"Normal" lens for 40D So I need a new lens for my Canon 40D. I'm looking for a fast prime lens around a "normal" focal length, and its primary use would be for shooting general indoor events.It needs to be:-Inexpensive (under $500)-Prime-Fast (f/2 or faster)-Normal focal length (around 30mm)I'm comparing the Sigma 30/1.4, the Canon 28/1.8, and the Canon 35/2. How do these lenses compare? Are there any other lenses I should consider in this same class?Thanks a lot for any help! "Normal" lens for 40D So I need a new lens for my Canon 40D. I'm looking for a fast prime lens around a "normal" focal length, and its primary use would be for shooting... » Read More "Normal" lens for 40D So I need a new lens for my Canon 40D. I'm looking for a fast prime lens around a "normal" focal length, and its primary use would be for shooting general indoor events.It needs to be:-Inexpensive (under $500)-Prime-Fast (f/2 or faster)-Normal focal length (around 30mm)I'm comparing the Sigma 30/1.4, the Canon 28/1.8, and the Canon 35/2. How do these lenses compare? Are there any other lenses I should consider in this same class?Thanks a lot for any help! « Show Less
501122
Thanks for the feedback. I ended up getting the Canon 17-55/2.8IS. It was more expensive, but I had come across some extra money. I've had that lens for several month now and it's awesome. The zoom range is excellent, it's great having f2.8 through the whole range, and the IS adds probably at least 3 stops. It's very sharp when I do my part, especially when it's stopped down a couple clicks. I would still love to get a lens like I described in my OP, but I'm looking at a wide angle zoom and a better telephoto lens before that one.
501123
Congrats on the nice lens! I have the 17-85. It's better than my 18-55, but I would love to get the 17-55 someday. Heck, I'd like to get a lot of different lenses someday! But being completely new to dslr, I think what I have now will suffice until I get going.
501124
I'm in the same boat. I have a 40d as well and I just bought the Canon 50mm 1.8 but found that I was always "stepping back" to take a lot of indoor shots. I am leaning towards either the Sigma 30 1.4 or Canon 24 f2.8. The 24 got a good review at the photozone.de site. Here's a direct link if Amazon will let it through: http://www.photozone.de/canon-eos/153-canon-ef-24mm-f28-test-report--review?start=2.They review just about every lens. Check it out. Again, it's photozone (dot) de
501125
I've got the sigma, it's a great lens and a good focal length. (48mm on crop cams) If you are going to be indoors, the f1.4 is handy. I've got the 50mm f1.8 and the extra 2/3's makes a difference when you're already at slow shutter speeds.
382374
I have both lenses and they are both pretty good. I probably like the 50mm a bit more than the 35mm. The real question for you to answer is what will I be my primary use for the lens ? Remember, we're shooting with a crop-sensor camera, so the lenses convert from a 35mm to a 52mm, and the 50mm converts to a 75mm lens. My recommendation for General Purpose Shooting would be to go with the 50mm ! A great bang for the buck and terrific bokeh !
36984
I was in a similar situation, and after trying all the options for a few weeks decided on the primes mostly for size and weight reasons. This lens is tiny for an f/2.8 zoom, but it is big and heavy compared to most other m4/3 lenses. UPDATE: After my latest vacation, constantly switching between primes, I've reconsidered my decision. I sold two of my primes and got the 12-40 again.
725614
This is a very nice lens, and yes, this lens is great for wedding photography. I don't have a canon, sorry can't afford it, and that's why I chose Sigma for its affordability . All in all it's a great lens.
36978
I was in a similar situation, and after trying all the options for a few weeks decided on the primes mostly for size and weight reasons. This lens is tiny for an f/2.8 zoom, but it is big and heavy compared to most other m4/3 lenses.UPDATE: After my latest vacation, constantly switching between primes, I've reconsidered my decision. I sold two of my primes and got the 12-40 again.
