scott kirkpatrick
Well-known member
35 SL-SCron vs 16-35 is an interesting debate, especially when both are so good that the only comparison is stellar M lenses. There is a confounding factor -- the SL fits right in at events or weddings even with its hulking great zooms, and it really delivers. But in a less formal or crazy setting, I think the smaller size and less scary appearance of the SL-SCs is a big plus, and they can be hung on my CL to further reduce their presence. At the 35 operating point, I also have a 35 SX-M which doesn't get much use. I prefer it to the CL 23, but I find the 28 SX-M much more exciting. I certainly think that the 35 SL-SC will do that job much better. Looking at Jono's portfolio, I see that it can be left on f/2.0 for most environmental portraits. So the 16-35 seems to me to fit parties where you need to switch from single people to groups of six in tight quarters and back again, and the 35 SL-SC (or another favorite, the M 24/2.8 asph) for restaurant outings and just walking around. The 75 SL-SC has complete mastery of more distant opportunities, such as Jono's dogs and chickens, or my in-laws at the other end of the table.