Can't decide which lens: 28 1.8, 50 1.4, 85 1.8, or 100 2.0

I like the zooms, but couldn't pass on a 50 1.4. In your case though, I think the 85 is top of the list, and if you're happy with your nifty fifty, grab the 28.

Stew

i use my canon 85 f1.8 and sigma 30 f1.4 all the time. awesome affordable pair for low light shooting... they aint "L"s but pretty dang close and great bang for buck

i never had 85mm but i did my research on 85mm and originally this is the lens that i want to get. but change my mind, ordered a 24-70 and will arrived 2morow.=)

The 85 1.2 is a fine lens. I have not had the 1.8 but I bet it would be just fine if you do not have the money for the 1.2.

They're different FLs.. you'll need to nail down requirement first.

With that said, I use my 28 the most. I also use the 50 quite a bit and probably the 85 the least. Hence, I'm planning on replacing my 28 with a 35L soon.

Since you've already got a 50, you'll need to work out what you want more, wide or mid-tele.

I'd get the 35L... I think its too big to be comfy on a rebel, but if you use the 70-200L, the 35L will be a good size, give you aboot a 55mm, and give you a great low light lens... hooray!

liquidhands wrote in post #4349725
I'd get the 35L... I think its too big to be comfy on a rebel, but if you use the 70-200L, the 35L will be a good size, give you aboot a 55mm, and give you a great low light lens... hooray!

My XTi has the battery grip which makes it more comfy to hold.... I'm sure the 35L will complement it's beefy look... Hmmm...

- airbutchie

Thanks everyone for your insight, comments, and suggestions... It looks like I'll be going the 28 1.8 & 85 1.8 route... Again, thanks ya'll...

- airbutchie

sigma 30 1.4, canon 85 1.8 if you wanna stick with primes.

Everyone keeps commenting on the Siggy 30mm... Hmmmm... Research begins AGAIN...

- airbutchie

I needed a wider, fast prime and after reading the reviews on the 28 and 30, I bought the 35L. Here's a link to the reviews in case you haven't already read enough.

http://www.photozone.d​e/8Reviews/index.html

I'd save for the 35L and an 85mm f/1.8.
Bob R

For awhile I had the 28 1.8, 50 1.4 and 100 2. I currently have a 35L and 135L. All are very good lenses, but if I had to start over with a limited budget, I wouldn't hesitate to go for the Sigma 30 1.4 and 85 1.8 combo. I think these two focal lengths complement each other, and it's good to have an f/1.4 lens for those situations with very little light. The 50 1.4 is a great lens, but you already have the 1.8, which would work well for portraits in place of the 50 1.4, where the improvements in sharpness and wide aperture aren't as necessary.

bob_r wrote in post #4354168
I needed a wider, fast prime and after reading the reviews on the 28 and 30, I bought the 35L. Here's a link to the reviews in case you haven't already read enough.

http://www.photozone.d​e/8Reviews/index.html

I'd save for the 35L and an 85mm f/1.8.
Bob R

35 L is a fantastic lens, with a small min focusing distance, great optics and full frame compatibility. Sigma 30 1.4 is a little wider, and optically nearly as good, except wide open in the corners. Its also not full frame compatible.
Here is a review by lightrule, which is very similar to my experience
http://www.pbase.com/l​ightrules/30v35_2nd
Money is always a deciding factor. for the price of the 35 1.4, you can buy the sigma 30, and a 135L. I would recommend a used canon 85 1.2 MkI, over the 85 1.8, long long before I would recommend the canon 35 1.4 over sigma 30 1.4.

If you are going to shoot concerts you may want to consider the 135 2.0L instead of the 100 2.0. I know that this is pushing the budget, but the 85 and 100 are too close. I have the 85 1.8 and the 135 2.0 and love them both.

Thanks you guys for the added info... I'm definately doing more research with all the added info... DOES IT EVER END?! Hhehehehhee..

- airbutchie