haven't had much luck with this thread but since there seems to be plenty of Canon users I thought I'd give it another try...

Just bought a classic 5D, looking for some lenses...

24/28-70L
70-200L
16-35L
50 1.4

etc..... (make me a recommendations.. not interested it 'kit' lenses...)

--> not saying I'm going to buy all... maybe 2-3 for starters...

thank you...

Nice list of lenses. Spans the range you're likely to shoot at. But as Mike will likely say, what do you plan to shoot most often? Personally, I have the 24-70 and 70-200 both 2.8L glass. Thats because I shoot mainly events and the faster lenses allow me to shoot in lower light situations. I definitely want to get a prime, but it'll probably be a 200mm. My wide angle is the 17-40L, which covers pretty good when I need the wide group or room shots. IMO, if you are making money shooting, then get the lens that will pay back fastest, then go from there.
HTH. - [ t ]

Hi Tony thanks for the reply... very much appreciated...

my #1 priority now is 24-70L... I think I might hold off 70-200 for later... still trying to decide between that or 16-35mm...

I am a hobbyist and not making money from photography... hopefully maybe in the future? but as for now I'm just too scared to leave my comfort zone...

I'm helping my friend to do an engagement photoshoot.. I told them this could be a trial shoot.. If they like it, they can keep the photos.. if they don't like it.. they can find some other photographers and I won't be offended...

I was also asked with one of my best friends to shoot her wedding (aside from 2 professional photogs) in May... so I want to be prepared for that too

what would you suggest 2 top lens for this kind of events? I heard that 70-200mm is not very essential (except probably the ceremony)

I'm also planning to do some night photography in the future... hopefully some sports too (if I can find the event)

btw, you don't happen to have stuff for sale do you? :)

Hi IvanYudhi,

Getting the 24-70 is definitely essential gear. If you're interested in saving a little money for other lenses, I'm selling my Sigma 24-70 which is about half the price and still get's fabulous reviews (4/5 stars) on B&H and also has a macro mode which is good for shooting wedding rings.

Preferably I'd like to sell the Lens (which comes with a lens hood + soft case) with the UV filter and Circular Polarizer all together. I don't have any other lens that can fit these filters, so that's the other reason.


I have basically the following:

Sigma 24-70 = normally $569 - more info
+ lens hood and the softcase for it.

Tiffen UV Filter = normally $48.95 - more info

Tiffen Circular Polarizer Filter = normally $118.95 - more info

Let me know if you're interested.

Hi Ivan,

Ok, sorry it took me a while to answer... hectic week with my parents visiting from back home... So hardly any time.

Let me tell you the following:
1. You HAVE TO HAVE a medium range lens (24-70 or 24-105) preferably the 24-70 f/2.8 That is probably the lens you will be using 50% of the time for portraits, and small group shots.

2. You also need to have a wide angel lens (16-35) that's for all the artistic shots with the cool wide perspective, and also for maybe extra large group shots.

3. In my opinion you CAN'T shoot a wedding without a 70-200mm! You can't get too close to the ceremony during the ceremony, and therefor you must have a long lens - preferably a f2.8 because most ceremonies are at churches and they are usually dark, and usually don't allow flash during ceremony. So, think about that.

I also sugest looking on ebay and craigslist for lenses.

And sorry, I'm not selling my lenses I'm using them....
Good luck!

While the 16-35 is great, in my experience, unless you want ultra wide, I end up shooting in the 24-25mm range anyways so getting the 24-X would serve most of what you'd need. So that said, I "second" needing the 24-70 or 24-105 as a first lens to buy. Great walkaround lenses that cover most scenarios you'd probably see as a hobbyist. Each has their own positives in different ways so it becomes a tossup depending on what you need (broader range vs. faster aperture)

So I am actually selling my 85mm 1.8 right now. Not sure if you've thought about his lens as a prime but if you are let me know!

thanks mike.... I think I will focus on getting midrange and telezoom first.. wide angle might be my least priority... good to have feedback from professional photog though :)

jason... sidewinder.. I sent you PM

Great! Good luck with finding what you need