Thinking about trying primes! (Crop users get in here)

I promise guys, last thread on leses. I'm just trying to get all the input I can and see what other photographers are doing.

Long story short, I had a T1i, 24-70 2.8L and 70-200 2.8 L. I love fast lenses. Sold the stuff to pay bills and now I'm getting back into photography.


I bought a beautiful 40D with EF-D Focus Screen, less than 5k on the shutter.

Primes are more in my price range, they are fast, and sharp.

What primes do crop users love the most?

EVENTUALLY I want to end up with a 135L and 200L on the long end. But on the low/portrait end im stuck. I need two lenses for about 600-700 bucks. Between 24-100mm. What do you guys use????

50mm ! 85mm ! 28/30mm! LOL

I shoot about everything under the sun for hobby. I just play with whatever sounds fun so no limits there

Vixen89 wrote in post #11096097
50mm ! 85mm ! 28/30mm! LOL

I love the 85 1.8 idea. I hear too many people say 50mm is a funny focal length on a crop? any opinion on that?

Taylor02GT wrote in post #11096101
I love the 85 1.8 idea. I hear too many people say 50mm is a funny focal length on a crop? any opinion on that?

My 100mmL and 50mm f1.4 get the most use on my crop by far. I started with the 28 f1.8 and 50mm1.4. For under 600... Used 50mm f1.4 and the 85mm would be my suggestion if you don't want a 100. The 28 would be worth having, I just don't use that lens that much since I like getting in tight. They really need to get a 35 with the build quality of all these other primes.

Taylor02GT wrote in post #11096101
I love the 85 1.8 idea. I hear too many people say 50mm is a funny focal length on a crop? any opinion on that?

I love the 85mm 1.8 as well! I use it like 60% of the time; and when I had my nifty fifty I used that for the other half...I honestly think it's a happy median to get the 50mm..it was my also walk around lens during events~

Taylor02GT wrote in post #11096101
I love the 85 1.8 idea. I hear too many people say 50mm is a funny focal length on a crop? any opinion on that?

There was just a poll and 85mm was by far voted the best portrait length on full frame. Guess what 50mm on a crop equates to? 80mm on a FF. So no, it is not a funny length at all.

^I listen to this man! LOL

50mm on a crop was always awkward for me.
I loved my 28mm and 85mm primes though. 28mm for wide + macro (Sigma 28mm f1.8) and 85mm for reach for candid shots.

Vixen89 wrote in post #11096136
I love the 85mm 1.8 as well! I use it like 60% of the time; and when I had my nifty fifty I used that for the other half...I honestly think it's a happy median to get the 50mm..it was my also walk around lens during events~

tkbslc wrote in post #11096137
There was just a poll and 85mm was by far voted the best portrait length on full frame. Guess what 50mm on a crop equates to? 80mm on a FF. So no, it is not a funny length at all.

Very true, I've been especially interested in the Sigma 30mm/50mm f1.4 but I'm SO scared of the focus issues.

Im looking to purchase one prime here real quick, because I currently have no lenses and I'm going on a mini-vacation next week. I need one lens to carry with.

This is easy. Sigma 30 1.4 #1. Canon 85 1.8 #2.

I prefer the 50mm for portraits on a crop - but for everyday use - the 35mm was on my crop much more.

If you're worried bout focus issues; find a used one that has been calibrated or just a good used copy!

I just ordered my Sigma 30mm ..it'll be here tomorrow. <3

I have had the 30mm for 2 years and I just bought a 50mm f1.4. We will see if I think they are too close together. I had an 85mm, but it was too long for me to fall in love with. I have some great shots with it, but I always felt like I had to run back an extra 5 steps from where I wanted to be. The 30mm is a great standard lens for all-purpose shooting, but for posed portraits it makes you get too close to the subject for my taste. Pretty good for full body shots, though. If I don't fall in love with the 50mm, then I still have my 50-135mm to fall back on. I just really like the speed and simplicity of a good prime.

jantzer wrote in post #11096160
This is easy. Sigma 30 1.4 #1. Canon 85 1.8 #2.

+1