Want final thoughts before buying a 50mm f/1.4

Well, I've sold my 50mm f/1.8 a few weeks ago (I was one of the few who did not like that lens) and I'm needing a portrait/candid lens.

I've compared several lenses on here and it seems the 50mm f/1.4 would be the best upgrade. The 85mm might be a tad too much zoom on a crop body and zoom lenses (in that price range anyway) don't offer that spectacular bokeh I like.

So, any other final suggestions/advice before buying the 50mm f/1.4? Any alternative recommendations?

I didn't really compare the Sigma and Tamron lenses, so maybe someone can chime in there.

newton wrote in post #7483270
I didn't really compare the Sigma and Tamron lenses, so maybe someone can chime in there.

As far as I know, Tamron doesn't sell a 50mm f/1.4.

I've had both the Canon and Sigma 50mm f/1.4, and the clear winner is the Sigma. But then again, it's about $100 more than the Canon.

Tony-S wrote in post #7483285
As far as I know, Tamron doesn't sell a 50mm f/1.4.

I've had both the Canon and Sigma 50mm f/1.4, and the clear winner is the Sigma. But then again, it's about $100 more than the Canon.

Doesn't necessarily have to be 50mm. I just need a sharp people lens.

I think you ought to go longer for candids on a crop sensor camera. The 85mm f/1.8 at a minimum, but even the 100 f/2, 135 f/2L, or Sigma 150mm f/2.8 macro. My favorite candid lens is my 200mm f/2.8L. Nice and inconspicuous.

If you can afford the Sigma and don't mind the size, I say go for it, otherwise the Canon is fine.

Tony-S wrote in post #7483374
I think you ought to go longer for candids on a crop sensor camera. The 85mm f/1.8 at a minimum, but even the 100 f/2, 135 f/2L, or Sigma 150mm f/2.8 macro. My favorite candid lens is my 200mm f/2.8L. Nice and inconspicuous.

50mm vs 85mm is a major decision for me right now. 200mm is out of the question, because if I get that, I will still need a 50mm for portraits.

I may just snatch the 50mm now and get the 200mm later specifically for candids.

How about the EF-S 60mm f/2.8 macro. It's a very sharp and good lens for people/portrait.

Mufutau

newton wrote in post #7483568
50mm vs 85mm is a major decision for me right now. 200mm is out of the question, because if I get that, I will still need a 50mm for portraits.

I may just snatch the 50mm now and get the 200mm later specifically for candids.

Press the enter button on your purchase. It's a great lens with a versatile range. I'll add the 85L at some point, but for now the 50 1.4 is one of my most used lens. Fast, sharp and I like the range because I can always use foot zoom if I need to. You won't regret it.

mufutau55 wrote in post #7483595
How about the EF-S 60mm f/2.8 macro. It's a very sharp and good lens for people/portrait.

Mufutau

Good suggestion, but f/2.8 may not be narrow enough for certain shots.

If I didn't have the range covered, i'd be keen to try the canon 100/2, looking at the lens archive photo database, it's an impressive lens. If you're going for more full length portraits, I always recommend the canon 50/1.4 for the price.

Now I'm having second thoughts because of the build and AF motor reliability for the 50 1.4.

85mm may be winning.

The EF 50mm has micro-USM focusing; the 85mm has ring-USM focusing. I've used the 85mm FL on my crop camera far more than the 50mm FL (which gets most of its time on my 5Dii). I think the 85mm is the superior lens over the Canon 50mm f/1.4. The 85mm f/1.8 and Sigma 30mm f/1.4 are the first two primes most people should buy for a crop sensor camera, IMO.

Yeah, have you used the 50 1.4 before Tony? I don't want a lens that will fall apart on me (that was the job of the 50 1.8 ). The 85mm looks like a sturdier lens and the zoom length may just work for me considering I do all of my portraits/candids outdoors.

newton wrote in post #7483829
Yeah, have you used the 50 1.4 before Tony?

Yes, I currently have the Canon 50mm f/1.4 (have had it for about 2 years) and the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 (about 2 months). Most copies of the Canon 50mm f/1.4 are a bit soft until about f/1.8 or f/2 (check the 50mm f/1.4 archive for samples), which is fine for portraiture, and the 85mm f/1.8 is a bit soft until f/2.2, also its minimum for most portraiture. I much prefer the 85mm FL for individual portraits, while the 50mm is better for two people, or torso portraits of individuals (for crop cameras).

As far as build, they seem about equal to me (and both are less quality than the Sigma 50mm), so I don't think that should be much of an issue in deciding which to get. You do hear of more 50mm f/1.4 having focus motor failures, but I suspect that's more a function of more people owning that lens than the 85mm. But that's just a WAG on my part.

Are you going to be using the lens inside at all? If so, I'd pick the 50 because I find the 85 too long for most shots inside. I'd choose the sigma 50 over the canon if the extra cost isn't a major concern. If shooting portraits inside isn't a huge priority than I would choose the canon 85 over the 50.