need to decide on a 50 mm

abbypanda wrote in post #16342189
Thank you for the replies and as far as alternatives: I have a used 70-200 2.8 IS. I use it for sports. I'm not sure it's not in the best shape but it does fine for that. I debated on a 135 but when my macro died I got the 100L and it's tack sharp and the best thing Ive done. With the 70-200 and an extender and the 100, I dont need anything more in that range.

I do have a 35 MF rokinon. I also have a tamron 28-75. I know it's a cheapo but I honestly like its results enough to keep it. I think for the lower ranges I want to keep primes. I might consider a 35 I guess. I do like really sharp images......

I dont want another 1.4 b/c of the AF motor problems like I had with this one, i do know that...

Don't buy into the "cheap means crap" mindset, from all that I've seen the Tamron 28-75 is a great lens, I'm thinking about selling my 24-105L to get one. That Rokinon 35mm is also extremely well received, may people compare it to the 35L optically

If you don't have an "S" screen in your camera, I highly recommend getting one, it will make focusing that Rokinon 35mm no problem

I think the recommendation for the 35 1.4 ART was a good one. You don't need a 50mm and a 35mm.. I would find the 35mm more useful I think.

Dont get me wrong the rokinon is a dream and I would buy more. I just suck at focusing it right at wide apertures and I tried to buy a screen for it but they said they didnt make them for the 5diii?

I would honestly love to keep that 35 and use it more and buy a 50 as planned, keeping the tamron for the everyday zoom. I did read comparisons between the tamron and canon zoom. this was after I got the tamron and looked in to the canon. I honestly couldnt tell enough difference to justify selling the 300$ used lens I bought for an expensive zoom. I'd rather have a nice prime!

If I was you, I would order the Sigma 50 1.4.

I have it, and it is awesome. As you have already said, all the available canon 50mm lenses have quarks. I would say my Sigma nails focus about 80% of the time. When I'm shooting a client, I usually shoot 3 frames of the same pose. I will then ALWAYS get one in focus. Most of the time they are all in focus, but sometimes 1-2 are out of focus.

If you are trying to decide, I would just order the sigma and shoot with it for the weekend. If you aren't happy, send it back to the place you bought it, and exchange it for the 50L.

Will you mind posting some pics with teh sigma 35. That's not a bad idea. Maybe I need ot rent them both and see
But then what to do with my rokinon.

abbypanda wrote in post #16342337
Will you mind posting some pics with teh sigma 35. That's not a bad idea. Maybe I need ot rent them both and see
But then what to do with my rokinon.

Here it comes -

Test shot at the camera store of my colleague, SOOC JPEG, Sigma 35mm @ f1.4 -

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com/​photos/kin2son/8389036​452/

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com/​photos/kin2son/8389036​558/

Wow thats sharp. I am in a similar debate to build a future kit for myself of all primes. I was thinking either 50L 85L 135L or 35Sigma Art 85L 135L. Its a tough choice but from a pricing stand point, sigma will save you a bit.


It terms of used vs new... I would say watch canon refurb for a refurbished one. The 50L on here and the Canon refurbs are about the same in price.

Just pick the 50L as it is what you really want. The Canon 35L, 50L, 85L & 135L all have earned their place in the upper echelon of lens for a reason. Image quality and performance are second to none for their bodies. I would only pick one of these lens over another based on the camera body I was using and the focal length desired. Nothing beats an "L" baby.

Also, haven't you heard the story about the "One Red Ring to Rule Them All"? It obviously means the L series as told by Canon.

Well I got the 50L, will come out to $1400 something after a rebate and with a 3 year diamond warranty. Not too bad.

I LOVE IT
These are the first dog I shot with it and my first pics with it. Took it to the shelter today to experiment.

Perhaps I'm not picky enough but i feel it's quite sharp. Certainly not as sharp as my maro, but I dont see any problems.

Congratulations! They look good to me too.

Do You have a body that you can micro adjust?

Another vote for the 50L, but even a slight front/back focus will give poor results...

and practice shooting at 1.2, a LOT... it's hard to pull off, but the results are beautiful when you nail it

abbypanda wrote in post #16363925
Well I got the 50L, will come out to $1400 something after a rebate and with a 3 year diamond warranty. Not too bad.

I LOVE IT
These are the first dog I shot with it and my first pics with it. Took it to the shelter today to experiment.

Perhaps I'm not picky enough but i feel it's quite sharp. Certainly not as sharp as my maro, but I dont see any problems.

One thing about the focus plane. The DOF is so shallow that like in your first pic, sometimes you get a lucky shot where the Focus plane perfectly fits the subject. The Eyes (most important part of a person or animal) is sharp, and mouth which adds to the composition is sharp too. Had a few lucky shots with the 50L and was amazed because of this effect.

I love the lens and as im hearing you too, well, have fun youll love it more and more as you practice

DanAnCan wrote in post #16364023
Do You have a body that you can micro adjust?

Another vote for the 50L, but even a slight front/back focus will give poor results...

and practice shooting at 1.2, a LOT... it's hard to pull off, but the results are beautiful when you nail it

I have a 7d and 5diii. I used the 7d on those pictures today, which is nice b/c the fast fps is good for moving dogs I think, esp shelter dogs that arent trained. I try to tire them out then stand on a chair. I noticed today I got a few good ones of each in focus, but also a lot that missed. I did them all at 1.2. That's one reason I go to the shelter: helps the but it's also a lot of practice for me. Not only did it help me with just shooting but the conditions are not ideal: crappy pen and harsh light. So it's helped me be creative in my placement and also post processing to make it look as nice as I can.

I do not know how to micro adjust but someone else told me to do that. how do i do it?

the 85L is also a fantastic lens. Tough to use indoors, but for big homes/medium sized halls, it's a killer lens. The IQ is noticeably better all the way around, but usability is another story.

Those are great photos and show off how well the 50L does when put in capable hands and used properly. Can hardly wait for my Christmas present to me (85L).