Should I get a 50mm lens?

[KO_300D]

I've seen a lot of you mention having a 50mm as a general purpose lens and that everyone should own one... but I'm a bit curious as to what exactly for?

The two lenses I currently own are

EF 18-50mm 3.5-5.6
EF 55-200mm 4-5.6

so as a beginner, as I see it I've got all ranges from 18-200mm covered.

Do I need this extra lens?

The other question this brings me to ask is that I've seen some at around 1.8 aperture whereas mine start at 3.5. What real benefits would I get from a 1.8?

[robertwgross]

You are correct that you already have the 50mm focal length covered. However, that f/1.8 aperture is kind of handy to have sometimes. That f/1.8 would allow you to shoot in dimmer light as compared to any f/3.5 lens. With an aperture that large, you can very carefully control your depth of field.

If the Canon f/1.8 lens cost $250 or more, then we probably would not recommend it. However, the price tends to be $70 or so, and that is kind of cheap. No, excuse me. Inexpensive.

Other factors are that it is small and lightweight.

Personally, just for myself, I use mostly zoom lenses. However, there is a 50mm f/1.8 hidden in the case there somewhere.

---Bob Gross---

[KO_300D]

Thanks Rob,

Now you've said that, I can see the advantage of a bigger aperture...

what would your recommendations be on getting a 28mm ? as this is a FD I haven't got covered. In general, I'd be using a lens with such an aperture for indoor shots anyway so the low light conditions would be better suited

[CyberDyneSystems]

That 1.8 can certainly come in handy,. it saved me this past week shooting a dimly lit ballet.. I was using my $69.00 50mm more than I was using my $1,800.00 70-200mm f/2.8 IS :)

[robertwgross]

I use a zoom that widens out to 28mm, and I use this a lot for nature photography. Then often I will carry along another zoom that widens out to 20mm for scenic wide angle shots. Note that with the 1.6 factor, this appears like 32mm.

For family group shots at a wedding, normally I can get by at 28mm, but sometimes the group is so large that the 20mm must be used to get it all in.

It just depends on what your priorities are for subjects.

---Bob Gross---

[vvizard]

Do I need this extra lens?

The other question this brings me to ask is that I've seen some at around 1.8 aperture whereas mine start at 3.5. What real benefits would I get from a 1.8?


What you need depend on what you shoot. I own the 50 f/1.4, and the 70-200mm f/2.8 EX. I have the 50mm mounted when inside, but switch to the 70-200mm when travelling outside. But I always let my 50 tag along in a pocket (or bag if I happen to travel with one).

Personally I find the 50mm to not be such a great focal-length on my 10D. It's way to narrow to use when space is tight, and not long enough for most outdoor pictures. Maybe it's good for portraits with it's ~ 77mm on the 10D (but I don't shoot much portraits, so I don't know).

But the 50mm f/1.4 is a real life-saver sometimes.. It's so bright that it can be used handheld indoors under normal light-conditions without flash. It also is probably _THE_ best lens when it comes to sharpness, color-rendition and contrast. (If there's any better, let me know).

I'm on a budget right now, and I'm considering selling my 50mm to help me afford the 17-40mm f/4L. But if I do, the 50mm will sure be the next lens I buy again. Don't know exactly how many times it's f/1.4 have saved my ass, but... it's many ;)

[RbnDave]

Just buy a 50mm f1.8. You will not be disapointed. It is cheaper than a new pair of shoes and will take pictures sharper than any other lens you own. It's a fun toy. I put mine on my 10D some nights when I am bored and try to get cool ultra sharp pictures of my room mates cat's eyes. It is also a nice lens to have at indoor family get togethers. You can get some really nice natural light type shots indoors with it. It's a lot cheaper than buying an external flash.

