The 5D is ordered, now about the lenses

[Sage]

advantage of the 20D/30D/5D high precision focusing which only works with 2.8 or faster lenses.

 

[PIXSurgeon]

...Because once by cranking ISO an additional stop (which you can on the 5D), the IS will allow you to set the zoom on anywhere between 70mm and 105mm (where the lens is still sharp and the other does not even reach), and counter-react to any hand-shaking blur.

Also, shots like the above are impossible to get with the 24-70 (due to its massive weight and lack of IS), but, instead, a joy with the 24-105 f/4L:

http://www.pbase.com/feharmat/image/60045001/original

In essence, these are lenses with a different range of applications. I perceive (for obvious reasons) the 24-105 f/4L to provide a clearly wider range, especially on the 1D-MarkIIN, with its 1.255x conversion factor. It's almost perfect there.

Now, the 24-70 f/2.8L will help the 1D-class AF system, by allowing it to work at maximum precision (7 cross-precision AF points, instead of 1 with the 24-105 f/4L). That, in essence, is the most trascendental difference, along as a bit more vignetting on the 24mm wide.

Sharpness wise, the 24-70stops where the 24-105 keeps going.

Happy shooting!

 

[Pat Duffy]

There are two 70 - 200 L non-IS zooms, one f/4 and one f/2.8. The f/4 is MUCH lighter than the f/2.8, so if you're not shooting with a tripod that may be a consideration. The f/4 is also substantially cheaper than the f/2.8, which may be a consideration for you too. Both lenses have received excellent reviews, too.

 

[Pascal Parvex]

Sharpness wise, the 24-70stops where the 24-105 keeps going.

But won't I miss the additional speed of the 24-70? And you mean, the 24-105 is sharper?

 

[Powerdoc]

Of course for the nice bridge shot you took IS is of great value !, but for concert you have to "freeze" the movements of the artists.

So IS is great for static subjects, but nothing replace a fast aperture for freezing movements.
--
I love the crop factor at the long end, I hate it in the wide range

 

[Powerdoc]

... for freezing the movements of your subject, nothing replace a fast aperture.
--
I love the crop factor at the long end, I hate it in the wide range

 

[stevielee]

My 24-70L is great on my new 5D. I have read, but don't know if its
true, that the 24-105L is worst (i.e, more vingetting &
distortions) at 24mm on a full frame camera like the 5D.

I also tried the 24-105 4L as a lighter and more versatile alternative to the 24-70 2.8L and ended up returning it to B+H. Though it is heavier and has less reach, the 24-70 2.8L is almost a 'must' lens for the 5D. I found the 24-105 4L to be much softer wide open (F4 Vs F 2.8) and have much more vignetting and barrel distortion @ 24-30mm.

I'd also recommend that you considering using Zeiss and Olympus primes with adapters for the 5D. I'm currently using the Olympus Zuiko 21mm F3.5, and the Zeiss 50mm F1.4 Planar T- both with EOS adapters. While these lenses can only be used in AV and M modes, with manual focusing, I find that they outperform Canon's equivalent primes: especially the Oly 21mm.

 

[Paul Dold]

Excellent lens - I would not be without it. Fast focussing and sharp.

 

[Pascal Parvex]

As the IS does not help me with my concert shots, I'll go for the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM next. It's not even half the price of the IS version, and everybody raves about it. I was thinking about a 200L 2.8, but it only costs about 200 bucks less, so...

 

[Sage]

and the Canon L prime looked like a piece of cr!p in comparision. I was shocked to see how well the Zeiss performed even in the corners. It was truly amazing.

 

[Pascal Parvex]

Because the other has a minimun distance of 1.5 meters, and that's a bit to much if you are standing right at the stage.

 

[Pascal Parvex]

The 200mm is also 1.5 meters

 

[Pascal Parvex]

The 135 seems to be a superb lens, and does not need so much minimum distance as the 200mm. The wide lenses are so expensive, that I just as good may take the zoom. Otherwise, I prefer primes. But maybe I won't need anything else than just the 50mm 1.4...

 

[BertArmijo]

Someone mentioned the 85 f/1.2. I LOVE this lens, but the slow auto focus might make it unpredictable for concerts. Plus the weight is a bit much if you're in a crowd. The new version may be better.

My first choice would be either the 24-70 or the 70-200 depending on how close you typically get to be.

 

[Pascal Parvex]

First, I apologize for beeing too ignorant. I knew that there is an answer limit of 150 postings, the first paragraph in the starter post here is was meant to be as a joke, just to make sure.

Well, those are the lenses I finally did buy:

24mm 1.4L
50mm 1.4
135mm 2.0L

I thought about zooms, but as I already wrote, I would hate to spend a lot of money on something I don't like to look at. I also read some reviews, and learnt, that nothing comes close to a prime.

 

[Forrest41926]

135mm 2.0L

I thought about zooms, but as I already wrote, I would hate to
spend a lot of money on something I don't like to look at. I also
read some reviews, and learnt, that nothing comes close to a prime.

That one in particular is magic.