Lenses

[jmarie-photography]

I'm looking at purchasing a new canon lense and I'm undecided between:
24-70mm f/2.8L
70-200mm f/2.8L IS
I know that they are both great lenses, and I've read wonderful reviews on each of them but I'm still undecided.
Any preferences?

[bradzo66]

Funnily I bought both of these recently . The main thing I would say is to consider the crop factor if you are not using full frame . I have been using a 10-24mm a lot lately and found it a surprise as to the distance I had to be away from things to get them in frame , that little bit between 17-18 to 24 makes quite a bit of difference when walking doing Urban Landscapes etc . That said both are incredibly sharp and fast especially in low light . I guess at end of the day you need to consider what you want to use it for , how much zooom do you need ??? Cheers.

[Jim Bryant]

It depends on what you are going to use the lenses for. The 70-200 is a great sports lens as well as a portrait lens. The 24-70mm is a super lens for shooting sports when you're on the floor of a basketball court near the basket. It's a pretty good lens for group shots, and environmental portraits. Actually depends on the body you have too. I use the MKII's and it's only a 1.3 crop factor, where as the Rebels, 30-50D's are about 1.6 crop factor.

[jmarie-photography]

It will be used mainly for portraits. Although I am leaning toward more of a zoom. I currently have the rebel xti.

[LoveDSLR]

The term Portrait is too general. Formal, informal, indoor, outdoor, full length, head shot?

24-70 f/2.8 L is a popular standard lens for full frame. But there are others opted for primes and 70-200 instead.

How about 35, 50, 85, 100 or 135 & 70-200? Only you can decide which is the best in according to your focal length, exposure values and shooting style needs.

I use 28-70 f/2.8 L, 85 f/1.2 L II and 70-200 f/2.8 L IS for portraits with my 5D Mk II and 5D. In addition, I use Nikon 105 f/2.5, 24-70 f/2.8 and 70-200 f/2.8 with my D3.

[PhotogChic]

Tough choice! I have both and don't think I could live without either one!

If it's for studio portraits I would lean more toward the 24-70mm but the jury is still out on that since there ALOT of photographers using the 70-200mm also.

You will be happy with either lens.