Well, a bit of a quandry...

I currently have a 5D classic, with the 85mm and the nifty fifty, but honestly I really use my Olympus E-P1 more. The E-P1 is pretty much a goner though, on its last legs, and I need to do something new. I was really thinking the Canon SL1 with the 40mm, but I am not sure about the decision. I need DOF control (the 40 does this well) and I also need something for low light, but the 50 and the 85 are terrible on APS-C. Can't really afford a 5D Mark II, nor do I want the size (hence the SL1), so not sure what combinations would give best results along with the 40mm being included.

Or I could just get the Fuji X-M1 and one of their lenses for a much higher price (not sounding ideal, although I like that camera)

Or I could just get another Micro Four Thirds (meh...)

Guess I just wanted to put it out there for some thoughts.

parodying wrote in post #16110095
I currently have a 5D classic, with the 85mm and the nifty fifty, but honestly I really use my Olympus E-P1 more. The E-P1 is pretty much a goner though, on its last legs, and I need to do something new. I was really thinking the Canon SL1 with the 40mm, but I am not sure about the decision. I need DOF control (the 40 does this well) and I also need something for low light, but the 50 and the 85 are terrible on APS-C. Can't really afford a 5D Mark II, nor do I want the size (hence the SL1), so not sure what combinations would give best results along with the 40mm being included. Or I could just get the Fuji X-M1 and one of their lenses for a much higher price (not sounding ideal, although I like that camera)

Or I could just get another Micro Four Thirds (meh...)

Guess I just wanted to put it out there for some thoughts.

if you liked the EP-1 and think 50mm and 85mm are "terrible" on APS-C models then get another 4/3 model.

personally I think the 50mm and 85mm are good on APS-C, even using old ones. Maybe you're using them incorrectly?
Check out the lens archive pics with those lens on APS-C models

e.g. APS-C XSi (450D) with nifty fifty 50mm 1.8

^I agree, I always like using fast 50mm and 85mm on the crop bodies too.

Perhaps find a 30-35mm fast prime and couple it with the SL1 to give you that DOF control back for the most part? Even more interesting, consider getting the new Sigma 18-35 f1.8 zoom...

I sold my 50 1.8 when I got zooms that covered that range. I like the 85 1.8 on apsc and ff. It seems odd to me that you pooh-pooh the 85 1.8 and like the 40 2.8 when DOF control is one of your priorities. That is backwards, isn't it?

Get a used Fuji x100.

Tommy1957 wrote in post #16110536
I sold my 50 1.8 when I got zooms that covered that range. I like the 85 1.8 on apsc and ff. It seems odd to me that you pooh-pooh the 85 1.8 and like the 40 2.8 when DOF control is one of your priorities. That is backwards, isn't it?

The 40mm design gives it greater DOF control than the other lenses.

You didn't mention why you don't like the 50 or 85 on crop. Is it the working distance, or something about the output.

The nifty on a crop is an OK portrait lens. The 85 is lovely as always, though it gets a pretty long working distance.

The EP1 is a very old sensor, and has a relatively strong bayer filter. Have you even tried the new Pens? What lenses for the EP1 do you have? If you are shooting the kit lens and the EP1, then that is very meh. What about a new EPM2 + 45/1.8. That would be very similar to shooting your 5D with the 85 at 3.5. Maybe that doesn't do it for you, but it would be an easy test for you to try right now (stop the 85 down to 3.5, and imagine shooting with a palm-size package with the same output). Plus, the EPM2 high ISO is cleaner than the 5Dc high ISO.

If you just want to try something new/different, then just go for it. You don't need permission.

In short, what you aren't liking about your setup and what you need/want are not clearly laid out. More detail is needed if you want advice. If you just are trying to get excited about trying something new, then just try that anyway, though read this first: http://www.f-stopeight.com …d-breaking-free-from-gas/

WT21 wrote in post #16113184
In short, what you aren't liking about your setup and what you need/want are not clearly laid out. More detail is needed if you want advice. If you just are trying to get excited about trying something new, then just try that anyway, though read this first: [URL][URL]http://www.f​-stopeight.com/the-self-talk-retorts-of-an-ex-gear-addict-how-i-started-breaking-free-from-gas/[/url]

Pretty good read.