24mm to 35mm for 7D?

I'm looking for a standard fast lens for my 7D for taking either full body portraits with the camera in landscape orientation to provide environmental portraits and head and shoulders close-ups again camera in landscape orientation.

I have been considering the following :-

Sigma 30mm f/1.4
Canon 35mm f/2 either IS or non IS version

Or at the pricier end of the scale 24mm f/1.4L II or 35mm f/1.4L.

I am not considering a move to FF in the future.

Not considering FF, then get the new Sigma 30 1.4 Art when it comes out. It will essentially be a mini version of their 35 1.4 which is a stunning lens.

match14 wrote in post #15764519
I'm looking for a standard fast lens for my 7D for taking either full body portraits with the camera in landscape orientation to provide environmental portraits and head and shoulders close-ups again camera in landscape orientation.

I have been considering the following :-

Sigma 30mm f/1.4
Canon 35mm f/2 either IS or non IS version

Or at the pricier end of the scale 24mm f/1.4L II or 35mm f/1.4L.

I am not considering a move to FF in the future.

i had the sigma 30mm f1.4 on my 600d.. very fun useful setup..
recently grabbed a full frame and the 24mm ii ..i would highly recommend the 24mm ii over any sigma or canon lens ive ever used

I'll look in to the sigma 30mm, have you used the 24mm L on a crop?

For full body portraits, I'd go for 35, keep in mind that works if you are shooting outside, indoors even the 35 can get tight on a cropper as its effectively a 50mm or close.

Canon 35 F2 IS is a heck of a lens, I know because I am the only one on this board who has one I am very happy with it, pics are in the archive.

If you like to shoot wide open, Sigma 35/1.5 is best at it but autofocus can take you for a ride. Some don't mind that at all they have time, I don't

The 24L gives a wider a FOV on 7D BUT its not the best lens to shoot portraits because of its distortion which is not heavy but certainly worse than the 35 counterparts.

Good luck.

If you willing to buy an APS-C only lens, the Sigma 30mm works great.

If you got the bucks, I like the new Canon 35mm IS.

I own the 35/2 and really like what it can do, but, it definitely is a dated design. I wish it was a little cheaper.

Sigma 30

24/35L is a waste on crop (yes I like to cause controversy)

On my 50D I have a 24/2.8, a Leica R 28/2.8 and a Leica R 35/2.8. I like all three. In terms of which gets used the most and feels the most natural for composition, I'd take the 28mm. So I'd be rooting for one of those or the SIgma 30/1.4.

I've recently bought the current version of the sigma 30mm f1.4 for a bargin price after my nifty 50 kicked the bucket. I was also looking at the 35mm f1.4 but couldn't justify the extra cost on my 7D crop, as with Kin2son i thought it'd be a waste as I'm not moving from crop any time soon. and at 30mm (48mm FF) its as close to 50mm as you can get.

marcosv wrote in post #15766729
I own the 35/2 and really like what it can do, but, it definitely is a dated design. I wish it was a little cheaper.

I have to agree with the old 35 f/2 lens. I bought mine at Amazon recently for $279. I picked it up specifically as a normal length, fast-aperture lens for my 60D. I like the 35 2 on my 60D. It is nothing special on FF. It is 1/3 the price of the 35 f/2 IS, is USM worth an extra $600? It is 1/5 the price of the 35L, is USM and 1 stop worth $1200? Not to me. Ok, I'm cheap!

kin2son wrote in post #15767026
Sigma 30

24/35L is a waste on crop (yes I like to cause controversy)

I wouldn't say it's wasted... I'd rather say that there are crop alternatives that are better priced that can be very good options...

A 24mm is way to wide on a crop for a tight head shot. For 18" vertical head shot you would have to be 28" from your target. If someone stuck a camera that near my face they would have a problem I dont like to get within 48" of my target. A 35mm on a crop needs 42" for a 18" vertical. The 24 is fine for groups or full body but not a head shot. Get the 35 f2 IS.

At least thats my story and I'm sticking to it

I can recommend the 35F2 on a crop - great lens for general use and portraits.
If you just want a general use lens, the 24F1.4 would be great. I normally don't need F1.4, so the 35L is not my choice.
For people photos and general use, you can't go wrong with a 35 mm lens on a crop body.

Yea I wouldn't get a 24/35L on a crop. 24..maybe since there aren't cheaper alternates. Try the sigma 30 to see if you like it, but if you want a wider prime on crop youre SOL..