I am trying to decide if I should add a prime or replace my Tamron 28-75 2.8. (It wasn’t fast enough for me as my main lens at weddings) I am trying to decide if I want to buy a Canon 24-70mm f2.8… or a Canon 85 f1.8 (or something else) to add to my 70-200 IS 2.8, 50 1.4, 16-35 2.8. I know primes are really fast, but I am not sure if I will be changing lenses too often, and miss important shots. But I also want to challenge myself to move and make the shot.

What are your thoughts?

This is an interesting question. I am all primes and personally the idea of having to switch a lot would be such a new world to me I do not think I would be free to get into the event and look for those great shots and moments. You need equipment that you are completely comfortable with and that does not detract from you ability to cover the event.


With that being said why don't you try renting some for a wedding and see what you think. Are you a Canon CPS member? if so you can get them to loan you one for a couple of weeks to try it out, you may even be able to get them to loan you both to try them out at the same time.

Just my 2 cents!!

They dont hinder creativity specifically, but one can tend to get lazy with the zooms. With your line up I would definitely get the 85 1.8. Its a great lens for the price.

I would add either the 85 1.8 or the 28 1.8. I find the 1.8 canon lenses are great lenses to decide if you like shooting primes. If you fall in love with the speed, then you can step up to the L lenses (24L, 50L, 85L). And if you don't love primes for your main glass, you can keep the 28 1.8 and 85 1.8 for those time where you really need the speed (dark churches), and use your zooms for the rest of your shooting.

Enjoy

My opinion is biased, as the only experience I have with good glass is primes - I've never owned a good zoom lens. I looooooove my primes. I've never had a problem missing shots. With primes, you can get great quality glass at an affordable rate. I would say go with the primes - but then, I don't know any different.

Why would a zoom hinder your creativity? Creativity comes from within the photographer, not from the glass they are using..

I decided to buy the 85 1.8-- I love the speed of my 50 1.4 a lot because of it's speed. I know I will get the 85mm and wonder how I ever lived without it:)

I don't believe my creativity lies in the tools, but I do believe in every art there are tools that can make the job easier, resulting in more time for the artist to focus on their ideas; therefore being more creative.

I love hearing everyones different perspectives.

I was just going to suggest the 85, but I see you already bought it! I know you'll love it!

Congrats. I'm sure you will love it.

I've really enjoyed using the 85 1.8, so much so, I'm only interested in primes a.t.m. I also have the Tamron you mentioned, I love that lens too. But there's something nice about using primes, I find myself in a more disciplined "creative mode" since everything is shot at the same mm.

Personally, I love the my 85mm 1.8. Its on my camera quite a bit of the day.

As far as it hindering your creativity... I dont know. I like the way I shoot, and the quality of shot i get from a prime, but I used to shoot a Bronica ETRSi medium format camera, before I got a digital. Everything on that camera was manual, including the fact that we didnt have a zoom. All of my shots were with primes, and I guess I just got used to shooting that way. So I think it might actually hinder my creativity, just due to the fact that I dont and havent really used zooms in my photography.

Congrats on the lens.

Just my 2 cents on zooms and creativity, as stated before, it makes it easier to become lazy.

But on the other hand, they can be a great creative tool. Just remember that it important not to rely on the zoom to frame a shot.

The focal length chosen should set the perspective you are looking to achieve, and the distance to subject should set the composition.

So set your desired perspective by setting focal length, then zoom/crop/frame with your feet.

They may allow you to become lazy, but can also be a great creative tool with lots of versatility.

Congrats on your purchase. I owned that lens prior to getting the f/1.2 version.

I think there are enough outstanding photographers shooting either zooms or primes to eliminate the possibility that either type of lens limits your creativity.