Newbie Looking for a New Lens...

I am a total amature, but I am looking to get more serious with my photography. I recently bought the Canon Speedlite 430EX II Flash and really like the doors that it creatively has opened for me..I am now considering the 50mm f/1.4 and after reading MILLIONS of reviews, I am just wondering if spending the extra money on this now as opposed to getting the less expenstive 1.8 and perhaps upgrading later is a wise choice? Decisions, decisions..thanks for the insight!

The 50 1.4 is more solidly built, focuses faster and is less noisy, and has a real focus ring. But if money is an issue you can buy a nifty cheap, use it for a while and sell it for most of the price you paid. Think of it as a long term rental until you are ready to step up. Either way there are some things you can only do with a fast prime.

I'd rather the Sigma 30 1.4 but YMMV

I am in the same dilemma, but here is what I know about the 1.8 and the 1.4: The 1.8 is good, but the plastic body makes it easy to break. And some people will tell you that having the 1.4 is nice for the extreme focus shots, but I prefer for most of the subject to be in focus so I’m probably going to go with the 1.8.

My personal experience: Get the one you want and be satisfied.

jerefish wrote in post #12002479
I am in the same dilemma, but here is what I know about the 1.8 and the 1.4: The 1.8 is good, but the plastic body makes it easy to break. And some people will tell you that having the 1.4 is nice for the extreme focus shots, but I prefer for most of the subject to be in focus so I’m probably going to go with the 1.8.

You will probably use both of them at 2 or 2.2 to keep things in focus.

gonzogolf wrote in post #12002453
The 50 1.4 is more solidly built, focuses faster and is less noisy, and has a real focus ring. But if money is an issue you can buy a nifty cheap, use it for a while and sell it for most of the price you paid. Think of it as a long term rental until you are ready to step up. Either way there are some things you can only do with a fast prime.

that is a really great idea..now why didn't I think of that? I have a feeling that is what I'll be doing! Thanks everyone, and enjoy the weekend!

i'd sell all your lenses...get something wider. like the tamron 17-50 f2.8, and add a 55-250IS if you like having something with reach...then add the 50mm f1.8 if you have the budget...but i might've blown thru that with the first two lenses

DreDaze wrote in post #12002599
i'd sell all your lenses...get something wider. like the tamron 17-50 f2.8, and add a 55-250IS if you like having something with reach...then add the 50mm f1.8 if you have the budget...but i might've blown thru that with the first two lenses

Actually I did sell the 28-90 and very rarely need the 300mm....I this weekend I might have to clean up all my gear and head down to the local camera shop and see if they are willing to give me fair market value for that I do have..thank you for the idea!

gbratt79 wrote in post #12002432
I am a total amature, but I am looking to get more serious with my photography. I recently bought the Canon Speedlite 430EX II Flash and really like the doors that it creatively has opened for me..I am now considering the 50mm f/1.4 and after reading MILLIONS of reviews, I am just wondering if spending the extra money on this now as opposed to getting the less expenstive 1.8 and perhaps upgrading later is a wise choice? Decisions, decisions..thanks for the insight!

personally i would say go and try out the 50 1.8 or 1.4. when i first bought my 50 1.8 it was weird having a prime but i love it now. i would buy the 1.8 if you cant try them out just to see if you even like that focal length in a prime especially if this is your first prime lens. i am now thinking of buying the 85 1.8 and then in the future getting the 50 1.4...

There is a website (www.borrowlenses.com) where for a fee you can rent lenses for a specified number of days, if my local camera shop does not offer such a program this might be worth looking into...thanks again everyone!

Just keep in mind that for the rental fee and shipping on mid level lenses you end up eating into the cost of actually just buying what you think you want used. Because lenses dont depreciate (much) if you buy them used you can sell them if you dont like them for about what you paid. Keep your rental dollars for the high end stuff you arent likely to purchase.

gonzogolf wrote in post #12002823
Just keep in mind that for the rental fee and shipping on mid level lenses you end up eating into the cost of actually just buying what you think you want used. Because lenses dont depreciate (much) if you buy them used you can sell them if you dont like them for about what you paid. Keep your rental dollars for the high end stuff you arent likely to purchase.

another good point..I think I will still head down to the shop with my gear this weekend, talk to someone there and see what I can get figured out.

Thank you so much for making me think of other possibilites and lens options out there..there really is just so many options out there for us

Hey Gina I know it's not cheap, but did you consider the EF 85L f1.2 II USM...? Many people regard this at the ultimate lens. A cheaper way to go would be the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM.

Either way if you decided to sell later you would get your money back...

1. I agree with the comments above about the weakness of your current lenses.
2. A 50, any 50, may or may not be a good idea for you depending on what you want to achieve in your photography.

If you go into a bit of detail about your aspirations, we will be much better placed to give useful advice, rather than just commenting on the cost effectiveness of the 50/1.4 vs the 1.8.