50 vs 30(28)

noob here, want to upgrade my lens package and considering the 30mm 1/4 and 28mm 1/8, so I guess part of this is which would be better?

another question is I have a 50mm 1/8, which I like, but I'm wondering if I should bother? I understand they're better lenses but are they really worth my $?

I shoot a lot of intimate stuff, no not that, friends and family, street level, travel, the latter getting some landscapes obviously.

thx!

On a crop, the sigma 30mm f/1.4 is a standard focal length, great for street photography. The 50mm on the other hand is good for portraits, since it is tighter.

thanks. I also just added this, should you wish to advise.

related to my other post, want to add some more prime lenses, what are some good ones to have at the ready in order to have a well rounded kit? please keep in mind that I have hundred$ to throw around, not thousands. thx

It's f/1.4 and f/1.8.

I'm aiming for the Canon myself but then I have non-crop cameras so the Sigma is not an option. I think 28mm complements 50mm a bit better. On the other hand you leave quite a bit of light on the floor between f/1.4 and f/1.8. 65% more light comes into the f/1.4 lenses, you can reduce exposure time by 40%. That can make a very noticeable difference in motion blur.

Long term goal might be the 50mm f/1.4 Sigma and the 28mm f/1.8 Canon which is the best of both worlds and FF compatible. Of course it's also the most expensive combo

ETA: Since you asked, another attractive medium priced prime is the 85mm f/1.8 (really good lens IMHO).

also might want to look at the 35 f/2, I use it a lot a parties and when out with friends

ghostdoggy wrote in post #14035957
thanks. I also just added this, should you wish to advise.

related to my other post, want to add some more prime lenses, what are some good ones to have at the ready in order to have a well rounded kit? please keep in mind that I have hundred$ to throw around, not thousands. thx

What I did was start out with the 50/1.8. I then added the Sigma 30/1.4, 85/1.8 and 60/2.8 Macro. I hardly ever use my 50/1.8 anymore because the focusing on the new lenses is so much more reliable.

The 50/1.8 does produce some pretty nice images when AF is on, but I have never been a fan of the pentagon shapped out of focus highlites it produces. This was the main reason I didn't go with the 35/2 (same 5 bladed aperture design as 50/1.8) and picked the 30/1.4 instead. It was a very hard decision between the 28/1.8 and 30/1.4 for me, but I went with the Sigma for the extra 2/3 stop and included lens hood.

At some point, I would like to upgrade the 50/1.8 to the Sigma 50/1.4, but that is lower on my priority list now.

I have the Canon 50 1.4 which was a wonderful lens for portraits. However, I believe the autofocus motor might be dying since I've had to microadjust it several times wit my 5D. It was a dream on my Rebel though for portraits.

dang, you guys have some serious jack invested!

thanks for the help!

I have the 35L and thinking of adding the Sigma 50 but was wondering if they are too close together in FL. I shoot with a 7d and would like a little more reach for indoor pictures of my grandchildren but think an 85 1.8 would be to much.
Any thoughts?

ghostdoggy wrote in post #14036553
dang, you guys have some serious jack invested!

Yes. As per something I read in another thread I/We prefer the term 'invested' than 'spent our kids college fund'.

Not a cheap hobby at the best of times. Hand around here too long and you'll swear you wallet has big holes in it in the shape of an 'L'.

And it only keeps costing more

I started out with the T1i and duo-kit lens. The first lens I purchased was the 50mm f/1.8. It is a great starter lens, to see if you want to get into primes. It was nearly a year later, when I was going on a trip to Chicago that I wanted a lightweight lens that could 'do all' for a weekend trip. I purchased the 28mm f/1.8. It is perfect on a crop camera. I have taken many, many shots with that one. So with either one, you can't go wrong! Just prepare for spending shock as you progress.

and I felt bad about spending a grand... before coming here.

ghostdoggy wrote in post #14036781
and I felt bad about spending a grand... before coming here.

don't spend too much time in this section of the forum then, your wallet will hate you

I had the Sigma 30 f/1.4 on my crop body (50D) and it was my favourite lens on that body. Once I had it the 50mm hardly ever came out of the bag. It is such a fun lens to use.