Canon 24-70 2.8 II or Canon 35 1.4 II as a Wedding/Event Photographer

ahson wrote:

Hello! I am an event/wedding photographer and deciding which lens will be more critical as my budget will only allow me to buy either one of the lens at this time. The 35/1.4 will be a great addition to my arsenal as you see my current setup doesn't have anything larger than 2.8 aperture. I could see myself using the 35/1.4 wide open in an indoor situation with the bride and also some portraits. On the other hand, 24-70/2.8 surely gives me the range but it doesn't provide the same degree of 3D pop, bokeh as the 35 when doing portraiture. Would like to hear your comments and suggestions.

My current gear: 6D, 40/2.8, 24-105/4, 70-200 2.8 II.

It seems like you are reaching for objective input on a matter completely subjective to your own needs and style.

Your concerns seem to address image quality first and foremost. I can't imagine any current Canon L class lens that would not provide you with good IQ. If you are a fan of wide apertures, then surely the 24-105 L would not be your first choice. But I would question the notion of the 35L delivering substantially more "3D pop and bokeh" than the much-lauded 24-70 II L. And, it would seem to me that you would be losing quite a bit of the wide end (which can be essential for some wedding shots) by going with the 35 prime, unless you end up right back with the 24-105 L alongside it. Meanwhile, the 24-70 L still gives you a respectable f2.8 while still maintaining a bit of versatility.

It is probably prudent for you to secure a second body at some point soon. I cannot imagine going to shoot a wedding without proper backup. If things fail (and they do, especially with 1000+ shot plus wedding days), you'd be up the creek if nearly any part of your kit fails. Photographers are frequently sued when they do not deliver, whatever the reason. If I were in your same shoes, I'd be looking at an inexpensive used second body BEFORE I looked at expensive alternative lenses.

Best of luck