Next lens purchase - alternatives?

My current gear list is up to date. I also have two Calumet Genesis 200s, three of those YN-XXX ebay flashes, triggers, and a Vagabond that I don't list.

I had been saving up to swap out the Genesis lights with the Einsteins but the recent list of potential problems has me wanting to give up my pre-order spot (which is probably coming very soon, I'm 1300) and just get a couple new lenses. I want the Einsteins still but I think I'll wait a year before buying.

So... I have been playing with my nifty-fifty a bit more and am just DAMN impressed with what a $100 lens does compared to my zooms in the same range. Image quality just consistently beats my mid-level zooms and the typically larger max aperture is very nice. Obviously I'm experiencing the inherent benefits of prime lenses.

So I've got a couple proposals and a few relevant facts. I'm considering the Sigma 30 1.4 and the Canon 85 1.8. While I like the Nifty, I do also get frustrated with its focusing "issues" so I suppose either the Canon or Sigma 50 1.4 is on the table.

So questions and facts... 1) If I only get two do I live with the fact that the 50 1.8 is a cheapish lens but I've still got that focal length covered so just deal with it and get the 30 and 85 or do I get the 50 and then either the 30 or 85. 2) The most relevant fact is what I plan to shoot. I mostly shoot still life stuff, candids and portraits of my kids (4 and 6). I don't shoot landscape and architecture much at all. I like macro photos but don't currently own a macro lens at all, maybe one of the lenses I'm considering would work well with extension tubes? And finally, I have baby #3 due in November. I was not into the hobby when my first two were born and I plan to go nuts photographing the baby so something that suits that well is a requirement.

Finally what other alternatives might I be missing? I know there are some Canon lenses in the 30mm range and like I said, both Sigma and Canon make a 50 1.4 so...

Long post I know, thanks in advance.

I've heard that Kenko Tubes work nicely with the Nifty Fifty for Macro work, as well as a reversal adapter.

If you're really stuck on the 50mm range (18-55 range I guess) I'd go for the Canon 1.4 USM ; I was already thinking of replacing my Nifty Fifty with it as well, though I don't really have focusing issues on mine (I usually tell the camera where I want it to focus).

Bringing up the point that the lens is "cheap" shouldn't really be a factor, people shouldn't judge your shots by your gear, but by the shot itself.

How about the 50/2 ZE. Some "macro" (not quite as it is not 1:1 but rather 1:2) goodness, amazing microcontrast and resolution, all metal body (no wobbling and built to last the ages) and images rendered are very very good. I'd love to have that Zeiss and I'm saving for one myself

Does it auto focus? I'm not really looking for "off the wall" alternatives or a single lens recommendation that costs 50% more than two of the above lenses combined. Just kind of reality checking my options. I think my default move is to get the 30 and 85 and worry about the 50 later. At least I have that focal length in the mean time. The only other real potential is maybe just replacing the 30mm Sigma option with the Canon 28mm but the 28 is 1.8 not 1.4. Just not sure if the QC with the Sigma is an issue.

I'm afraid the Zeiss is MF and very retro. As you can see from my signature I do like them MF lenses. They are not as bad and can be quite enjoyable to use. If you are looking for sub 30mm FL then the Sigma 30/1.4 is very highly rated.

I agree that we really have to factor in the cost especially in these trying times. For me a good 50mm is what I need and having used the Sigma 50 in the past and not quite satisfied with the 50/1.8 nor the 50/1.4 canon I'm left with little options. 50L is lovely but I can't live with the focus shift issues whilst the Zeiss is oh so very very nice.

I'd say choose the focal length you need and uses most often and only you can tell that.

There's always the Canon 50mm CM if you like the focal length, pretty cheap money wise and gets some pretty decent reviews over on FM also. I've been told that if you use the 20mm ext. tube it gets in the 1:1 area, not sure how true that is but that's what I've been told.

Some nice pics in the lens archive.

https://photography-on-the.net …=413694&highlig​ht=50mm+cm

And the Flickr pool for the lens for some more samples.

http://www.flickr.com …oint5_compact-macro/pool/

Well I got the Sigma 30 f/1.4 first as I planned which worked out nicely because I was talking about this subject on a forum I run (unrelated topic) and a friend there said he had an 85 f/1.8 that he was thinking about selling. So I got the 30 and got a great deal on the 85 which I'll probably have some time next week depending on how busy the guy is.