Considering a new lens

[jessschiff]

I shoot a lot of local concerts, some on request and some just for fun. Right now I'm using an f/stop 1.8 50mm and a 2.8 15mm fisheye. The last concert I shot (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jessschiff/sets/72157617961344380/) turned out really well, but I'm looking to get a new lens to expand what I can do.

The 15 is great, but my 50's autofocus is really crummy.

I'm looking into maybe a 35 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/12119-USA/Canon_2507A002_Wide_Angle_EF_35mm.html#features) or another 50, do you guys have any recommendations? I can't really blow more than 300 dollars - tops.

[bacchanal]

I haven't shot with the 35/2. It's supposed to be pretty sharp in the center, but it does not have USM. You may want to consider the Sigma 30/1.4 or the Canon 28/1.8 (you can probably find either of them used for around $300). The 28/1.8 isn't the sharpest lens, but the AF is pretty good. Personally, I would probably go with the Sigma. It would be good to have an f/1.4 in your arsenal, and it's supposed to have really good optics.

[jessschiff]

Is the Sigma that reliable? I'm thinking about the 50mm 1.4, it's just so pricy though.

[narlus]

sigma 30 f/1.4 is a great lens. buy a used copy that you can trust.

[jessschiff]

Yeah? Alright. I'll definitely look into that.

[Madgwick]

Sigma 30 f/1.4 is an amazing lens, as is the 50 f/1.4 if you want to dish out the extra cash, the 50 f/1.4 is basically like a quiet(er) MUCH faster nifty fifty w/ a metal mount. Really really awesome lenses for darker clubs and such, I've used both, they're fantastic, they're both a bit soft at 1.4 but allowing the lower iso is worth it, the 50 really sharpens up around 2.0 as the 30 seams to be very sharp around 2.8, don't get me wrong neither of these are soft in the slightest bit too, but you can see a difference from 1.4 to 2.0 or 2.8

[Robp412]

Wide angles in concert photography are always a good choice. Anything wide with below 2.8 is good.