. Another option is the 135mm f2L, which will give you a different focal length and fast speed at a much lower speed. But if the funds are there and you want speed, why not.

Thanks for the advice. I will take a look at the 135 f2L and the 16-35mm.

Bill

pathfinder

I agree that the 135f2 L is a bargain. Sharp with great bokeh. Not too big and not too heavy.

The 85 f1.2 L is a great lens but very large, heavy and rather slow. But a stellar lens if you can use it. In a studio setting it is excellent. It does demand precision in focusing, and the new 50D and the 5DMkll that allow micro adjusting might make good use of it in the right hands.

The 16-35 f2.8 L is also a very fine lens. I agree that for shooting groups I would prefer it over the 24 prime due to the zoom ability.