Do I really need the 50mm F1.8

[Stoneh]

Ok, Ive bought a used EF 50mm F1.8 & unfortunately it isnt working correctly, I get error 99 on the 10D. So its going back.

The question I'll put to you fellow Photographers is:

Do I really need this lens? I mainly shoot portraits, stopping the 28-135UIS to about F8 I get really good results for portraiture.

One argument would be in the use for low light, ive bought a EX380 speedlight, this should cover my low light needs. For where flash cant reach i'd be using a tripod anyway.

Also with IS enabled, this gains me 2 stops which makes the lens a F2 at wide angle (in static cases anyway).

Have I missed a scenario where it could be usefull?

[justme_dc]

Only you can be the judge of that question. I guess it really depends on the kind of work you do. Would a wildlife photog need it? Probably not. A sports shooter? probably not. photojournalist? probably. Portrait shooter? yup. Wedding shooter? they've probably got the f1.4. I have had one for years and I use it at least once a month but I do alot of portrait work and a fair amout of street photgraphy, both in available light. If it didn't work for you then take it back. If you don't miss it then don't replace it. Spend the money on something you're really itching for. You say you shoot portraits? for that I'd reccomend the following:
one of the 85mm or 135mm lenses. I find that these are awesome focal lengths for portraits and the 135mm soft focus so sharp that you won't believe it!!!

Good luck to you.

[MarkH]

I'd say get it replaced. Buy a new one, they really are cheap.

When you are using it for portraits you will appreciate the sharpness.

For portraits using F8 might give good sharpness, but the 50mm give the option of opening up to f1.8 and blurring the background much more to make the subject stand out better.

[Mark Kemp]

I have one

Its nice if you want a small DOF, in low light, or with extension tubes for macro, BUT......

I don't actually take it with me very often, because my 28-135 IS is a much more versatile option when packing my gadget bag. I don't resemble Arnie Schwarzenegger very much and can't possibly carry all my kit at once!

Buy it if you have a use for the F1.8 aperture, or you work in a studio all the time and don't carry your stuff about, but NO you don't really NEED it if you have a decent zoom.

[Stoneh]

Yeah thats what I thought Mark, I mean ive bought it, but like i said its faulty, now imwondering what to buy instead... remote cable release?? I have about £45 to kill... lol

[Mark Kemp]

If you have a tripod and no cable release then YES get one. No point in having a super stable tripod and then shaking the whole thing when you press the shutter.

[mkaplan]

I have heard of problems sometimes with error 99 due to dirty contacts. Remove the lens and clean the contacts carefully with an eraser and maybe some alcohol on both the camera and the lens side and see if this helps.

[Stoneh]

i tried cleaning the contacts, its been sent back to canon for service. Ive decided to keep it as its very light and poertable compared to the other two lenses I have