Lens for group shots

Hello, for the last several years, my dslr seems to get the most use during family gatherings like Christmas and Mother's day for group shots. Up until now, I've just used the kit lens on my old XSi body. I am wondering if going to a prime lens in the 24-35mm range would yield better pictures? I was looking at the 28mm 1.8, or the 24mm 2.8 pancake lens. I have the 50mm 1.8 and 100mm f2 primes which obviously won't work on a crop body for group shots. I can't justify the cost of the 24mm 1.4 L, even on the used market. Probably stay EF mount, not looking to switch brands or go mirrorless. Is there a lens that you would recommend? One that I've missed?
I will probably be looking for advice on cheap studio lighting next!

Ideally you should go with the longest lens that will let you frame the shot you want in the space you have. The farther back you are the less perspective distortion you will have and that can be important as the you don't want the folks in the front row to appear significantly larger than the folks in the back row.

That is something that I hadn't thought of. Probably looking a the 28-35mm range than as a sweet spot?

BrianXTi wrote in post #19538573
Hello, for the last several years, my dslr seems to get the most use during family gatherings like Christmas and Mother's day for group shots. Up until now, I've just used the kit lens on my old XSi body. I am wondering if going to a prime lens in the 24-35mm range would yield better pictures? I was looking at the 28mm 1.8, or the 24mm 2.8 pancake lens. I have the 50mm 1.8 and 100mm f2 primes which obviously won't work on a crop body for group shots. I can't justify the cost of the 24mm 1.4 L, even on the used market. Probably stay EF mount, not looking to switch brands or go mirrorless. Is there a lens that you would recommend? One that I've missed?
I will probably be looking for advice on cheap studio lighting next!

Here's some older discussion with suggestions: https://photography-on-the.net …read.php?t=1461​179&page=1

Lots of historic threads, but no definite answer

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I use a RF 35mm f/1.8 on a full frame body for this purpose. It works well in the space in our home. For your crop body, a 24mm prime would be the closest focal length equivalent. I would suggest looking at the EXIF data from previous group shots you've taken with your kit lens to see which focal length is most prevalent.

gonzogolf wrote in post #19538589
Ideally you should go with the longest lens that will let you frame the shot you want in the space you have. The farther back you are the less perspective distortion you will have and that can be important as the you don't want the folks in the front row to appear significantly larger than the folks in the back row.

I second this point. When shooting groups, I keep my FL to 28mm at the shortest for 24x35mm frame (or comparable Angle of View for other formats) so as to avoid the issue of a too-close shooting distance exaggerating upper arm size or the prominence of ample bosoms, caused by perspective distortion.

This exemplifies the exaggeration of near things compared to slightly farther things...my right hand vs. left hand. The photos were all taken at a single FL, and only the subject distance varied.

Kit lens from this era is not the best. You could upgrade to latest STM version.

I also like 16-35 2.8 II L on my 500D, which is next to your 450D. Gives what L lens could give.

You are not going to benefit from f1.4 for group shots, but with balancing/bouncing Canon flash with ambient light.

If you will avoid angles, you will not get much of distortions with UWA lens, btw,

28-35 is the spot for full frame, for some. On crop (your camera) it is way too narrow for group shots indoors of regular houses.

I hesitated to recommend a specific lens in my first reply because I wasn't sure what sort of space you were working on. If you are okay with a zoom the 16-35 F4 L is a great lens. It's dead sharp and cheaper than it's 2.8 siblings. On a crop body it would cover all the likely group shot focal ranges.