Urgg... decision time again

I voted for the 50 1.4, but I think you would be better served to get the Sigma 30 or something between 20mm and 30mm for your low light prime.

The Sigma 30 1.4 was my favorite prime on a crop. So much so that even after going FF and using my 40d as a back-up, I STILL won't get rid of it.

If you are focused on build quality, go to a store and put the Canon and Sigma 50 1.4s side by side. The Sigma trumps it in build quality and performance.

CosmoKid wrote in post #8763271
The Sigma 30 1.4 was my favorite prime on a crop. So much so that even after going FF and using my 40d as a back-up, I STILL won't get rid of it.

If you are focused on build quality, go to a store and put the Canon and Sigma 50 1.4s side by side. The Sigma trumps it in build quality and performance.

The Sigma 50 1.4 is over a hundred dollars out of my price range though.

The Sigma 30 1.4 isn't at any local store and I've heard too much about copy inconsistencies. Many other people seem put off by it too.

I think I'll pick between the Canon 28 and 50. I will do some experimenting with my 18-55 later today and see what might be better for my use. I'll even mess around with 85mm to see if it would be of any use to me.

Kiwikat wrote in post #8763488
The Sigma 50 1.4 is over a hundred dollars out of my price range though.

The Sigma 30 1.4 isn't at any local store and I've heard too much about copy inconsistencies. Many other people seem put off by it too.

I think I'll pick between the Canon 28 and 50. I will do some experimenting with my 18-55 later today and see what might be better for my use. I'll even mess around with 85mm to see if it would be of any use to me.

Get a used Sigma 30. This way you know the copy you are getting.

I think I'll be getting the Sigma 30mm, unless someone out there thinks the Canon 28mm 1.8 is better. After experimenting for a while today, 50mm is a bit too long for the uses I want it for. The 85 would go great along with it. I'm sure I'll pick it up someday too.

One last question for you guys. I'd rather buy a new lens. Which store should I buy it from? I've had success with Amazon and Adorama in the past. If I do happen to get a bad copy, what can I do to get a good one? Do I ship it back to the store where I got it or do I ship it off to some Sigma repair place? I'm new to these sorts of things so some help with this would be appreciated.

Thanks a ton. This is by far the most useful forum I've ever signed up at!

I second the choice of the 60mm 2.8 macro. I'm keeping my eyes open for a good used one right now.
...Terry

Overkill-F1 wrote in post #8768226
I second the choice of the 60mm 2.8 macro. I'm keeping my eyes open for a good used one right now.
...Terry

I know it's a great lens but it's almost useless for general purpose, especially considering I am not into portraiture. I'll be getting a 100mm L macro later anyways. The 28/30 + 85 combo seems to be the way to go.

mxracer535 sold me on the 28/85 combo.

The sigma 30 is a good call... i bought it used but in great shape. If you go used (which i recommend) check out some sample pics from the specific copy before you buy. I did and I absolutely love it. It is my favorite lens/walk around.

I'm still not sure whether I should get the 28, 30, or save up for the 100mm L macro.
Part of me really wants to wait to get the macro... especially considering either of those lenses is about half the price of the macro.

Green_Tea wrote in post #8780438
The sigma 30 is a good call... i bought it used but in great shape. If you go used (which i recommend) check out some sample pics from the specific copy before you buy. I did and I absolutely love it. It is my favorite lens/walk around.

Uhm, isnt there no guarantee that copy will perform that way on YOUR body?