Canon 17-55mm 2.8 vs 24-70mm L 2.8

[Robbo]

At the moment I have the 17-55mm 2.8 and its a great lens.

How ever I am starting to do more portraits etc and some times feel I need that lil extra reach.

Option....

1. Keep the 17-55mm and get a 70-200 2.8 IS to go on a second body and use both at a shoot, giving me the wider shots and the closer shots, with the added bonus of a new lens.

2. Sell the 17-55mm and get the 24-70mm

I have looked at the 24-105 L but I like the fast glass to much and the use of smaller dof.

Any input welcome.

 

[Jonmurgie]

Switching the 17-55 to the 24-70 isn't going to give you THAT much more reach and your option of keeping the 17-55 and getting the 70-200 gives you heaps of reach.

I think it's an easy decision: do you need more reach than 70mm?

If yes, then 1.
If no, then 2.

I have the 24-70 and LOVE it!

 

[HoppyUK]

85 1.8. Perfect for portraits on a cropper Damn sight cheaper too!

 

[ChrisJ_SLH]

85 1.8. Perfect for portraits on a cropper Damn sight cheaper too!

Totally agree, equivalent focal length of 135mm on crop (136 if you are splitting hairs), fast and sharp. Loved it when I had my 40D, still love it on my 5Dmk2. Sort of fancy a 135mm too now though as the 85mm is now an 85mm.

 

[cmonkey]

+1

Buy the 85mm F1.8

Fantastic lens

 

[User Name]

Or 100mm f/2.8 L IS macro on a 5D classic.
Sharp sharp sharp and fantastic contrast and colours.
Then pop it on the 50D and you can take pics of bugs.

 

[Glenn Mather]

I've been thinking about the 85mm 1.8 - what is the focusing like in low light, fast? accurate? quiet?

Glennhttp://www.gmatherphotography.com

 

[Jelster]

Damn, you need a website designer

Or a decent service provider

Back to the OP...

I have used the 24-70 on a crop and it is a wonderful lens, and if 90% of your work is portraits then it may be a good move for you. Personally I love the 17-55 on a crop sensor - it's a good combination especially as an all rounder. I find 24mm a little to narrow for general use.

However, the 85mm 1.8 has a huge following and is my next target lens since I've just picked up a 70-200 f2.8. The 24-105 is also very popular with portrait togs, and having rented it on a few occasions I can understand why, especially if you're doing a lot of studio work, as you don't need the shallow depth of field.

At the end of the day only you can decide on what you need, the 17-55 is a good piece of kit, but if most of your work is portraits then a min FL of 24mm shouldn't be an issue.

Steve

 

[eos1]

The 24-70mm won't give much more reach than your 17-55mm.
I would look at a 70-200mm L and maybe a second body if you need it.