Exchange 85mm f1.8 for 50mm if already have 100mm f2.8 macro?

Hi All!

I currently own a Canon t1i and I have been using the standard lens (18-55) and will hopefully upgrade to a Sigma 18-50mm f2.8 (ANY suggestions on a better upgrade but low cost? -- for an all around lens)

My main issue is that I currently own a 100mm f2.8 macro lens because I use the macro for pictures of corals and insects, plants...etc. Also great for portraits. I recently purchased the 85mmf1.8 because I read many reviews on how great it is for portrait shots. I have been starting to do more portrait shots (head shots and body) and would like to be able to have a lens that does great head and body. I figured the sigma would help with full body and the 85 f1.8 would be great for the close ups. Now, the only issue is that I see that the 85mmf1.8 is very similar to the 100mm. I still have time to return it and was thinking of maybe getting a 50mm. Any thoughts?

Will be using for weddings, baby showers, headshots, body shots.

Thanks!

You could get the 50mm f/1.8 and see how you like it, but also consider the Sigma 30mm f/1.4. There seems to be a growing trend of people with Rebel/xxd/7D bodies that use the 30mm and 85mm. They make a good pair. 30mm on your T1i is about the same as a 50mm lens is on a full frame camera. I had the 50mm before and found it was either too long or too short, the 30mm I just love!

As far as the 18-50.. it's a good lens but be aware that Sigma will soon be releasing a new 17-50 f/2.8 OS lens, which I estimate will be around $650 (that's how much the Tamron 17-50 VC costs). I'm very excited about this lens, it should work quite well for indoor use with natural lighting.

I would love a 85mm f/1.8 lens for my photography

What exactly do you like about the 30mm lens? Does it serve as a great portrait lens? I would use the 50mm as a portrait lens. Any preference between the 1.4 and 1.8?

ooo and I think I'll also wait for Sigma's 17-50 as well. Thanks for the heads up!

DStanic wrote in post #9669941
You could get the 50mm f/1.8 and see how you like it, but also consider the Sigma 30mm f/1.4. There seems to be a growing trend of people with Rebel/xxd/7D bodies that use the 30mm and 85mm. They make a good pair. 30mm on your T1i is about the same as a 50mm lens is on a full frame camera. I had the 50mm before and found it was either too long or too short, the 30mm I just love!

As far as the 18-50.. it's a good lens but be aware that Sigma will soon be releasing a new 17-50 f/2.8 OS lens, which I estimate will be around $650 (that's how much the Tamron 17-50 VC costs). I'm very excited about this lens, it should work quite well for indoor use with natural lighting.

The 30mm is a great "all purpose" prime lens. It's the same as having a 50mm on a full frame as a "walk around" lens. Good for full body shots if you don't have alot of room. For headshots 50mm+ is better though.

I have had 2 copies of the Canon 50mm f/1.8, and thought it was a terrible lens. Very cheaply made and autofocus is dreadful. My last copy was very soft, others claim to have very sharp copies so maybe I just had a bad one. I would go for the f/1.4 (or better yet the Sigma f/1.4 version, which is suppose to be better) for the better build quality and USM (or HSM) autofocus is worth the price. If you compare a 50mm f/1.8 to your 85mm f/1.8 you will see instantly the difference between a $100 lens and a $350 lens.

Taking your advice and heading out tomorrow to go try out the 30mm and 50mm and see which one I like. All your information has been very useful. Thank you!!

DStanic wrote in post #9675947
The 30mm is a great "all purpose" prime lens. It's the same as having a 50mm on a full frame as a "walk around" lens. Good for full body shots if you don't have alot of room. For headshots 50mm+ is better though.

I have had 2 copies of the Canon 50mm f/1.8, and thought it was a terrible lens. Very cheaply made and autofocus is dreadful. My last copy was very soft, others claim to have very sharp copies so maybe I just had a bad one. I would go for the f/1.4 (or better yet the Sigma f/1.4 version, which is suppose to be better) for the better build quality and USM (or HSM) autofocus is worth the price. If you compare a 50mm f/1.8 to your 85mm f/1.8 you will see instantly the difference between a $100 lens and a $350 lens.