How to put money to good use?

[Luisrz87]

So I started taking pictures not too long ago. I've done about six or seven gigs (Weddings/Quinceaneras-15yr parties) for mostly friends of friends and mostly Latin American clients who may or may not have been able to afford a "professional" photographer.

I managed with three lenses: Canon 50mm 1.8, Canon kit lens (18-55), and the Sigma 24-60mm f2.8. and a 1.6X tele-converter.

My sigma is now dead ... It has front focusing problems that cannot be repaired according to SiGMA.

I am ready for an alternative, and at the same time don't mind making an investment $$, but would like to get a Canon lens (for its reliability and reassured compatibility with future canon cameras).

For the kind of photography I do (outdoors and indoors and in low lit conditions) I am thinking I should go no higher than f2.8. I am mistaking?? (Keep in mind I use a 420ex speedlite, and I am definitely considering the 580ex as an upgrade)

The Canon 17-55mm f2.8 IS lens is my favorite candidate. But it has a major NONO. It will only fit crop sensor cameras, and what if in a couple years full frame sensor cameras become inexpensive enough for most photography enthusiasts to own. It’s value will not only depreciate, but it will also serve me no use. I am aware that I will also need a telephoto lens, in my opinion I only need up to around 120mm (before multiplying by 1.6 for the crop sensor) lens for the kind of work I do. What lens(es) would you recommend?

[nkg]

Personally I'd recommend investing in what you have now rather than what you think you might get someday. Prices on full-frame cameras are coming down, but not that fast.
A fast lens is great for indoor shooting, but you might also want to look into learning more about flash as an adjunct for when light levels are really low. Especially off-camera or bounced flash.

[Luisrz87]

I'll take that as pretty good advice, thank you. I just wish I could you know start a relationship with a photographer who I can go to for hands on help and advice. I even put a "Helper Available" on craig's list but no one has replied lol. Thanks again.