Missing lens for perfect travel kit: a good small 50mm

Having used the 70-300L and the 16-35f4L I can say without reservation that they are the perfect travel combo. But there is one thing missing, a decent, fast 50mm for the middle range and low light. Both Sigma 1.4s and the canon 1.2 are just too heavy and big to make sense. I'll bear the weight and bulk for the 70-300L because it does so much. The 50 1.8 and the 50 1.4 are both too flaky in terms of both AF accuracy and build. In the last 18 years I've had 3 canon 50mm 1.4 usm lenses each with problems and none with consistent AF.

I'm not a sharp corner snob when it comes to a 50mm and the canon 1.4 is plenty sharp when the focus hits and it isn't in for repair. I'd be happy with the exact same optics and real ring usm focus.

I'd also be content with a canon(or Sigma) 50mm f2 IS that was up to the standard of the canon 35f2 IS or 24f2.8 IS. I'd be downright giddy with a canon 50mm f 1.8 USM IS. It doesn't have to be an L. Just optically good with a reasonable build quality.

Tom

Have you considered the EF 40mm 2.8 ?

or the Canon 50mm f2.5 compact macro

The 40mm Pancake is my travel 50mm. I have complete faith in it, even as a sharp corner snob. Along the lines of the Compact Macro, I also carry the Sigma 50/2.8 macro, neither is a burden, both happen to be in my bag at the moment. The 40mm is so small, there is never a reason to leave it home, and it is so cheap there is no reason not to try it.

I keep thinking about faster 50's though... That Sigma Art is a piece of work. I would still carry the 40 though if I got it.

The 40mm pancake is a sweet lens, especially for the price.

For personal travel, I rarely need larger than f/2.8, but I typically travel with my 35L and 135L. Versatile, light weight, and great performers. I'll also throw in a 24-70 II for simplicity if I want to go bag less or a 16-35 if I'm traveling to Europe and Asia.

msowsun wrote in post #17215120
Have you considered the EF 40mm 2.8 ?

Too slow. I have one, but the 16-35 with IS at f4 is just as useful in low light and not much different focal length-wise.

I use my 40f2.8 as an only one lens for walking around sometimes, but with any 35mm along its pretty redundant.

Tom

Canon 50mm f1.8 mk1?

Build quality is way better then the mk2 and the AF seems a little better as well (to me at least)

Ilovetheleafs wrote in post #17215127
or the Canon 50mm f2.5 compact macro

Again, not fast enough without IS.

The point is to have a single lens when the light is really low.

gremlin75 wrote in post #17215189
Canon 50mm f1.8 mk1?

Build quality is way better then the mk2 and the AF seems a little better as well (to me at least)

That is actually a pretty good idea if I can find one.

It seems kinda sad that a 10 year-old, discontinued lens is the best option.

Tom

Agree on the 50/1.8 Mk I. I've used all 3 cheap Canon 50's (Mk I, Mk II 1.8's and 1.4), I ended up keeping the Mk I. They're very easy to find on the for sale boards and on auction sites, just make sure you buy from a reputable seller and you should have no problem. It won't keep up well in servo, but in one-shot it is accurate and reliable. Plus, the fact that they're still working after so many years is a testament to their quality

If you don't mind Manual Focus, an old film era 50mm 1.4 makes for a very lightweight and compact travel lens.

EdMika FD to EF brass conversion kit: https://photography-on-the.net …232962&highligh​t=50mm+1.4

EdMika FD to EF Polymer conversion kit: https://photography-on-the.net …366217&highligh​t=50mm+1.4

gremlin75 wrote in post #17215189
Canon 50mm f1.8 mk1?

Build quality is way better then the mk2 and the AF seems a little better as well (to me at least)

Same experience here.