Best prime for indoor

I need a wider angle lens for indoor shooting. I love my 85mm 1.8 but on my 40D it is really only suitable for outdoor or close cropped images. I use my 60mm 2.8 a lot because of its wider angle. But... I would like a faster lens. I'm just wondering if I should go zoom or prime.

If I go prime should I go 35mm or 50mm (thinking about the 1.4)?

I want to start shooting newborns and I will also use it to shoot my kiddos of course.

Since you're on crop, an excellent fast and wider prime would be the Sigma 30 1.4, especially for the price. There is also the 35L if you are looking to go full frame or the 24L additionally. If you're looking to not break the bank, and don't intend to full frame soon, I'd say the Sigma 30 1.4 is your lens.

Best prime for indoor is the widest fastest lens you can afford. From canon, that'd be a 24L II, but on a cropper that is not very wide. So your best bet would be a 11-16 tokina probably. 50 1.4 is not a good indoor prime unless your indoor shots are in large rooms - say 35x20 or bigger... or if you don't mind "close ups"

JonK wrote in post #11728381
Best prime for indoor is the widest fastest lens you can afford. From canon, that'd be a 24L II, but on a cropper that is not very wide. So your best bet would be a 11-16 tokina probably. 50 1.4 is not a good indoor prime unless your indoor shots are in large rooms - say 35x20 or bigger... or if you don't mind "close ups"

He said he wanted to use it for photos of newborns and his children though. I don't think the 11-16 would be really optimal for that. I think he just meant he wants a fast prime that's wider than his 85mm and 60mm, not necessarily a wide prime on its own.

Since you already have the 50mm, does that feel wide enough to you? If so, an upgrade to the 1.4 would be nice. If not, then the Sigma 30 1.4, Canon 35 f/2, or Canon 28 1.8 would probably do the job.

Ah - "wider" than an 85 on a crop... then sure a 50 1.4 would do it. But then again so would a 35/2, or 28 1.8, etc. I saw "wider" and "indoor". My mistake.

Sigma 30mm, Canon 28mm f1.8, Canon 35mm f2, Canon 35 f1.4 L would be good compliments to the 85 on crop body.

Be careful of going too wide though, getting close doesnt do you any good if you end up with distortion from a wide lens.

I love my Siggy 30 for indoor use (on my crop)! Some times though, I wish I had the funds for the 24LII. That little extra would be nice.

For a crop, go for the Sigma 30mm. It doesn't get much better until you go to the 24L / 35L (yes, I've owned/own them all).

As a grandparent of 5 (1 1/2 through 13) I'd point out children (Other than small babies) are a moving target. With that in mind, I have found a moderately wide angle zoom to be a very useful. My choice has been the Canon 17-40. Obviously there are many choices in this range of focal lengths (Such as the 18-55 kit lens.). I note the OP has a couple of flashes thus, a fast aperture (While nice) is not paramount concern.

after checking this lens out, I so want this lens. I have been wanting a nice prime for indoors myself, but I don't want to buy anymore EF-S style lenses.

The lost on selling them used is so small though...

I got the Sigma 30mm/1.4 for indoor shooting and I love it. On a crop body I felt that I was always moving back with a 50mm. I don't have much experience shooting babies, but I feel like I am getting good shots at a very comfortable distance with the 30mm of friends/family while indoors.

irwaffles wrote in post #11729234
I got the Sigma 30mm/1.4 for indoor shooting and I love it. On a crop body I felt that I was always moving back with a 50mm. I don't have much experience shooting babies, but I feel like I am getting good shots at a very comfortable distance with the 30mm of friends/family while indoors.

I had the 50mm f/1.4 and it was hard to shoot indoors, and the 85mm forget about it. The 24 or 30 would be where I would be at with a crop body if I get an indoor prime before I switch cameras.

SIGMA 30

A vote for the 28mm f/1.8. I've owned the 30/1.4, 35L, 24LII and this is my second copy of the 28. AF is very good on this lens.