need suggestions for a 50mm lens

Sirrith wrote in post #14911260
The sigma 30 1.4 is a better buy than the canon 28 1.8 for crop IMO.

The siggy is sharper, has smoother bokeh, and is 1.4 vs 1.8.

The canon however, can focus a bit closer, and has slightly faster AF.

A better buy because of the 1.4, but I think in real world use, the sharpness and bokeh isn't significantly different. If the Sigma had reliable AF, I would still have it in my lineup. However, with all 3 copies I owned, I never felt confident that it was going to hit focus. I'd say it would nail the shot 60-70% of the time. That may be perfectly fine for most people, but it annoyed the hell out of me. The 28mm has been more like 90% accurate, even in low light...that's something I can live with.

If you don't need autofocus, the Rokinon 35 f1.4 is a great lens (as is the 85 f1.4, but that will be long on a crop).

I have been setting my 28-70 at 28, 35, and 50 and walking around the house and outdoors.The more I play with it the more I am convinced I want 2 lenses, the 28 for indoors and the 50 for outdoors.

My original goal was to go with a f/1.4 lens since my best right now is 2.8 and I want better low light abilities. An f/1.8 doesn't seem like a big enough jump from 2.8.

After reading numerous reviews of all the brands and being partial to Canon I will likely choose the Canon 50mm f/1.4, and the Canon 28mm f/1.8

I would prefer a f/1.4 28mm but the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 seems to be SO HIT AND MISS to get a good copy. All of the review sites eventually mention trouble with AF and/or going through several copies to finally get a good one.

I too struggled with only a 1.3stop improvement, but eventually realized that a bump up in ISO noise is a much better alternative to an out of focus shot. Then, once you add some bounce flash, problem essentially solved.

I've had very good experience with the Sigma 30 1.4 on my 7D. Then i bought a 5D3 and a Sigma 50 1.4 to go along with it....the Sigma 50 1.4 is also very nice. The 50 1.4 is very accurate with my 5D3...but not so much with my 7D.

Next decision .. buy both or go with a used Canon 35mm f/1.4L for about the same total cost? Is that a reasonable compromise?

Is 35mm wide enough for you? If it is the 35L is a very good lens.

The difference between 28mm and 50mm can be achieved with a few steps forward or backwards, so I personally wouldn't want to own 2 primes that are that close to each other in focal length. I would say that if you really want to dump the cash into this focal range, then get the 35L.

Otherwise, get the 28mm first, and use it for a couple months. Since you can almost always get closer when indoors, I think it's smart to start with the shorter focal length first. After giving the shorter length some time, you may not have much desire for a 50mm prime.

I don't think "general purpose" and 50mm on crop are the same.
Get Sigma 30 1.4.