Buy a 50mm prime?

[Abyss]

I own a 400D with a Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 lens.

I have already decided to also purchase a Canon 70-300mm F4-5.6 IS USM lens, however I have also been looking at the Canon 50mm f1.8II prime lens. Would this be a somewhat useless addition seeing as I already own an 18-50mm that can go down to F2.8?

 

[robertgilbert86]

You'll get awesome IQ from the prime. Up to you though...

 

[Wile E. Coyote]

You'll get awesome IQ from the prime. Up to you though...

Have to agree and for the price you carn't complain.

 

[^^Gord^^]

There isn't a 2 week period that has gone by without someone asking about the 50mm prime. I would tell you to go search the forum for the numberous threads and photo samples but since search is currently disabled I can't.

I can't remember anyone not buying the 50mm prime after considering it but there are several people who have commented that they rarely actually use it as there lens collection grows.

It does provide good IQ, good low light performance and great sharpness but the build quality isn't fantastic and the focus speed can be slow (especially on the f/1.8 model). Having said that the price is an absolute bargin.

I used mine a lot along with my Sigma 10-20 but since getting a 17-40 L I've rarely used either lens but I have no intention to sell either as there are times when both lens will be needed.

The question you need to answer is what type of photography do you plan to do more of? Low light shots of people or distant objects like motorsport / avaition / wildlife?

 

[A.N.Other]

I've recently been doing quite a lot of shooting for one of the student newspapers here, which has envolved some theather promo shots. In low light contexts, this lens has proved absolutely invaluable. Seriously, without it, I wouldn't have been able to get any worthwhile shots at all. The focus may be a bit noisy, the build isn't great and sometimes it slightly mis-focuses, but for the money you really can't complain. 99% of the time, it produces fantastic shots, with some great bokeh.

 

[J1234]

It's a good lens, I find that I do use it a lot and it produces stunning portraits for the price.

 

[yak.h'cir]

I use mine a lot, a great lens! Considering upgrading to the F/1.4 model actually!

 

[Abyss]

I hate you all! (Translate that to thanks for all your valuable thoughts and knowledge):


1 X 2514A003AA, Canon Lens 50 f1.8 II , Fitting:, Colour: @ GBP 69.00 = GBP 69.00
1 X 0345B003AA, Canon Lens EF 70-300mm f4-5.6 IS USM , Fitting:, Colour: @ GBP 369.00 = GBP 369.00
1 X 2645A001AA, Canon ES62AD Lens Hood , Fitting:, Colour: @ GBP 17.00 = GBP 17.00
1 X 9447A001AA, Canon ET65/B Lens Hood , Fitting:, Colour: @ GBP 24.00 = GBP 24.00
1 X 1752, Hoya 58mm Super HMC PRO1-D UV , Fitting:, Colour: @ GBP 30.00 = GBP 30.00


As you can see I have decided to go for the Prime, my only original concern was it being almost an overlap of my 18-50, which it appears not to be. I will also be helping to photograph my sister's wedding which it will be useful for (mainly the reception and evening do).


Thanks again!

Andrew.

 

[Mr_Sukebe]

The 50 is a great lens for the price. Not only good IQ, but great for low light conditions, or shots where you'd like very small focal distance in the shot.

 

[robertgilbert86]

I hate you all! (Translate that to thanks for all your valuable thoughts and knowledge):


1 X 2514A003AA, Canon Lens 50 f1.8 II , Fitting:, Colour: @ GBP 69.00 = GBP 69.00
1 X 0345B003AA, Canon Lens EF 70-300mm f4-5.6 IS USM , Fitting:, Colour: @ GBP 369.00 = GBP 369.00
1 X 2645A001AA, Canon ES62AD Lens Hood , Fitting:, Colour: @ GBP 17.00 = GBP 17.00
1 X 9447A001AA, Canon ET65/B Lens Hood , Fitting:, Colour: @ GBP 24.00 = GBP 24.00
1 X 1752, Hoya 58mm Super HMC PRO1-D UV , Fitting:, Colour: @ GBP 30.00 = GBP 30.00


As you can see I have decided to go for the Prime, my only original concern was it being almost an overlap of my 18-50, which it appears not to be. I will also be helping to photograph my sister's wedding which it will be useful for (mainly the reception and evening do).


Thanks again!

Andrew.

What'd you need the lens hoods for? surely you get one with the 70-300 and you will likely never need one for the 50mm (which will be great for wedding portraits).

 

[^^Gord^^]

What'd you need the lens hoods for? surely you get one with the 70-300 and you will likely never need one for the 50mm (which will be great for wedding portraits).

They only Canon lenses that come with hoods are the L series.

 

[robertgilbert86]

They only Canon lenses that come with hoods are the L series.

Wow, how stingy!

 

[Abyss]

Unfortunately as Gord said, neither come with a hood. I went for one for the 50mm prime mainly because I like the protection they offer.