Canon Lens which will work well in low light without a flash

[jimchapin468]

I am looking for a lense to use indoors, gyms, and etc in low light situations -- that will truly produce sharp images at large apertures(f1, f2, etc).

I would appreciate your input on this. Thanks Jimmy

[busterboy]

Quick and easy answer.. Canon 50mm f/1.4.....:D

[Jon]

85 f/1.2 or 85 f/ 1.8 as well. or the 135 f/2.

[jimchapin468]

I have read in multiple locations that the 50mm f/1.4 does not function well at 1.4. Also I heard that the lens is good on closeups but a distance the large apertures tend to perform poorly. Any truth to this?

[AjP]

50 1.4 is awesome, do u want zoom or prime?????

[schmoelzel]

Jim......the 50F1.4 is dynamite at f1.4........as with any lens it will get a little better when you stop it down a bit. I usually use this lens at F2 if I am not trying to suck in the light. That way, portraits come out sharp and the narrow DoF is a little easier to handle. If you want the ultimate in available light optics there is only one choice....EF 85F1.2.....but save your pennies because it is expensive!!

[blue_max]

Hi JIm,

I have low light primes and they are fine as far as they go. A larger aperture lens is always better. Banging in a little flash into the shadows is the only way to get some shots, so consider your choice or whether you are able to use flash. Don't expect it to help your exposure, but it can help even it out.

Graham

[ayotnoms]

Have you tried your 200 f/2.8L with the ISO bumped up to 1600 or 3200?

Perhaps that would give you the reach and performance you need with only the noise to consider...and that can be handled in post-processing.

I seem to recall some members in the Sports forum posting basketball game photos with their f/2.8 lenses.

Good luck

[Curtis N]

I have read in multiple locations that the 50mm f/1.4 does not function well at 1.4. Also I heard that the lens is good on closeups but a distance the large apertures tend to perform poorly. Any truth to this?I'm sure if you did a search on this forum for "50mm 1.4" you find many tack-sharp images taken with that lens, wide open.

I recently acquired that lens and have taken some nice sharp pictures and some soft ones, too. The problem is that the brutally shallow DOF at 1.4 requires very accurate focusing or the image will look soft. I'm learning to be more careful with what I focus on. My guess is that the people who flame it are experiencing the same problem and blame the lens.

If you're looking to buy your first "fast" prime, the 50mm 1.4 is an excellent choice. It is priced much more affordably than other lenses with a similar maximum aperture.