What Lens to choose

[lacasaturner]

I am a wedding photographer, and do portraits, graduations, etc. This is a list of the lens that I have:

EFS 18-55mm, 75-300mm, 28-135mm and the 70-200mm

My question for Bob is, what lens is next, or missing?

Thanks!  Kim

[KeithB]

What body do you have?

You might look into an 85mm fixed focal length lens for portrait work.  You get a much larger aperature to either really set the depth of field, or at least keep the camera a few stops off the largest aperature for better picture quality.

[lacasaturner]

Sorry, I should have included the body: Canon 50 D

I was thinking about the Canon EF 24-70 mm f/2.8L, what do you think?

[Bob Atkins]

I don't shoot weddings myself, but the EF 24-70/2.8L USM seems to be very popular with those who do. It's fast enough to work in low light and to blur backgrounds. It also covers the ideal portrait focal lengths when used with 50D.

The other option is the EF 24-105/4L IS USM. It's a stop slower so it won't blur backgrounds quite as much, but it has IS which means it can be used in low light to good advantage (as long as the subjects aren't moving too fast!). The extra zoom range can be useful. I have the 24-105 myself, though I don't use it for weddings. The focal length range covers the portrait lens region on both APS-C and Full frame cameras.

Both lenses are about the same price, so people often can't decide between them! I use both a 5D and a 40D so I went with the 24-105/4L myself since I think it's a little more versatile when working with both APS-C and full frame formats. It's also quite a bit lighter than the 24-70/2.8L

[KeithB]

Good recent article on TOP:

http://theonlinephotographer.typepad.com/the_online_photographer/2009/06/weddings-with-a-telephoto.html

Note the comments from folks who shoot weddings.  The 24-70 shows up a lot.  I don't shoot weddings, but I see that my 85mm/1.8 recommendation is echoed there.  I feel vindicated. 

[Bob Atkins]

I'd say that if you have control of the situation (i.e. you can pose your subjects), then a prime lens like the 85/1.8 is a great choice. I think the use of zooms by wedding photographers is a reflection of that fact that you can't always take the time to get into the right position to use a prime and you can compose faster with a zoom.

[KeithB]

Well, along with the weddings, the OP mentions "portraits and graduations" which was the basis for recommending the EF85/1.8.

But here was one commenter from the article I linked:
"I guess what you use to shoot with is personal preference. This all goes back to the article on DOF. I use an 85 1.8 at around 1.8 to 3.2 for nearly half of my wedding and portrait photos. Not because I am trying to pigeon-hole my self, but because I like the way the photos look. I like to isolate the subject from the background. I like to lead the eye. I like to tell the story with details, not just a general overview. My camera bag is my tool box. I am building a story and every tool is important. I might only use my 70-200 once or twice, but it can make for essential shot. It all depends on the day."

[whizkid]

If you have the "IS" version of the18-55 and are satisified with the results then I also vote for the EF 85 f/1.8 for it's portraiture fame.  If your 18-55 is not the "IS" version or you need larger apertures then look at the EF-s 17-55 f/2.8.

[lacasaturner]

Thank you everyone for your comments and experienced take . . I'll let you know what I decide!

[lacasaturner]

Purchased the 85 mm 1.8 and I love it. Takes some getting use to when I've been used to the zooms, but is worth the set up. I am now thinking about my next lens: 24-70 mm What do you all think?

Also, I've heard rumors that this lens is going to be upgraded, any truth? Should I wait?

Thanks!

PS. To help with my question, I have a Canon 50D with the following lenses:

85 mm 1.8 (ultrasonic); 70-200 mm (adore this lens); 50 mm; 18-55 mm IS; 75-300 mm 4-5.6 (ultrasonic, love this lens); 28-135mm 0.5/1.6ft (Ultrasonic).