Comments on: New Camera – New Lens

By: Brett

Brett — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 13:53:42 +0000

Very small world indeed Dave – I hope you enjoy Geneva! I have a friend who still loves his 10D for for more “risky” assignments. You’re right Dave – the 5D is (in my opinion) just as good as the 1D series (aside from the recent release of the MKIV). I’m waiting for the MKIVs to come out – as I’m a big believer in full-frame bodies.

By: Dave Mason

Dave Mason — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 07:07:58 +0000

Hi Brett – thanks so much for the comments. I am even worse off than you as I am hoping to move up from a 10D!! This looks to be quite a move based on what you have to say. Useful about shutter button as I might have queried that. Makes sense to upgrade and from what I have read the camera seems almost (if not} as good as the 1D with less weight and great battery performance! I just left the US in December had been living in Cincinnati but started playing with a pipe band, Great Lakes, out of Cleveland so, small world!! Now in Geneva, Switzerland…cheers, mate!

By: Morten

Morten — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 14:48:49 +0000

Thanks for your comment and insight. So far I have avoided the 24-70 much due to weight but I need the flexibility. Events such as weddings, grads and banquets are so unpredictable. You do need a jack of all trades lens. I will have strong cup of coffee this morning and then make up my mind.

By: Brett

Brett — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 20:07:08 +0000

Hey Morten

No need for apologies, I welcome people here pretty openly… photographers are a community of artists.

Great question – and it looks like you have a nice lens line up to work with for weddings. I think you’ve probably discovered the 85 to be pretty valuable at receptions and other venues. If you get a chance, snag an ND filter for it, as it really can be valuable during outdoor portraits with some fill flash.

To your question though – yes, the 24-70 is an invaluable wedding lens. I’d call it my workhorse lens. I find myself using it a ton during the mornings (hair salons, and home dressings) as the versatility of it gives me the ability to stay PJ w/o getting close, but yet I can pull out for wide shots as well as impromptu portraits & wide shots quite well.

I usually find myself using this lens as well during formal portraits, as well as using it during my creative portrait sessions.

I usually ditch it at the reception for my 35 1.4L, and my 85 1.2L, but still enjoy some nice ring shots with it there, as the Macro focusing on it is stellar.

Of course, you might love it during the reception, if you have a nice flash set-up – and I will occasionally do the same. however, I love natural light, and with the 35 and 85 combo, I can usually ditch the flash the entire reception, even in bad situations.

All in all – I think this is a killer walk around lens, and I think is the “must-have” lens to start any serious collection.

To help with switching lenses a lot – I carry two bodies at once, one always is equipped with a telephoto lens (either a prime or my 70-200), and the other with a wide (often my 24-70). My combo changes through out the day, but I rarely find myself switching lenses often, usually only 3-4 times will I make switches.

Any thoughts anyone else? Let me know if that helps you Morten!

By: Morten

Morten — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 19:56:48 +0000

Sorry Brett to bust in on your site here.

I am 5D II shooter as well. I came across your blog post about the 5D II and 24-70 combo. My question is about the 24-70. I am coming into more and more event and wedding work and find myself switching lenses constantly… 16-35, 50 1.8, 85 1.2L II. I was wondering if you’ve been happy with this combo.

By: Brett

Brett — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 17:52:16 +0000

great find Stephanie – I’m happy to hear we’re not the only ones having this problem. I wonder if a transplant is possible?