2072504
F. Dudek,This lens would be ok. The speed of the lens is ok, as far as f/stops go. The focus speed might not be up to the task. Also the focal length of the lens might be a little short for what you want to do. However, at $100 you wont find a better value lens, it is worth having. My suggestion would be buy the lens and try it. If it doesn't work it will still be great for home indoor photography. If it doesn't work look at the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Medium Telephoto Lens, it has just as fast aperture, has faster ring USM focus, and has a little bit longer reach. For even more reach look at the Canon EF 100mm f/2 USM Telephoto Lens. F. Dudek,This lens would be ok. The speed of the lens is ok, as far as f/stops go. The focus speed might not be up to the task. Also the focal length of the lens might be a little short for what you want to do. However, at $100 you wont find a better value lens, it is worth having. My suggestion would be buy the lens and try it. If it doesn't work it will still be great for home indoor photography. If it doesn't work look at the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Medium Telephoto Lens, it has just as fast aperture, has faster ring... » Read More F. Dudek,This lens would be ok. The speed of the lens is ok, as far as f/stops go. The focus speed might not be up to the task. Also the focal length of the lens might be a little short for what you want to do. However, at $100 you wont find a better value lens, it is worth having. My suggestion would be buy the lens and try it. If it doesn't work it will still be great for home indoor photography. If it doesn't work look at the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Medium Telephoto Lens, it has just as fast aperture, has faster ring USM focus, and has a little bit longer reach. For even more reach look at the Canon EF 100mm f/2 USM Telephoto Lens. « Show Less
987142
I owned the 50D and now own a 7D. I have had my 17-55 f/1.8 IS for over 2 years. I bought the 24-105 a year ago to replace my 17-55 hahaha yea let me say right now I am not selling my 17-55 and when shooting indoors the 17-55 f/2.8 is will be my first choice over the 24-105 f/4 IS. Indoors f/4 is slow period. I ended up buying a Sigma 30mm f/1.4 to shoot indoors for low light and I LOVE it. Anyways on a crop body I would pick the 17-55 f/2.8 IS over the 24-105 f/4 IS for indoors unless its a really well lit room or I am using my 580 EXII. I am leaning to primes anymore and would recommend the 17-55 f/2.8 for you. Another option is Sigma 30 f/1.4 and the Canon 85 f/1.8 and you spend less then either of those lenses heck you can throw in a 50 f/1.8 and have 3 lenses for the price of 1 if you don't mind switching lenses. Nick
1247240
hum... what do you mean, by a "base" lens? I consider myself a "advanced" amateur haha... i also have a D7000, and i use this lens mostly for street-photography and some portraits. This lens are definitely for open space when you use it in a crop sensor (which is the case), if you need a lens for indoor, i would go for some sigma or even tamron 17-50mm f2.8 which is more expensive. I even have a nikkor 35mm f1.8 which is not wide enough for small indoor places, but it is also one great lens.Talking about the image quality it is amazing. It's always nice to have one prime lens. You will never regret. hum... what do you mean, by a "base" lens? I consider myself a "advanced" amateur haha... i also have a D7000, and i use this lens mostly for street-photography and some portraits. This lens are definitely for open space when you use it in a crop sensor (which is the case), if you need a lens for indoor, i would go for some sigma or even tamron 17-50mm f2.8 which is more expensive. I even have a nikkor 35mm f1.8 which is not wide enough for small indoor places, but it is also one great lens.Talking about the image quality it is amazing. It's always nice to have one... » Read More hum... what do you mean, by a "base" lens? I consider myself a "advanced" amateur haha... i also have a D7000, and i use this lens mostly for street-photography and some portraits. This lens are definitely for open space when you use it in a crop sensor (which is the case), if you need a lens for indoor, i would go for some sigma or even tamron 17-50mm f2.8 which is more expensive. I even have a nikkor 35mm f1.8 which is not wide enough for small indoor places, but it is also one great lens.Talking about the image quality it is amazing. It's always nice to have one prime lens. You will never regret. « Show Less
910057
Go for it. This is an awesome lens. I use this lens along with my EF 70-200 L Series f/2.8 for all my wedding and other event shoots (including portraits, sports etc). But if money is not an object why not get the 50MM lens (along with this) as others have suggested. I am happy with the two lenses (ie EF 24-70 mm and EF 70-200 mm). I've taken thousands of pictures with these two lenses (almost 80% with the 24-70 Lens). Hope this helps.
1249481
Yeah, Diverhank nailed it - two very different lenses. Important to note that the 50mm 1.4 is NOT a macro lens and that was something you mentioned in your initial post. I used the 50mm on my T2i and absolutely loved it, though I eventually upgraded (and much preferred) the Sigma 30mm 1.4 for the "normal" focal length on the crop-sensor. I now shoot a full frame and primarily use the 50mm but will likely get the 100mm shortly. Be sure to take a look at the Sigma 30mm before buying the 50mm Canon but if Macro is what you're looking for, you can't go wrong with the 100mm L.
1974695
This lens is a little noisy compared to Canon USM lenses, although not as much as an older Tamrom 17-50 I use with a 40D. If any doubts, you can always go a camera store nearby and try a display Tokina 16-28.
