If only owning 1 L lens, which one: 35mm 1.4 ii, 24-70 2.8 ii, or 50mm 1.2?

JerryriggedTECH wrote:

Och Elo wrote:

I re-entered FF DSLR world with 6D2 and 24-105 STM and 50mm 1.8 STM. I wanted to keep my initial lens investment small, and with those 2 lenses I can actually shoot anything I want/need. I'm a hobbyist and primarily shoot people.

I've always wanted to add 1 high quality L lens to the lineup, and just one, due to cost and wanting to avoid GAS. So the 3 I am choosing from is the 35mm, 24-70 f/2.8, or 50mm. I have used the 24-70 before so aware of it's quality, have not used the other 2 before.

IF I was only limited to carrying 1 lens, then the 35mm focal length is the one I prefer and most versatile. But if I have any kind of zoom available, I prefer a 50mm. So it's a tough choice, I could see any 1 of these 3 getting a lot of use from me.

So, if I could only have 1 of the 3, which would be the best choice?

I'd rate them this way:

1) 24-70 f/2.8L II. Near prime performance, with the flexibility of a standard zoom range.

2) 35mm f/1.4L II. Beautiful lens, surprisingly versitile (awesome for street, portrait, landscapes, etc.), shoots in near darkness, short minimum focus distance for details.

3) 50mm f/1.2L. Controversial lens... not sharp, but produces some of the most beautiful images I've ever seen (look at flickr or other photo sites and search for the 50 1.2). Awesome for portraits.

I would hate to do it... but if I had to get rid of all lenses but one, the 24-70 would be the one I keep.

Because of its value,the 24-70 would be the one I'd sell first. More of a return...Thats not the point here though. If only 1 L lens to go with? I'd go with the 35 1.4 II, I just think it'd be most versatile. Landscapes to portraits.