50mm 1.4 vs. EF 35mm f/1.4L USM

I just bought a Digital Rebel XT with the EF-S 17-35 IS USM the other day and am new to digital photography. I like it, but like many here, I want a fast, normal prime.

I'm curious about one thing, though. The 50mm 1.4 seems to be the hands-down favorite, but if I understand the relation of the 350D's sensor size to 35mm film, wouldn't a 35mm be "normal" according to my past experience? Using a 50mm would be like me using an 80 or 85mm "normal" on my film SLR.

Outdoors, it won't matter much, of course, but I do a lot of indoor shooting. Anyone use that 35mm for their normal prime?

Thanks.

John

Here is a recent review.

https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=79727

No contest, but then you pay like 3 times more for the 35, but you pay for a great lens.

Both are good to have, and 50 is a great value at 300 USD, but the 35 will win hands down. And on a 1.6 crop, the 35 will act more like the 50 on a film anyway.

YIKES! I'm new to this. . .my old camera gear was twenty-five years old. I'm not in the market for a $1,000+ lens! Beautiful, though. But as long as photography is for fun and not for money, I'll stick with cheaper lenses. I thought going for the EF-S 17-85 IS USM was worth the upgrade price, but that L is ridiculous. Awesome photos of Julia in that thread, though, thanks for pointing it out.

Obviously, I'm not familiar with Canon's lens lines. You've confirmed to me that I do want a 35mm for my "normal". A 50mm for this old timer won't 'feel' normal, and I'm happy with the EF-S 17-85 most of the time. I think I want to get a 35mm for my general purpose prime. The 50mm is probably a great portrait prime lens to have.

Anyone use the EF 35mm f/2.0? Should I be looking at any other lens? Other brands? I understand Canon's IS and USM are great features, but I'm sure there are lots of good 35mm's around. Again, I'm brand new to this rebel XT thing.

Thanks.

John

35/1.4L is a legendary lens. The 35/2 is a pretty awesome lens too! It's one of the "best buys" of Canon's line.

Also look into the 50/1.8 for $70 goodness and the Sigma 30/1.4 if you need speed speed speed!

I've got both, and i have to admit that the 50 has not been on my 20D since i bought the 35 late sep

John,

I am quite happy with my Sigma 30/1.4 DC (that's about the price of the 50/1.4).

You can see some reviews of this lens and also the 35/2.0 here:
http://www.photozone.d​e/8Reviews/index.html

Best regards,
Andy

Thanks, guys. I was tooling around Valley Forge Park today with my EF-S 17-5 and again in the house looking through 35 and 50mm settings and I definitely don't want the 50mm 1.4. It's likely a great portrait lens. . .about the equivalent of an 85mm on my old film camera.

I am going to seriously look at the EF 35mm f/2.0. I'm not a fast lens nut and it's likely to be my favorite focal length prime. I may also look into the 50mm 1.8 as a nice portrait prime lens, thanks for that suggestion. I haven't priced any of them, but I'm assuming the 1.8 is a bit less and the one I can't see spending the money on is the 50mm 1.4.

For me, it makes not much sense. YMMV. I appreciate the inputs! Had a ball in Valley Forge, by the way. Great little camera, and I'm very happy with the EF-S 17-85. Very satisfied with my initial purchase.

John

The 50's kinda long on a crop. It makes a great portrait lens, but you really need to be across the kitchen to get a half-body shot.

Which makes it either decent for semi-candids of your friends, or a PITA to use as you're always backing up. Depends on your situation at the time, really.

(I'm looking at the sigma 30/1.4 myself, so please do keep us informed if you go that way)

Well, I've made a decision. The report link above on the Sigma was dissappointing enough that I've decided to go with the Canon EF 35mm f/2 for now.

My next birthday is 50! Should be able to talk the wife into a primo present like the 35 f/1.4L, doncha think?

Thanks for the thoughts and suggestions, guys. I can see I'm going to be on this forum a lot while I get used to digital photography with my XT