1346883
I have the 50mm f1.8 and love everything about it. My only problem is the focusing speed. I don't mind spending $340 for the 1.4 but I read alot of people had problem with it and have to send it in for repair. This made me very nervous. Anybody familiar with this problem? One more thing, if you want to choose between the 50mm or 85mm, check the crop on your camera first. Ex. T3i have a 1.6 vs 5D have a 1.0 meaning a 50mm on a T3i is equal to a 80mm on a 5D.
1922083
The 50 is probably more often referred to as a "standard" lens and works great. The 35 is slightly wider and often used for portraits of more than just one person (when you need to fit more people in the frame). Keep in mind that if you have a camera with an ASP-C sensor (or a "crop sensor"-- this is the Rebel line of Canon canons as well as the 7D, etc), the 50mm is closer to a (1.6 x 50 =) 80mm due to the smaller sensor and a 35 looks closer to a (35 x 1.6=) 56mm lens. What I would suggest before dropping a lot of money on the 35L or 50L is to see what range you use more or what looks better on your camera. Most Canon cameras come with an 18-55 or 24-105 lens. Zoom that lens to the 35mm mark and use that for a day and see how it works. Then do the same thing with the lens at the 50mm mark. If you find that 50 is too narrow or 35 is too wide, there is no sense in dropping $1000+ on a focal length you aren't likely to use.
1078335
The 50mm 1.4 is great for indoor low-light portraiture, unless you are shooting groups of people -- you may not have enough space to step back. Lately I've been using the 85mm 1.8 more. The extra length does a better job of blurring the background at shorter distances, which helps isolate the subject further. Indoors it's great for tight crops of faces and outdoors I mostly use it for candid shots while street walking. One thing to keep in mind though, the longer focal range requires you to shoot at a relatively faster shutter speed, which makes it tougher to hand hold in dim light. I've considered upgrading to the 85mm 1.4, although that opens up a whole new can of worms... long story short, most feel the 1.8 is better bang for the buck, while the rest are convinced that the 1.4 is legendary. (For what it's worth, I'm using these lenses on a D90, APS-C)
812302
Actually, I'm merely guessing on the focal length from your inquiry about the 17-55mm. Your choice will depend on how much reach you actually need.Some suggestions:At $80, the Canon 50mm f1.8 is very inexpensive with pretty good optics and a wide aperture. Focusing may be too slow for your needs but its so cheap it might be worth a try.The Canon 50mm f1.4 adds fast USM focusing and somewhat better optics.The Canon 85mm f1.8 is a good choice if you need more reach.The Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM get pretty good ratings and is a good choice if you're fairly close or need a wider view. Actually, I'm merely guessing on the focal length from your inquiry about the 17-55mm. Your choice will depend on how much reach you actually need.Some suggestions:At $80, the Canon 50mm f1.8 is very inexpensive with pretty good optics and a wide aperture. Focusing may be too slow for your needs but its so cheap it might be worth a try.The Canon 50mm f1.4 adds fast USM focusing and somewhat better optics.The Canon 85mm f1.8 is a good choice if you need more reach.The Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM get pretty good ratings and is a good... » Read More Actually, I'm merely guessing on the focal length from your inquiry about the 17-55mm. Your choice will depend on how much reach you actually need.Some suggestions:At $80, the Canon 50mm f1.8 is very inexpensive with pretty good optics and a wide aperture. Focusing may be too slow for your needs but its so cheap it might be worth a try.The Canon 50mm f1.4 adds fast USM focusing and somewhat better optics.The Canon 85mm f1.8 is a good choice if you need more reach.The Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM get pretty good ratings and is a good choice if you're fairly close or need a wider view. « Show Less
219910
Its a great lens but obviously very different from the 10-18mm f4. I use the 24mm Zeiss almost exclusively indoors because it gets me to an equivalent focal length close to 35mm and helps with low light because of the wide 1.8 aperture. It also gets the nice shallow depth of field with that wide aperture and nice bokeh. I would love to own the 10-18 f4 but it would really be for a totally different purpose - super wide outdoor landscapes. Also, it's a slower lens with that f4 aperture and won't get a shallow depth of field under really any circumstances.
264636
I have the Canon 50 f1.4, the Canon 100 f2.0, the Canon 135 f2.0L, and this lens. I recently sold my 24-105 f4L. I use primarily the sigma 35 art or the 135L, it depends on what I am shooting. I do love this lens though. It is sharp and fast.