10D 1.6x magnification with 50mm lens?

[peterm1]

Hi. I currently use my 10D with a 24-85mm Canon lens, and just ordered the Canon 35mm f/2 lens since it approximates a 50mm lens on the 10D (it's equivalent to 52mm).

My question is: how useful would a 50mm lens be (80mm on the 10D) in addition to the 35mm? Would it be a good portrait lens? I am looking at a used 50mm f/1.4 and am wondering whether to get it.

A lot of people say it's good to have a 50mm lens as a general lens, but what about 80mm?

Can anyone advise?

Thanks,

Peter M

[leony]

80 mm lens is the perfect portrait lens. Hence if you get a 50mm 1.4 lens it will become 80mm 1.4 lens on 10D - sounds like an awesome portrait combination.

[pwagner]

The Canon 50mm f/1.8 II is sometimes called the "thrifty fifty." At $70 brand new from a reputable online store (B&H, Canoga, etc) it is indeed a bargain. I have one and use it for indoor (low light) use. The 1.8 is plastic, a little noisy, and non-USM but it has it where it counts: the optics are very good.

The Canon 50mm f/1.4 is nearly $300. Sure, it's a better lens with a little wider aperature and USM, but do you think you need that 1.4?

It seems like you are unsure if the 50mm f/1.4 is a good lens for you. My counter-question is that if the f/1.8 is sufficiently fast for your needs, how could you possibly turn down a brand-new excellent-optics lens for $70 !!??! Humorously, the thrifty fifty often sells used for FULL PRICE on eBay; you can probably dump it if you decide to move to the f/1.4 later.

[Littlebike]

I was somewhat skeptical about the 50 1.4 until I used one for a half hour at a wedding reception; the speed and clarity is amazing.

It is defenitely the next lens I am going to buy.

[peterm1]

Thanks for the replies.

After further reflection (more like agonizing), my feeling right now is that I will probably go for a used mint 50mm f/1.4 for around $250. Often when I buy the "next best" thing I often regret it, and I plan to use the lens for many years, so based on the reviews and comparisons I have read between the 1.8 and the 1.4, I am going to suck it up and get the 1.4. I have read that it does have slightly better bokeh and color than the 1.8, and is much sturdier. You only live once, right?

I would rather know I am being limited by my abilities than my equipment, although the 1.8 does seem like a great deal.

I like to take a lot of available light portrait shots of my wife and daughter, so I can't image I will regret going for the 1.4.

-Peter

[pwagner]

Cost of the f/1.8 ... $69
Cost of the f/1.4 ... $350
Knowing you will NEVER need to upgrade the f/1.4 ... priceless! :)

If you aren't sure a 50mm prime is useful, the f/1.8 is an easy purchase (based entirely on low cost). For someone like you who shoots indoors regularly, it seems like either lens is a great bargain; you can't go wrong either way.

[pwagner]

>>> I will probably go for a used mint 50mm f/1.4 for around $250

[Patrick 10D]

I really like my 50 1.8. However, when you go from 17-40 L to 50, the noise difference is comical! I suppose that 50 1.4 is quieter.

[pwagner]

>>> I really like my 50 1.8. However, when you go from 17-40 L to 50, the noise difference is comical! I suppose that 50 1.4 is quieter.

[Patrick 10D]

I would love to visit Yosemite! I haven't been there since I was about 5 years of age ...

17-40 L is a great lens, and I am really happy with the pictures that I have taken with it. I am sure that you have a similar feeling about your 100-400 L. I am curious about how it is handheld - weight wise.

[Jorge]

I have the 50mm / 1.8 and it is indeed a good lens with good sharpnes, color and contrast (my Asian gallery is shot allmost entirely with this lens). However be aware that the lens do suffer (like many other lenses) from softness wide open.

I recently purchased the 17-40/f4L. I like the focal range, the build quality and all, but my results are somewhat mixed. Sharpnes is not allways what I expect and the lens seems sometimes too contrasty - maybe it's just that I'm not used to "wide" angle photography??? With wide angle I believe that the problem og the limitations of dynamic range are somewhat increased given the fact that you put much more of reality into the same frame than with tele.

[cubfan]

Buy the 50 1.4. I have purchased at Canoga Camera and they are a super company. They have the lens at less than 300 dollars new. I have the 1.4 lens and take it to every wedding. You will love it!!!! it is a perfect time exposure lens and portrait lens. Sharp and very quiet since it is USM.

[Belmondo]

I have a fairly wide range of lenses---17mm to 400mm. The one I keep on the camera when not in use is the 50mm 1.4. My reasoning is that should I ever have to take a picture in a hurry, the 'Nifty-Fifty' gives me the best chance for a positive result. I don't have to worry as much about low light, focus, or clarity. Though not a zoom, it's probably the most flexible lens in the bag. At 6.3 megapixels, the pictures will stand a fair amount of cropping, too.