Lens suggestion for newbie

razvanbuc wrote in post #14898369
Thank you for all the replies. I did not realized that an external flash would be so important. I was under the impression that on-camera flash and off-camera flash should give aprox same results. The reason i did not consider to buy an shoe mount flash is I hate that effect where the subject's face/body is lit up and the background is very dark or black when shooting in low light. Also, i am dissapointed because i was looking for a good reason for a new lens lol.

lol..sorry to disappoint. Bounced flash eliminates that "deer in the headlights" look that non-diffused flash gives.

razvanbuc wrote in post #14898369
Thank you for all the replies. I did not realized that an external flash would be so important. I was under the impression that on-camera flash and off-camera flash should give aprox same results. The reason i did not consider to buy an shoe mount flash is I hate that effect where the subject's face/body is lit up and the background is very dark or black when shooting in low light. Also, i am dissapointed because i was looking for a good reason for a new lens lol.

learning to use a flash will make all your lenses better indoors...

The Canon 35mm f2 is small, light, good for indoor group photo especially with a flash. It's made by Canon, takes great photos and it's cheap. You still need a wide angle of outdoor vacations.

I have to put in a plug for the EF 24 2.8 and the 28 2.8. Both are good IQ, and wide-normal on a crop body. I sold my copy of the 24 2.8 because it was soft until 4-4.5. The 28 2.8 is very good wide open and excellent from there on down. Alas, Canon has replaced these two oldsters with updated IS versions that cost significantly more. Progress, I suppose.

razvanbuc wrote in post #14895324
Hello
I am new to photography and would like your suggestion for a new lens. My current gear is 60D, 24-105L f4 and 50mm 2.5 macro. So far I find myself taking group pictures of family and friends in my house where the light is low just like any normal place with one or two bulb lights. I have been looking at the 50mm 1.4 to use in low light situations. I am afraid that it might work in low light for portraits of 1-2 people, the aperture will need to be increased in order to get larger groups in focus which will defeat the purpose of having this lens. Please let me know if I can use large aperture ( lower f number) for group portraits in low light. Futhermore, if money is not an issue, would I be better served with the 24-70 L f2.8? Thank you for your help

Low light seems to be the issue here; best solution- is to add light. Going to a faster aperture- and higher iso- well- it's one thing- but you've seen your results- haven't ya ? And thin DOF from wider apertures does not help with group shots either...

razvanbuc wrote in post #14898369
Thank you for all the replies. I did not realized that an external flash would be so important. I was under the impression that on-camera flash and off-camera flash should give aprox same results. The reason i did not consider to buy an shoe mount flash is I hate that effect where the subject's face/body is lit up and the background is very dark or black when shooting in low light. Also, i am dissapointed because i was looking for a good reason for a new lens lol.

Nowhere near equivalent- pop up vs external flash. You've got things to consider such as the size of the flash ( popups are smaller- thus hard light- creates definite shadows )- and significantly less range ( pop up guide number is 13 meters vs a 430 EX II- which is 43 meters (Take your guide number, divide it by your f-stop (f/4) and you end up with your popup flash can properly illuminate a subject 3.25 meters away at f/4 @ iso 100 ) (430 EX II- guide number 43 Meters- divide by f/4- can illuminate a subject properly at 10.75 meters at iso 100 ). - so you get increased range. In low light- sometimes the best solution- is to add light. If you want to go more natural- get some 2/3 light stands that you would normally get for an apartment/home and stick some quality lights in them. I tend to use daylight flourescents- quality brand- but I make sure all in the room are the same kelvin rating. Don't mix incandescent and fluorescent. But in the end- most of the time- a flash or two gives you more flexibility.. Your camera does wireless flash control- so you can put up to two different channels of flash to good use. It takes time and effort to learn flash- but it's worthwhile.

DreDaze wrote in post #14898709
learning to use a flash will make all your lenses better indoors...

And in my opinion- most should probably buy a flash as their 2nd or 3rd accessory.

Agree with the calls for a flash, however if you are locked in on wanting a lens, surely the 16-35L 2.8 would suit on a crop sensor? Effectively 25.6 at the wide end which is much better than anything you're facing now, and 2.8 at 25mm isn't too much of an issue concerning DoF for larger groups

Consider 10-22 on APS-c. It is a very nice lens.

Gotta agree with the calls for OC flash. I tried it first when I got a 550EX that acts as a flash commander. I currently have two 550EX units and a 430EX II. Using the 60D as its own commander and 3 satellite flashes presents a world of possibilities. The 60D will only do 2 groups, though. The 7D, and the 550EX and better will do 3 groups, if you really need them. Oh, and don't forget the light stands and umbrellas. Man, this hobby gets expensive.

considering that you want an excuse to buy a lens, then you'll now have an excuse to buy a lens AND a flash (you luck dog! hehehe)
I agree about the flash - in fact very significantly I have used the 430 exii and i really like it since it is small - but there have been times that i wanted more "juice" and am ordering the 600 now. It takes some time and effort to get a natural effect - both on ETTL and manual - but if you take the time, I think you will pleased.
in regards to the low light wider lens - I would agree with the 17-55 Canon or the 17-50 sigma....
17-23 is a nice addition, and it gets you a 2.8 aperture.
Anyway, YMMV

razvanbuc wrote in post #14898369
Thank you for all the replies. I did not realized that an external flash would be so important. I was under the impression that on-camera flash and off-camera flash should give aprox same results. The reason i did not consider to buy an shoe mount flash is I hate that effect where the subject's face/body is lit up and the background is very dark or black when shooting in low light. Also, i am dissapointed because i was looking for a good reason for a new lens lol.

If you point it straight at people you will notice some difference. When you start bouncing it off walls and or ceilings and or illuminating off camera from various angles you will see a world of difference. I'm still experimenting with my new toy and can say the difference is literally night and day. I only have the single flash right now but could easily see myself owning one or two more plus getting the triggers and stands with boxes/umbrellas.

flash, and 17-55 canon. very amazing lens. L glass without the L red ring and weather sealing. but other than that, awesome lens..