Recommendations for first prime lens?

I bought a Canon Rebel T5i with the EF-S 18-135 mm IS STM kit lens as my first DSLR and have really been enjoying it so far. However, I've decided that it is time to spread my wings and look into getting a prime lens. From what I have read, the images you get from prime lenses are much sharper than the standard kit lens (even though the kit lens I got appears to be a really good lens in itself).

After doing my own research, I've narrowed it down to either: a) EF 50 mm f1.8, b) EF 28 mm f1.8, or c) EF 35 mm f/2 and I am having trouble deciding between the 3. Which do you think would be a good first prime lens?

From what I have read, the 50 mm f1.8 is highly regarded (though cheaply made) and the cheapest of the options. However on my camera the images might be a bit too zoomed in and I might be better off getting one of the other two. What would you recommend.

Thank you in advance for any advice you can provide!

Welcome to the forums, this place is a wealth of knowledge. You'll find yourself on here a lot now!

When I had a crop camera I found the 50mm f1.8 a bit too tight for my liking (still got me hooked on prime lenses). So I would recommend a 35mm although the 50mm f1.8 is so cheap I'd get it to compliment the 35mm.

the 40mm pancake maybe?

35mm f/2 IS is a sweet lens... I had the 50mm f/1.8 and absolutely hated it.

Hi Cala83,
Prime lens has one focal length. So, you will need to ask yourself what you are going to use the lens for.

If you are going to use this prime for portrait, I would recommend 85mm f/1.8.
For the three lenses that you had mentioned, I vote for 35mm f/2

welcome! I would get a 300 F2.8 v II! Enjoy!


In all seriousness I would get a 85 1.4

Take a look at what you are currently using on your lens that came with your camera. Are you more likely to shoot wider shots, close ups, portraits? Look at what focal range you find yourself using, and then start to choose what lens you want next.

I picked up the T4i and picked up the 50mm 1.8, and am really enjoying it. Is it the fastest to autofocus in low light or the best built lens? Nope- but it takes really great shots, and a prime lens will make you work harder to compose your shots, and think about lighting.

I also recommend picking up a flash- I got the speedlight 430 and it will greatly improve your shooting quality and options. There are quite a few shots where using the built in flash washes out or ruins the image you wanted to capture- being able to bounce that flash and create fill light improves a lot of images. Good luck!

When I first picked up an SLR (XSI), I immediately sold my kit lens and picked up a 50mm 1.8...

I agree the 35is would be a wonderful option, but for a cheap alternative, the 50mm 1.8 can't be beat.

The only reason I can appreciate faster glass on my wide angle lens (28mm 2.8) is because it can focus at close distances, which makes it ideal for gardens, flowers, or portraits.
Outside of that, I'd be more than okay with a super sharp f4 wideangle lens.

heres one from my xsi /50 straight out of the camera

http://imageshack.us/a​/img842/1219/ppmu.jpg

I just find the bokeh around trees to be a little bit harsh..

out of the ones you listed, the 35 f2 IS would be my choice. $550

out of the ones you haven't listed, the sigma 30 1.4 would be my choice. $3xx used

he 35f2 is is harder to find 2nd hand, since it's newer.

if you buy the sigma 30 1.4, you can buy the canon 50 1.8 and still be cheaper than the 35 f2 IS.

everything depends on what/where you shoot and your budget. I have to say I can't leave this post without mentioning the sigma 18-35 1.8 though, seems like a great lens. you should at least check it out. if i was shooting crop still i'd probably be considering one. it's a very useful range and is very fast for a zoom.

Sounds like folks love their Sigma 30 1.4's. I'm pretty convinced now it's a lens I need to consider some day.

I don't see how you could go wrong with a 50 1.8. For about $100, you can see if you really like primes. If not, no big loss. Also makes a great portrait lens for a crop body.

Qlayer2 wrote in post #16508266
Take a look at what you are currently using on your lens that came with your camera. Are you more likely to shoot wider shots, close ups, portraits? Look at what focal range you find yourself using, and then start to choose what lens you want next.

Agreed, base your decision on what or how you shoot. If you do a lot of portraits and the like the 50 1.8 might be a good choice as on your camera it'll have an equivalent field of view close lenses like the 85 1.8 which is popular for portraiture on a full frame/35mm camera.

None of those lenses are going to wind up being very wide on your camera but if you'd like something to stop motion the 28 and 50 will both be the best at f/1.8.

Many have already said it that it depends on what you like to shoot, what you shoot most and which type of pictures do you want to have the image quality be better.

In my opinion doing anything from head shots full body length photos benefit the most from having a lens with a larger aperture. This is due to the shallower depth of field and you can use lower ISO when there is less light.

If you don't know what focal length you would want I would suggest trying to stay close to "normal" for this first prime. For your camera I would choose one of these 24,28,30,35,50.

If it were me I would pick a sigma 50 1.4

I had the sigma 30 and it was a great lens... my only complaint was the focus was horrible

I have strongly considered buying an old Nikon 50 1.4 manual focus lens and using an adapter. IQ is generally superb with those old Nikons, and I love the silky smooth manual focus on them. Might be something for you to consider.

I'd suggest a macro lens - specifically the Canon 60 macro. It'll introduce you to another type of photography, and it's a really fun lens. Tailor-made for your camera, and the close focusing capability opens up such a lot of possibilities. I've owned a couple of other primes in the last few years, but the 60 macro is the one that has seen the most use, and is in fact the only one I've kept. It's razor sharp and focuses quickly enough for sports. Great not only for macro, but also for portraits and general use as well. It's not as fast as other primes (f2.8), but the creative potential is limitless. It's the lens in my bag that is by far the most "fun" to use.