My first SLR

Mornnb wrote in post #15213426
Sure but I didn't buy it second hand, it was actually brand new. Is it too much to expect a lens factory to be a clean room?

It happens with every manufacturer, even Canon, so I repeat, its not a QC issue. Between the factory clean room and you opening the box, the lens goes through a lot, and dust can get in.

Alright guys. The more I look at the lenses the more I wonder which one to take.

18-135IS for sure. But then what would you take along with it?

- Sigma 50mm f1.4
- Canon 85mm f1.8
- Canon 70-300mm f4-5.6 IS.

They all 3 fit in my budget ($500-580).

For some reasons I just love the blurred effect (is that the way we describe it?) created by the 50 and 85mm. And I think that I would love to take portraits. What is best?

Thanks

ds1990, of your choices, I would go with the Sigma 50 or the Canon 85, especially for portraits. I used my friend's 85 and it was incredibly sharp. Didn't like the FL too much (for me at least - I know there's plenty of people who love theirs).

If you do decide on the Canon 85, you can probably add a good copy of a Canon 50mm 1.8 (Mk I or II) with the extra cash if you buy used.

EDIT: oh and if you want a telephoto, I'd say look into the 70-200 f4L non-IS (unless you need the extra reach from the 70-300). I rented the 70-200 f4L and I now I'm longing for this FL when I can get the money.

ds1990 wrote in post #15214540
Alright guys. The more I look at the lenses the more I wonder which one to take.

18-135IS for sure. But then what would you take along with it?

- Sigma 50mm f1.4
- Canon 85mm f2.8
- Canon 70-300mm f4-5.6 IS.

They all 3 fit in my budget ($500-580).

For some reasons I just love the blurred effect (is that the way we describe it?) created by the 50 and 85mm. And I think that I would love to take portraits. What is best?

Thanks

For indoor portraits, the 50mm FL is better because the 85 will require you to back up a long way to fit the subject in the shot. For outdoor portraits, where you have more room to back up, the 85 would be better.

I wouldn't recommend the 70-300mm unless you are planning on shooting birds and wildlife.

Ok thank you both. Well I need to make a choice now.

I see the difference between the 50mm and 85mm. I take most of my pics in town. Very few indoor portraits, they are mainly taken outside. 85mm seems to be the best choice then.

85mm is a nice focal length for portraits on crop. And the 85 1.8 is a very nice lens. Be aware though, that it has a rather long MFD.

Sirrith wrote in post #15220514
85mm is a nice focal length for portraits on crop. And the 85 1.8 is a very nice lens. Be aware though, that it has a rather long MFD.

Can you explain to me what MFD is please? (Minimum Focus Distance?).

Argghhh hard choice to make. I just keep looking at the Canon 85mm f1.8 and Sigma 50mm f1.4 threads here on the forum and I cannot decide! Need some help there guys as well lol

Thanks

Think I'll go for the Sigma 50mm 1.4.

The reason being is that I will sometimes take indoors portraits or in small areas (aircraft flightdeck for example and I am worried not to be able to take small details located at 30/50mm from me with the 85mm). What do you think ?

And I have found out that there is a 85mm f1.2 which seems to be unbelievably good, so I'll wait and I'll get this 85mm instead of the 1.8 one day!

I have also been debating the 650D versus 60D. I'm currently using a 1000D (Rebel XS) and feel like I've outgrown it, so looking for an upgrade. I came across this great deal on a 60D body and jumped on it this morning. There's no going back for me now.

60D body, $769. http://www.42photo.com​/pd-productid-105193.htm

jrandall wrote in post #15229761
I have also been debating the 650D versus 60D. I'm currently using a 1000D (Rebel XS) and feel like I've outgrown it, so looking for an upgrade. I came across this great deal on a 60D body and jumped on it this morning. There's no going back for me now.

60D body, $769. http://www.42photo.com​/pd-productid-105193.htm

I have made my choice too and I go for the 60D. Now I need to choose what lens I go for...

Depends what you shoot and what your budget is, on my 7D I use the Canon 15-85 which has a good range for a walk round lens and superb IQ.

Hi all,

So here are some fresh news, I will buy the 60D + 18-135mm next week as planned!

Still hesitating between Sigma 50mm f1.4 or Canon 85mm f1.8.

I am looking for the one giving the more bokeh. Which is one you think will give more bokeh?

I am also a bit worried that the 85mm has a too long MFD (as said before i'll take pics in small places such as flightdeck for example).

Another question. Let's say that I want to take a pic of an aircraft, what lens will allow me to take the entire aircraft with the more bokeh? the 85mm I guess?

Thanks again for your help.

ds1990 wrote in post #15283734
Hi all,

So here are some fresh news, I will buy the 60D + 18-135mm next week as planned!

Still hesitating between Sigma 50mm f1.4 or Canon 85mm f1.8.

I am looking for the one giving the more bokeh. Which is one you think will give more bokeh?

I am also a bit worried that the 85mm has a too long MFD (as said before i'll take pics in small places such as flightdeck for example).

Another question. Let's say that I want to take a pic of an aircraft, what lens will allow me to take the entire aircraft with the more bokeh? the 85mm I guess?

Thanks again for your help.

Canon 85/1.8 has better subject isolation. I don't trust the Sigma 50/1.4's autofocus accuracy either - need a camera with microfocus adjustment.

ds1990 wrote in post #15283734
Hi all,

So here are some fresh news, I will buy the 60D + 18-135mm next week as planned!

Still hesitating between Sigma 50mm f1.4 or Canon 85mm f1.8.

I am looking for the one giving the more bokeh. Which is one you think will give more bokeh?

I am also a bit worried that the 85mm has a too long MFD (as said before i'll take pics in small places such as flightdeck for example).

Another question. Let's say that I want to take a pic of an aircraft, what lens will allow me to take the entire aircraft with the more bokeh? the 85mm I guess?

Thanks again for your help.

Aircraft? Static or flying? If it is static you'll have to back way up to get the aircraft in the frame with the 85 on a 60D.

Yogi Bear wrote in post #15283783
Aircraft? Static or flying? If it is static you'll have to back way up to get the aircraft in the frame with the 85 on a 60D.

Static.