Fast wide prime

[tim]

Just when I thought my lens collection was complete i'm starting to feel i'd like to have a fast, wide prime, for use at receptions. I have the Tokina 12-24 F4, and the 50mm F1.4, but the Tokina is too slow and the 50mm is usually either too long or too short - never quite right.

I'm not sure quite what length i'd want, probably in the 20-35 type range. What kind of options would I have? F1.8 is the slowest i'd go, F1.4 would be better. I know short lenses have wider DOF than long lenses, in practice can you still get a nice narrow DOF with these sorts of lenses?

Any thoughts, suggestions, or ideas are welcome.

[Andy_T]

The Sigma 30/1.4 EX gives great shallow DOF.
It's my most used lens on the 20D.

It's not very wide, more a normal lens on the 20D.

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=53272&d=1138576025

20D, f/1.4, 1/125, 200 ISO

Best regards,
Andy

[tim]

Thanks Andy, got links to any example shots?

[Andy_T]

The one I linked in my reply is the only image I have currently online.

But there should be more here: Review of my copy of the lens with MTF ratings (http://www.photozone.de/8Reviews/lenses/sigma_30_14/index.htm)

Best regards,
Andy

[subtle_spectre]

Tim...I got the EF 28/1.8 for just this type of purpose. I consider it my best lens choice so far...I love that lens. It is quick on the AF, quiet, built well, and renders images every bit the equal as the vaunted 85.1.8 and 50/1.4.

Here is my mother:

http://evanscottphotography.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=12933&g2_serialNumber=1

Here are some other family:

http://evanscottphotography.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=12945&g2_serialNumber=1

Only WB, slight curves and sharpening done in RS Prem.

[Steve Parr]

Tim...I got the EF 28/1.8 for just this type of purpose. I consider it my best lens choice so far...I love that lens. It is quick on the AF, quiet, built well, and renders images every bit the equal as the vaunted 85.1.8 and 50/1.4.

I'd agree with the quality of the 28mm f/1.8. The IQ is excellent...

Steve

[tim]

Thanks Andy, your picture didn't show up the first time I looked at your post. That lens reviews as ok but nothing special, i'd look into the 28mm Canon as well. Anyone have links to any good reviews? I'll take a look at my usual review sites (fm etc) shortly.

[Andy_T]

Hi Tim,

check out the review site I gave you, there's also a review of the 28/1.8 I got at the same time as the 30/1.4. As the 30/1.4 was significantly sharper at f/1.4 than the 28/1.8 at f/1.8, I kept the 30/1.4. Some disclaimer here ... I got the 28/1.8 used, but it was quite sharp when stopped down a bit (say, to f/2.5).

Here's a quick and dirty test shot I took with both lenses:

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=30491&stc=1&d=1127918186

While the 30/1.4 is not so glorious at the extreme corner, it is incredibly sharp in the center.
This is perfect for me, as I normally want to use the lens wide open for people. It's not my landscape lens.

I sold my 28/1.8 to forum member Jyrgen, who has been very happy with it since then (at least he said so) who thinks he might go full frame soon, so the Sigma 30/1.4 was not an option.

Best regards,
Andy