[motophoto]

what exactly for?

f/1.8

'nuff said

[dennykyser]

That is a must lens, I have had the 1.8 and it took good pictures but I was use to my USM primes and my 70-700 f/4 L lens and felt like it was cheap made. I sold it (with out loosing any $) to purchase the f/1.4. Since then I have had to re look at the 1.8 again. Most people love this lens and its value is great. with the 10D having a multiplyer of 1.6 this is one of the finest portrait lenses there is.

there is no doubt I will have a 50mm lens now its just which one.

[KO_300D]

Ok then, arm twisted. I'm getting one.

Cheers guys :)

[Bruce Watson]

On a 10D, the 50mm makes a nice portrait lens. As mentioned by others, the extra speed of 1.8 and ability to control DOF is another plus.

For the money, it is a great value.

Here is a picture I took of my god daughter with it:



http://www.hpphoto.com/servlet/LinkPhoto?GUID=1e6519b7-587a-22df-211e-6bff586b59b3&size=

[Tom W]

Even though you're already convinced, here's another good reason for a large aperture:

http://home.comcast.net/~trwilk3/Images/TheCandles.jpg

[Sketcher]

That 1.8 can certainly come in handy,. it saved me this past week shooting a dimly lit ballet.. I was using my $69.00 50mm more than I was using my $1,800.00 70-200mm f/2.8 IS :)

Now CDS, let's not stretch things... that's a $1,169.00 70-200 f/2.8 IS you've got there!! :lol:

KO_300D , as encuoraged by the rest of 'em.. get one. The 1.8, low cost and what it can do for you in lower light is stellar. It was actually, my first lens because I was bone dry after buying the 10D Body (had been stalking a G3 & accessories for a while and decided to get off the fence and get a foot in w/the big boys).

[Moses]

Why does everyone recommend the 1.8 over the 1.4?

[dennykyser]

Now CDS, let's not stretch things... that's a $1,169.00 70-200 f/2.8 IS you've got there!!

I believe he is closer at $1800.00 if he has a filter on it.

[/url]http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=234444&is=USA[url]

From what I can tell anyways

[dennykyser]

Why does everyone recommend the 1.8 over the 1.4?

I am sure it is the price, and it does produce fine images. But I have concluded that since it is a great portrait lens using the 1.6 crop that I wanted the USM and manual focus over ride. and for a portrait lens to be f/1.4 and under $300.00 has to be a good deal.

Also the f/1.4 takes standard filter sizes which can be a HUGE plus.

[MediaMagic]

Why does everyone recommend the 1.8 over the 1.4?

Cost alone. Certainly the 1.4 is a better quality lens all the way around, but also a couple hundred dollars more expensive.

I actually have the metal mount mkI 50/1.8 which is kinda the average between the thrifty fifty and the 1.4 in reference to cost/quality.

[NILOLIGIST]

I have the 50mm 1.4 and I love it but would rather the 50mm 1.0. I photograph dancers and that low light is tough.

Get what you can afford, you can always upgrade later. If I get the 50mm 1.0 you can buy my 1.4 at a decent price TBD.

NiL,

[KO_300D]

Thanks NILOLIGIST, I'll keep that in mind.

was looking around Ebay but I'm a bit unsure about buying one from there in case it's damaged in shipping and they won't accept it back.

Ah well... won't be long... Easter and Mother's day coming up :):)

[Sketcher]

Why does everyone recommend the 1.8 over the 1.4?
Because .8 is twice the number of .4. Two is better than one. Eight is a pleasantly round and squiggly number whereas the number four is kind of sharp and obtrusive.

Or, the 50 1.8 is inexpensive (approx $70.00) and it performs very well. The 1.4 gives you an extra stop, USM and better construction; but at more than X4 the cost. $70.00 is a cheap way to sample a prime and get to know the focal range before plunking down the quid for the more substantial model. And, at that price you don't cry all that hard if you open the door of your vehicle and it pulls a failed HALO maneuver on the pavement.

Some consider their lens money better spent accumulating other glass than improving on the 50mm because what they have in the 1.8 is already great. Those who are certain they want the best quality in a 50mm typically go straight for the 1.4 (1.0 if you're a low-light fiend with lotz of $$$).

