Set of 6 Canon EF lenses. Which ones?

[Jacek Zakowicz]

Andy I said I agree with your choices. These are all good lenses .
I was talking about the nonsense some guys were saying bashing some Canons. Not true. All the L series lenses and some EFS produce great images.
Just base your choices on the angles and speed you need. The quality of the image will hold up on any of the lenses you'mentioned just fine....

 

[Andy Kolb]

I'm sorry. I misunderstood something.

 

[John Galeano]

I have to disagree, the new 24-70L II is the best lens Canon has made in years, it's certainly the best lens on the list. the old 24-70 sucked.

I agree, while I have not used the new 24-70 I have heard great things about the lens. The reason I said drop it, is because the lens telescopes and it is not ideal if using a matte box. Ideally if he is running and gunning all he needs is the three zooms he mentioned above. If it were my choice I would probably just get the 16-35, 50, 85 and the 70-200 that pretty much covers a decent focal range.

 

[Peter Majtan]

I'm finally getting lenses for my upcoming big project.
Shot at 5K on Epic.

What I definitely need are the following zooms:

16-35 2.8 L II
24-70 2.8 L II
70-200 2.8 L II (+ Extender)

In addition I want some fast primes to shoot interiors:

24 1.4 L II
35 1.4 L
50 1.2 L
85 1.2 L II
100 2.8 L Macro

BUT I have to drop two primes because of weight and cost.

Which ones would you drop?
Does it make sense to have a 24 and a 35?
And I feel like the 100 Macro is unnecessary since I got the 70-200 and the Extender.

I agree the zooms are a must - I have the same mix (save the 24-70 which is only 1st gen).

Between the 24 and 35 primes - drop the 35. They are both almost identical in IQ and having the extra wide angle is simply a no brainer. The 24 is the best fastest wide prime out there even well in triple its price range...

The 100 Macro is also a must! This is the best macro. Period.

So the only thing left is to chose between the 50 or 85 - and here I will go for the 85. You can always step back if You need little wider. The 85 is amazing lens and the images it produces are stunning. Be aware of the super long focus spin - it seems like you have to rotate the lens 100 times to go from one end of the focus range to the other - but this is also what makes it a bit easier to focus with that 1.2 wide aperture...

There is another alternative. If You want to keep both the 50 and 85 - You can drop the Macro and buy few extension tubes instead.
Do not mistake the Extender with the Extension tubes. Extender will extend Your zoom range - so the 2x one will turn the 70-200 into 140-400, but it will not give You Macro capability...
What You need are the Extension tubes...
These do not have any glass in them - they are indeed just tubes. But they turn almost any lens You have into a macro lens. The 70-200 with these extension tubes is simply an amazing macro lens - and still at 2.8... Just something to consider:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/300601-REG/Canon_9198A001_Extension_Tube_EF_12.html
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/300603-REG/Canon_9199A001_Extension_Tube_EF_25.html

The Kenko alternative is also a great combo and since no glass is involved - this is a rare exception when I recommend going with 3rd party:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/375102-REG/Kenko_AEXTUBEDGC_Auto_Extension_Tube_Set.html

Hope this helps

Peter

Note: There is on the horizon a new version of the 24-70 that will be image stabilized. Something to think about as well...

 

[Andy Kolb]

Thanks Peter.
I actually meant both. I already have extension tubes but also want to get an extender.

I will definitely get a 85mm but I'm going for the 85mm 1.8. It's way cheaper and performs great.

 

[Peter Majtan]

Thanks Peter.
I actually meant both. I already have extension tubes but also want to get an extender.

I will definitely get a 85mm but I'm going for the 85mm 1.8. It's way cheaper and performs great.

If You can - get the 1.2 - the IQ and speed is worth 10-times the price difference. You will be scratching Your head next time You shoot with available light only...

 

[Andy Kolb]

Damn, that's an expensive one.