Perhaps I am crazy... (Nifty-Fifty question)

Well... I know I am crazy but... I love the color and contrast of the Nifty-Fifty (II not STM), but I hate the focus speed (STM would fix that) and most of all the focal length on 1.6x crop. Why do I hate the FL? Because it's too long for me for close quarter inside shooting as I prefer 30mm. Outside, it's fine but that's where the focusing speed is the detriment.

So the subjective question is, what lens(es) offer the same (or similar) color/contrast representation as this but have a focal length of between 28mm and 35mm and a max aperture of greater than F2.8? Ideally, 1.4 to 1.8 would be great. I would prefer that they have a focus motor (USM/HSM type would be a plus) but IS/OS is not a requirement. I would also prefer that it not be a pancake. I do have the 24mm pancake and love it but I find it to be too wide for my general usage and not comfortable to hold (personal preference). Let's assume that price is no object.

I currently use the Sigma 30mm non-art which I love however it doesn't have the same representations as the Nifty-Fifty. I am considering what else is in this space.

Thoughts?

P.S. - I do have and use (perhaps not effectively enough) an external flash unit. And yes, I still would like an aperture greater than 2.8.

Sigma 35 art
canon 35L version 1 version 2
canon 35mm f2 IS
canon 35mm f2 (questionable IQ)
yongnuo 35mm f2 (questionable IQ)
canon 28mm f1.8 (questionable IQ)
a full frame camera

Sigma 30mm Art (fantastic on crop, but only on crop im afraid)

Canon 28mm IS (f/2.8 so its at the edge of what you want)

Im not sure if the 30 Art will be a huge improvement.

Out of the list so far I would like the 35mm f2 IS best. I'd love to get the 24mm IS myself .

Charlie wrote in post #17786119
Sigma 35 art
canon 35L version 1 version 2
canon 35mm f2 IS
canon 35mm f2 (questionable IQ)
yongnuo 35mm f2 (questionable IQ)
canon 28mm f1.8 (questionable IQ)
a full frame camera

Thanks...

I don't want to assume, but it seems that you have listed the lenses that meet the FL/max aperture criteria which is helpful, but do you have insight as to which might be the closest to replicate the color/contrast features of the nifty-fifty?

Or can you or anyone give me some pointers as to how I can compare MTFs for color/contrast (if even possible)?

Thanks!

DoughnutPhoto wrote in post #17786189
Sigma 30mm Art (fantastic on crop, but only on crop im afraid)

Canon 28mm IS (f/2.8 so its at the edge of what you want)

Im not sure if the 30 Art will be a huge improvement.

Out of the list so far I would like the 35mm f2 IS best. I'd love to get the 24mm IS myself .

Thanks... I am not concerned as whether or not if it's crop or full frame useable. I don't have plans (but never say never, right?) to go to full frame any time soon. There are too many benefits for my shooting style/medium to keep me on crop.

Moonshiner wrote in post #17786530
Thanks...

I don't want to assume, but it seems that you have listed the lenses that meet the FL/max aperture criteria which is helpful, but do you have insight as to which might be the closest to replicate the color/contrast features of the nifty-fifty?

Or can you or anyone give me some pointers as to how I can compare MTFs for color/contrast (if even possible)?

Thanks!

The color contrast on the nifty is only average, so pretty much all of them.

gonzogolf wrote in post #17786546
The color contrast on the nifty is only average, so pretty much all of them.

Huh... Apparently, I appreciate mediocrity! I know there's nothing special about the lens, but I also cannot accurately describe why I like it either...

Thanks...

You can aim for the non-IS Canon 35, used for about $250.

Or you can try the Yongnuo 35 for ~70 used.

I loved the canon 35 and had it on my body 90% of the time until I upgraded to the IS version. I kind of want ot go back though! Beware, I hear the Yongnuo 35 has slower focus if that bothers you!

Moonshiner wrote in post #17786592
Huh... Apparently, I appreciate mediocrity! I know there's nothing special about the lens, but I also cannot accurately describe why I like it either...

Thanks...

Have you shot any other primes besides the nifty?

Moonshiner wrote in post #17786592
Huh... Apparently, I appreciate mediocrity! I know there's nothing special about the lens, but I also cannot accurately describe why I like it either...

Thanks...

A mediocre prime is better than a mediocre zoom. But if you experience nearly any other prime you nifty love will fade.

PineBomb wrote in post #17786620
Have you shot any other primes besides the nifty?

I have a Canon 24mm and a Sigma 30mm...

I do have 2 other primes... I do love primes... I wish I could put my finger on what's different about the fifty (besides focal length)... Don't get me wrong... I don't believe the nifty-fifty is the end-all... I do believe you are correct in your assessment of the fifty being average at best... It just has that... je ne sais quoi...

Heya,

Try the EF 28mm F1.8 based on what you described, since you already have the 30 F1.4 non-ART Sigma. Sell the Sigma for the 28 F1.8, call it an even trade basically.

Very best,

I'll chime in that the 35mm f/1.4L is a fantastic lens for the 7D2, offering bright optics with an equivalent 56mm view. Now, there is a 35mm f/1.4L II available, with far superior specs to the older model. But if you look at the curves, most of that value (but not all) is contained within the image circle needed for the 7D2, with the older lens.

I have the old EF-28mm non IS
I love it as a walk around on a crop body
It is of the same age/ era of the 50mm (that i also have) since i got it (used in Japa) i use it alot
i find the color and contrast similar to the 50