Kubie Loc: SE Kansas

After hearing so much about them I stumbled on a clean used 50mm 1.8 yesterday. Not used a 50 prime on a 1.6 crop before (60D) but the few quick snaps I took with it look promising. I've figured it's about equivalent to a 80 on a FF field of view wise which should work sweet for portraits.

Can any of you that use this lens give me a few tips/tricks you've picked up with it? The intent behind it was indoor shots of grand-kids at various school programs and events along with holiday portraits and the like. If I find I like it I'll trade up to a 1.4 down the road.

Thanks

Btw the quick pic's were of wife and I'm banned from posting pics of her! LOL

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

This review of the lens should give you some idea of its capabilities:
http://www.kenrockwell.com/canon/lenses/50mm-f18.htm

It would seem that it has excellent optics.
BTW, on a 1.6 crop it will have a field of view similar to an 80mm, not an 85mm.

Kubie Loc: SE Kansas

Thanks, teach me to math in my head! changed it to avoid confusion. I'll look over the site.

jimmya Loc: Phoenix

I've been using a 50 on my Canon dslr cameras for quite a while and I wouldn't be without it. Actually I'd say the 1.4 won't do you much good but that, of course, is up to you.

I use mine for portraits under in home window light and I find it's just excellent - tack sharp and very easy to use.

I also find that if I bump my ISO to 400 when I shoot it makes for much better shots. I've posted a couple of examples below.

Have fun with your lens. If you don't love it I'll be very surprised.

Canon t1i, 50mm f/1.8 ISO 400, hand held.

(Download)

Canon t1i, 50mm f/1.8, ISO 800, 1/200, hand held

(Download)

Notorious T.O.D. Loc: Harrisburg, North Carolina

I looked at both the 50 1.8 and 1.4 lenses. Ended up going with the Canon 85mm 1.8 which gives me a 110mm equivalent on my 1.3 crop sensor camera. Great for portraits and gives a bit more reach for candid photos and even some close up sports shots. Better build quality than the 50mm 1.8.

Part of my decision was also that my daughter has the 40mm pancake which is a 52 on my camera. That is a great lens for the $150-$200 price tag too. Very sharp, not as high of overall build quality as the 50mm 1.4 or the 85mm 1.8. Still a fun and very sharp lens for the money too!

DebAnn Loc: Toronto

What do you mean by saying that the 1.4 won't do him much good?

DebAnn Loc: Toronto

Not sure what kind of tips and tricks there are to using a fixed 50mm lens. You either like the one you're using or you don't. Exposure depends on lighting conditions and the look you're going for. Before I bought mine, I asked for advice at my trusted local camera store. A Sigma 50mm 1.4 was recommended over the equivalent Canon so I settled on that. Here's a recent portrait example.

Outdoor portrait with Sigma 50mm 1.4

Notorious T.O.D. Loc: Harrisburg, North Carolina

There are several videos on YouTube comparing the 3 Canon 50mm lenses and some comparing the canon to other 3rd party brands too... Worth an hour to view some of them in my view to get some other viewpoints too. After that I was in part pushed to investigating the 85mm as an option too.

Kubie Loc: SE Kansas

I have done some research on it since that was posted. Many reviews say the 1.8 focuses more reliably than the 1.4 and the glass quality is about the same. I got the 1.8 for under $90 and the 1.4 was over $250, evidently the extra light gathering is not enough to offset the added cost. I'll have to play with mine and see if it's fast enough for my needs.

bibsthecat Loc: Cold Spring MN

I used to have a 50mm 1.8. The reviews I read said it took pretty good photos but the build quality wasn't to good. One day the thing actually fell apart on me while I was handling it. I quess you get what you pay for.

Notorious T.O.D. Loc: Harrisburg, North Carolina

I'll add " if you are lucky"!!!!

DebAnn Loc: Toronto

I think my Sigma 1.4 cost around $600 but the built is superb and the photo I posted shows what it can do. I think you do get what you pay for.

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

Just for clarification, this would not be the new Sigma 50mm 1.4 Art lens, which costs closer to $1,000 and has been much talked about and touted lately. Oh, and is still in preorder.

Oh, and I want it!!!

DebAnn Loc: Toronto

No, it's not the art lens but it's still an excellent lens - should be for the price!

JimmydaCreek Loc: Montgomery, AL

Have used the 50mm f/1,8 on Canon DSLRS since my first EOS 20D. Someone gave me one of the older ones that has the focusing ring at the rear (newer ones have rotating front elements to focus, I believe) The lens was given to me because it would no longer autofocus and cost $65.00 to repair at my local camera repair shop, if I remember correctly. Best investment I ever made other than my wife's wedding ring! Have shot hundreds of "closer than head and shoulders" photos with it, mostly brides. It became a mainstay in my business, and since retirement is making those "awww" photos of my granddaughter.. My plans to use it until I bought the 1.4 version have long since been forgotten. There are several 20x24 prints made with this lens hanging on walls around my town, so the quality of the lens is there.

I sound like a total cheapskate, which I am, although I have no problem spending money when necessary to get the work done. However, I would rather do the job with something a bit less exotic if it can be done. I own and use Canon L series lenses and they do a stellar job, but for a stellar price. This just happens to be one of those places, rare in photography, where one can save money without compromising quality.