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.

I shoot weddings - as background and own most L lenses and use them all in various scenarios - I previously was mostly a 24-70, 70-200 shooter but I have begun to change so I think I can provide some incite.

Before I answer the question, I want to say that I am doing so based on the fact that you own the Canon 70-200 F2.8 II IS - otherwise I would give a different answer. With this lens, with F2.8, with IS, you can take any low SS, thin DoF, nice compression portrait you need to take and you should use if for money shot Bridal portraits if you can.

Also, since you own one of my favourite lenses, the Canon 24-105 F4 IS which you can shoot at F4 from 24 to 70 at F4, with low SS, and it will be tack sharp, and at F5.6 from 70mm-105mm and it will be very sharp, you have basically everything covered in FL except you do not have a fast prime.

I recently upgraded to the 35L II, and if it is in your budget, I cannot possibly recommend it higher - it is off the charts sharp with great AF that can be shot at F1.4 across the frame.

The issue for you is how would you use it if you got it. I didn't read it but I'm making the assumption the you have 2 6Ds. My answer is 35L II on one camera and 24-105 or 70-200 on the other depending on venue with the other lens either in a pouch on your belt or close by when you need it. Shoot the 35L II mostly at F1.4 or F2 and use the 24-105 at F4. This setup will give you low light and or subject isolation when you need it and the 24-105 (or 70-200) for reach.

The 24-70 II F2.8 is a fantastic wedding / venue lens - but it is both perfectly and boring - but sometimes you need that. That said, have a tack sharp F1.4 lens will give you pictures that the boring but perfect 24-70 just cannot do - and you will have the 24-105 to give you F4 IS pictures whenever you need then.

A word of caution, if you are tempted to do portraits with 35mm - you want a fit bride and groom - otherwise 24-105 at 85-100mm F4 or better yet 70-200 at 135-200 F2.8.

The other good thing to know about the 35L II, is honestly it is the best lens that Canon makes at this moment that doesn't cost 10k - and it is not going down in value for a long time - an IS version of the 24-70 could be announced and that might hit that lens by $500 - the other good thing is that your 24-105 is not going below its current used value until Canon abandons the EF mount - so you are losing nothing by holding it at this point.

For most event people I would recommend the 24-70, for you, given your current lenses, and the fact that you are willing to pay the $$$ for the 35L II - without any hesitation I recommend that you buy it.