Any thoughts on this lens?

I photograph cars for magazines, and am looking to improve on the horrible 18-55 lens that came with my Rebel 5 years ago. I went to a local camera shop, and he was really trying to sell me a Canon 50mm 1.4 lens. I stuck it on my camera, and it is SO much sharper than my standard lens, but it isnt a zoom at all (of course).
My question is, has anyone used this lens for work like this, and am I over-rating a zoom lens for this type of thing? Thanks in advance.

Well. I've been doing a lot of reading around and I'm stuck with the same dilemma: Should I purchase a 50mm prime lens; if so, which one? f1.8 II? f1.8 I? f1.4? f1.2L?

A lot of photographers say to buy th f1.8 II because it's cheap and you can learn a lot from the lens. At the same time, a few photographers say that it's a waste of time. Usually, you would get a f1.8 II and the upgrade to f1.4 after a few months of shooting&learning and you can sell the f1.8 for about 70-90 bucks.

read this:
https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=939832
https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=938381
https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=939138

What focal lengths are most of your current shots at? If they are not around 50mm (especially if they are frequently wider) then I suspect you will find a 50mm prime to be limiting as a single choice.

I don't see why you need a fast lens to photograph cars, if you like your 18-55 and just think it is too soft, try out the EF-S 18-55 IS, it is pretty much the same except it is sharper and has IS.

Edit: Did I mention the lens I recommended can be had for $100 used? Can't argue with the price =P

The 50mm f1.4 is a fine lens. It comes down to whether 50mm works as a focal length for the type of shooting you do. You could try a couple of things. Go through your previous shots and see which focal length comes up the most. That might help you with picking a prime. The other thing you could do is set your kit lens at 50mm and shoot with it like that for a while and see how that suites you.

I'd grab a Tamron 17-50mm 2.8 non-vc instead .

CountryBoy wrote in post #11026011
I'd grab a Tamron 17-50mm 2.8 non-vc instead .

+1 I'd do the same.

CountryBoy wrote in post #11026011
I'd grab a Tamron 17-50mm 2.8 non-vc instead .

+2

A used Tamron 17-50 2.8 non-vc will cost the same as the 50 1.4 and is a huge improvement over the 18-55 kit lens.

Do you shoot a lot @ 40-55mm?...
...if so then the 50mm is a good choice...much better than the 18-55...but...
I imagine you probably shoot wider if you're shooting cars...
...probably between 18 and 35....and there the newer 18-55 IS is a significant improvement over the version without IS (which I suspect you have) and is very good/sharp 35mm and wider...

I'll throw the Canon 15-85mm in for consideration.

Tamron 17-50 is an A1 piece of kit

I think your choice will depend on what type of magazine you are working with. Are the vehicles sitting still? If so, the 50mm would work, although limited. If you are trying to capture action (such as race coverage or cars in motion), the 50mm is not generally used in this type of shot.

Better overall choice would be something such as lenses that are posted above: something wider than 50mm and with more reach also. If there is a shop nearby that rents equipment, go try a lens or two and see what results you get from them.

5280Pics wrote in post #11027907
I'll throw the Canon 15-85mm in for consideration.

+1. This sounds like the perfect lens for what you're doing.

I'd also recommend the Sigma 30mm if you're looking for a prime as its considerably wider than the 50 and is an amazingly fun lens.

I'd go 15-85 if I were you. A lot of car shots, and ones I do and like are on the wider scale. Plus if you got a nifty fifty (as I do on my rebel) you won't get near the car for a shot of the whole thing and space is sometimes a consderation when shooting cars....

Jsut a thought...

Will

I have Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II lens on Canon EOS 40d. I like the lens for potrait.