That'd be my reasoning anyway.

[iwatkins]

I have all manner of lenses (all Sigma) but I actually ordered my first Canon lens today, the 50mm f1.4.

I was going to plump for the 1.8 (which I had for a while when I first had my EOS5 and I miss it dearly) but my dealer offered me a very good deal on a new 50mm f1.4 as I was ordering some other gear.

I'm actually quite excited about getting a fast lens again. Don't know why, I just am :?

Cheers

Ian

[grewal]

What is the best place to but a 50 mm lens?

[FotoPhreak]

I have all manner of lenses (all Sigma) but I actually ordered my first Canon lens today, the 50mm f1.4.

I just ordered mine today (1 day later)! :lol:

I was going to plump for the 1.8 (which I had for a while when I first had my EOS5 and I miss it dearly) but my dealer offered me a very good deal on a new 50mm f1.4 as I was ordering some other gear.

If you don't mind me asking, how much of a good deal?

From my point of view I got a good deal at retail web price ... am from Australia thus exchange rate quite favourable at the moment.

I'm actually quite excited about getting a fast lens again. Don't know why, I just am :?

That makes two of us! Mind you ... can't really relate to the "again", as this is my first 'solo' lense purchase ... can't wait.

What is the best place to but a 50 mm lens?

I got mine from B&H.

[sp00g3]

B&H was out of stock last time I checked. I ordered mine from calumet. they are located in chicago so it is fairly quick for ups to deliver. At least it came from Chicago, I don't know there distribution methods, but I got the lens in 3 days ground!

I got mine from B&H.[/quote]

[tyler]

I have a Digital Rebel, with the lens that came with the kit. And after reading this thread, I started to wonder if this might be a decent lens to have.

I have the 18-55mm that came with the kit, but with the magnification it's more in the 20's - 60's. Also, its only f/3.5-5.6

Along with this lens I have a 75-300 IS, and the 500D for that lens as well. I'd love to go wider, but right now price wise that is pretty much out of the question. But I do take a lot of low light photos, so I was curious if this lens would be much of a benefit over what I currently have.... any advice/comparisons to a newbie?

Thanks in advance.
Tyler

[sp00g3]

Get the 50mm 1.8.. at $70 you can't go wrong. even if you don't really like the lense.. but I guarentee it is unbelievable for shooting low light pictures. Wish I had it for my halloween party :) Now that I have the lense, I'm not sure what I would do without it.

I have a Digital Rebel, with the lens that came with the kit. And after reading this thread, I started to wonder if this might be a decent lens to have.

I have the 18-55mm that came with the kit, but with the magnification it's more in the 20's - 60's. Also, its only f/3.5-5.6

Along with this lens I have a 75-300 IS, and the 500D for that lens as well. I'd love to go wider, but right now price wise that is pretty much out of the question. But I do take a lot of low light photos, so I was curious if this lens would be much of a benefit over what I currently have.... any advice/comparisons to a newbie?

Thanks in advance.
Tyler

[iwatkins]

If you don't mind me asking, how much of a good deal?


A good deal in the UK is getting something off the list price :D

Seriously, my dealer has offered the lens at £70 off list. List is £309.99 here. But I am spending about £400 on other stuff.

Cheers

Ian

[DAMphyne]

KO
In these albums are some samples of "Low Light" work with the 1.8 on a 10D. Most of these were taken at ISO 1600, f1.8, 1/15-1/30 sec.
Not great photos, but the lens works well focusing in dimly lit rooms, and I was able to get this stuff without a flash.

http://www.damphyne.com/gallery/view_album.php?set_albumName=pigeonstreet1&page=1

http://www.damphyne.com/gallery/view_album.php?set_albumName=singersandactors

OK-KO :P

[tyler]

thanks for the responses, i will probably get this one... if it ever comes back in stock... i can't find it anywhere.