Canon 24-70mm 2.8 L i or 70-200mm 2.8 L IS i

Hi folks,

I am a new member and starting to get more and more serious with photography there is just a question that I want your guy's opinion on.

My current gear:

Canon 6d

50mm f1.4

Battery grip

I shoot weddings (mainly) and events

*Now I know you're probably wondering how do I cover a wedding shoot with just 1 prime lens. I do tag along as a second shooter for my buddy we are good friends and he would lend me his lens since he has a huge collection of them. Mostly his prime 85mm f1.4 and 70-200mm f2.8 non IS L version

Now I want to get my own glass and I am very torn between a 24-70mm 2.8 i L or the 70-200mm 2.8 i L IS.

Suggestions please! Thank you!

(Bump) The most popular wedding lens is the 24-70f/2.8 and it's very advantageous when you are in closer proximity to your subjects prior/after the ceremony and at the reception, however many also use the 70-200f/2.8 in those situations where longer reach is required such as inside the church.

mcchan1 wrote:

Hi folks,

I am a new member and starting to get more and more serious with photography there is just a question that I want your guy's opinion on.

My current gear: Canon 6d ... I shoot weddings (mainly) and events

... Now I want to get my own glass and I am very torn between a 24-70mm 2.8 i L or the 70-200mm 2.8 i L IS.

Both are useful and standard gear for weddings and "events" (social or sporting?)  But 24-70 would be the first purchase.

Assuming you're looking at the discontinued mk I EF 24-70 f/2.8L USM because the mk II is beyond your budget, I'd also give a hard look at the Tamron 24-70 f/2.8 Di USD VC, which is very favorably reviewed and has stabilization.

IMHO, YMMV

P.S. - you don't list a speedlite in your current kit.  I would think that would be an essential item to add.  Maybe 2 of them so you aren't slowed when the head heats up and its thermal protection kicks in from heavy use at a reception.

mcchan1 wrote:

Thanks for your input and everyone's input!
The other thing that has been bothering me is that I already have a 50mm 1.4 which I use during prep for the bride and groom. So do I really have to get the 24-70mm first? Or go for the big boy zoom first?

As for the speedlite? I am getting the 430 ex ii soon. Soon! Haha.

No, you should still get the 24-70 first, since you can cover just about every aspect of a wedding with it, including close up portraiture.