Looking for a normal lens

[tommy3824]

Hi there,

I am currently looking for an addition/new lens.  I've broke down my decisions to the 24-70mm f2.8L, 24-105mm f4L IS, and the 35mm f1.4L.  I was basically just looking for some input as far as if there is any need for a zoom other than convenience. 

I currently have a 450D, the kit lens (18-55mm IS), 60mm f2.8 macro, and 70-200mm f2.8L.  I do a lot of indoor photography (especially here in ohio since the weather is crap 85% of the time), but my favorite is photographing anything outdoors.  I just try to be ready for any situation that seems interesting to me.

Anyways, I would rather get the 35mm in regards to add a fast lens (and its a prime), but I'm wondering if I be missing out with my setup? Obviously, my full focal range won't be covered, but can't these focal lengths be compensated by just moving closer/further or just cropping the image? I'm also interested in hearing of any other lenses that are appealing.  I think I'm just hooked on the "L" glass since my favorite pictures are shot with my 70-200.  As far as price range, I'm looking to spend up to around $1300.   

-Tommy

[Bob Atkins]

The only reason to go with one of the zooms would be convenience. It's just easier to zoom than to change lenses. I really don't think the 55-60 and 60-70mm gaps are a matter of much concern. 95% of the time a small shift in position will compensate. The only time it won't is if you can't move position for some reason, or if you are shooting a distant scene where you'd have to move a lot to change the view much.

Of course both zooms will yield higher quality images than the 18-55 kit lens and both are faster, so you'd gain something in image quality as well as the convenience of a zoom. Of the two I'd probably go for the EF 24-105/4L IS because of the wider zoom range and the fact that it has a very effective IS system. I have this lens myself. It's not perfect in that it does show some distortion at the wide end (especially noticable with full frame cameras), but overall I like it a lot (and the distortion can be corrected in DPP).

The EF 35/1.4L is a great lens if you do much low light work or you need the fast aperture to minimize your depth of field. It will also have a little less distortion than the zooms if that's important to you.

In the end it's really  a matter of personal choice more than anything. All three lenses are good and it's basically what appeals to you and is most useful for the way you work.