Much of my photography is railway related and it would be a 85 or 100mm telephoto out in the field. This puts enough safe distance between me and the train, especially if it's moving and is pleasing to the eye (for me). Anything longer compresses the background too much and anything wider just fills the frame with unnecessary distractions.
Of course, it depends on "the job" and how much working space I have. Also, I am more likely to stand out on a railway platform with a large(r) lens than a smaller one.
I have recently acquired a 300mm prime and been trying it out shooting the squirrels in my garden. Very different beast!
Fortunately, I have never had a zoom lens get stuck