50MM Prime Question

[Enem178]

Quick question, I hear that most people have the 50mm prime in their lens collection and that they are great for portraits. Now my question is, will this lens be a good choice for my crop sensor camera for portraits, or do most people use them on full frame sensors? Just was wondering if I should go with the 50mm or something smaller like a 35mm for portraits.

[Grimes]

In my opinion, it's probably better on a crop camera. A lot of people like the 80mm range on a full frame for portraits.

I used the nifty-fifty on my old RebelXT, and it was definitely good for portraits.

[matonanjin]

Both.

50mm on a cropped is going to give you, obviously, 80mm which is considered perfect short tele for portraits, esp. head and shoulders.

50 on FF is perfect for full length.

Of course "perfect" is subjective and depends on the look you are going for. Some like UWA and some like 135 or 200. Good friend of mine shoots outdoor portraits almost exclusively with 135 F/2 on 40D.

[LowriderS10]

It'll be great for a crop sensor...I've had both the 50 1.8 and now have the 50 1.4 for a 1.6 crop and they're awesome...it's basically like having a 70mm portrait lens for a FF (a lot of FF guys use the 85 for portraits, so you're basically at the same magnification).

[Enem178]

Ok, thanks for the quick replies!!

[neumanns]

You have a 28-135...Do you like the 50mm range for portriat's? Does it fit your style? Where do you currantly shoot them on your zoom? Do you find yourself shooting shorter or longer than 50mm?

If you like the 50mm area on your zoom then youll love a 50 prime.

[Enem178]

Actually I really havent done many portraits but its something I want to start to get into. Right not I basically do street/urban photography, so im all over that 28-135 range. lol

[LowriderS10]

I hated primes and I hated taking portraits...then a buddy of mine was selling his 20D/50 1.8 combo and wouldn't sell me just the body. I was just going to toss the 50 on craigslist right away...but, I got curious and took a few shots with it...I was so hooked that I ended up selling the 50 1.8 not because I hated it but because I loved it so much I wanted the 1.4 version.

If I were you I'd pick up a cheap second-hand 50 1.8 (70-80 bucks, sometimes even cheaper) and monkey around with it...if you don't like it, you can always sell it for what you bought it for (everyone wants the nifty fifty, it's the easiest lens to sell), if you like it...you just added a cheap, dynamite lens to your arsenal ;)

this is from the FIRST portrait session I've ever done (with my g/f). With the cheapo 50 1.8 II.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v358/LowriderS10/Portraits/EDIT_8048.jpg

[Enem178]

Thanks "low" im sold. lol I believe b/h has it for $90

[matonanjin]

this is from the FIRST portrait session I've ever done (with my g/f). With the cheapo 50 1.8 II.

Who cares about the lens? Very hot g/f! Gorgeous eyes.

[LowriderS10]

Enem: glad to be of service!

manonanjin: haha thank you :) I'm very happy with her ;)

[DocMike]

this is from the FIRST portrait session I've ever done (with my g/f). With the cheapo 50 1.8 II.


Beautiful composition and great bokeh, but I can't help but think the white balance is a little off. The whole thing looks a little to blue/cool to me.

[kosin]

It all depends on what you shoot. I bought 50mm couple weeks ago for a 1.6 crop body and this lens is great for outdoor portraits, where there is no way I will do full body shots inside the small studio/living room ;)

[yogestee]

Actually I really havent done many portraits but its something I want to start to get into. Right not I basically do street/urban photography, so im all over that 28-135 range. lol


The Nifty Fifty is a great lens to get you into portraiture.. Small, light and sharp as a tack.. Also being small it's not too intimidating for the subject like a 70-200mm F/2.8 for example..

[Enem178]

Cool, im probably going to go to b/h today and pick one up. Thanks

[LowriderS10]

DocMike: thank you, and you may be right about the WB ;)

Enem: awesome...let us know what you get and how you like it :)

[Enem178]

Just picked it up and im very happy with this lens. The 1st thing I noticed was how sharp it is. I haven't taken any portrait shots yet but just snapping shots around the city im very happy. Thanks for the help!!