Topic: Let's talk Canon digital SLRs... Part 2

[Brian E.]

I have a hard time picking out pictures that I think are good............

here's one of my friend Amy's kid a couple weeks ago:



my friend Brian:



and waaaaay back before I had a flash.  My cousin in-law's wedding:



all those are with my 28mm.

[Brian E.]

just bought a 50D w/grip.  Selling my XSI w/grip.

[Brian E.]

annnnnnnd just bought a 5D mark II with grip.  selling my 50D.    great camera, I just decided I wanted full frame.

[Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B)]

Already have the 50D...let me know when you're selling the 5D II...

what are you thinking...couple of weeks?

Seriously...congrats. Awesome camera.

[Brian E.]

haha.  thanks

[bgalizio]

Since we brought our kids home early this year, we've been shooting a lot, and I've come to find some limitations in our equipment. We have a Rebel XS w/18-55 kit lens, 70-300 telephoto kit lens, and 50 f1.8 lens. Before, we would generally shoot with the kit lens and used the zoom for wildlife when we were in Ethiopia. Now, I find myself using the 50mm lens way more often to get sharp shots of the kids (especially when they're moving!). I also find I can get more accurate shots with this lens + no flash (we're just starting to get into the world of manual settings). It's worked really well outdoors and in the evenings.

In an effort to potentially upgrade, what should I be looking for? I'm torn between a zoom and prime lens for everyday stuff - was thinking maybe a 28mm lens would be good for daily shots, but a zoom is convenient. Any suggestions? This is just thinking for now, and any potential budget would be < $500 for sure (see above reference to having kids).

[Brian E.]

well, do you need wide (44mm equivalent) shots?  That'd be the 28.  I had the 28 f/1.8 and it was awesome, but pricey.  Almost $500 used.  I ended up upgrading to some L glass, 24mm 1.4 (II), just to get an L lens.

I can't recommend the 85mm f/1.8 enough for portraits.  On a crop Rebel it's a little long though.  I would maybe just stick with the 50mm for now, because it's an awesome bang for the buck - unless you're finding what you have isn't working for you.  the 50 1.8 should be plenty fast enough, and on a crop camera it's about 80mm, which is the perfect portrait length.


side note, just got my 5D Mark II in!

[bgalizio]

well, do you need wide (44mm equivalent) shots?  That'd be the 28.  I had the 28 f/1.8 and it was awesome, but pricey.  Almost $500 used.  I ended up upgrading to some L glass, 24mm 1.4 (II), just to get an L lens.

I can't recommend the 85mm f/1.8 enough for portraits.  On a crop Rebel it's a little long though.  I would maybe just stick with the 50mm for now, because it's an awesome bang for the buck - unless you're finding what you have isn't working for you.  the 50 1.8 should be plenty fast enough, and on a crop camera it's about 80mm, which is the perfect portrait length.


side note, just got my 5D Mark II in!

I'm curious about a wider prime lens because the 50mm is usually too close when I'm indoors. If I'm using the kit lens, I'm usually in the upper 20s, lower 30s mm range. Really like how sharp the 50mm lens is, though!

[Brian E.]

well then I can recommend the 28mm 1.8.  But try to buy it used, on POTN

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=14

Because new it's like $700, yet it sells used for around $450 in mint condition.

[bgalizio]

well then I can recommend the 28mm 1.8.  But try to buy it used, on POTN

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=14

Because new it's like $700, yet it sells used for around $450 in mint condition.

The 28mm 2.8 is much less expensive - can you help me with what everyday situations the 1.8 would perform better? How much different would it be for low light situations?

[Brian E.]

from the digital picture:

"Canon's other current 28mm prime, the Canon EF 28mm f/1.8 USM Lens, is the most logical comparison lens. Even though smaller and less expensive, the Canon EF 28mm f/2.8 Lens nearly keeps up with the f/1.8 in sharpness. The f/1.8 obviously has wider apertures available, but even stopped down to f/2.8, the f/1.8 is not much sharper than the f/2.8 lens. The 28mm f/1.8 is sharper in the corners, but at identical apertures, these lenses are not very dissimilar. What is noticeably different is the corner shading on the Canon EF 28mm f/2.8 Lens. Corner darkening is the most significant differentiator when comparing images taken with these lenses. The f/2.8 has a little more barrel distortion than the f/1.8. Of course the f/1.8 is better built and has USM AF with FTM (Full Time Manual) focusing. I regard the Canon EF 28mm f/1.8 USM Lens, as the better lens, but the better performance and build are not lost on the price."

I love USM, and will never go back.  Full time manual focus is a must have, for me.  Also USM is fast and quiet.

But if you're on a tight budget, check out the 2.8 and see what you think.  You can always sell it if you don't like it or if it's too slow for you.

[bgalizio]

Thanks for the help, and the link to the other website. That looks kind of like a TS.com for Canon photography.

Any other suggestions are welcome, of course, as this is still just thinking out loud.

[Brian E.]

yup, pretty much exactly what it is.  I recommend joining, they're good people

[Chrisedge]

I know Primes and L's are so desired, but I love my 17mm-55mm 2.8 IS. One lens that can shoot in a variety of conditions and as long as you can accept EF-S lenses you are set. There is no L equvelent since you either have to go to a 4.0 IS, or a 2.8 without IS.

I have a 50 1.4 that doesn't get much use because I can get most shots with the 2.8 IS.

[Brian E.]

I know Primes and L's are so desired, but I love my 17mm-55mm 2.8 IS. One lens that can shoot in a variety of conditions and as long as you can accept EF-S lenses you are set. There is no L equvelent since you either have to go to a 4.0 IS, or a 2.8 without IS.

I have a 50 1.4 that doesn't get much use because I can get most shots with the 2.8 IS.

well yeah, but the 17-55 2.8 is regarded in almost L status.  It's $1K.

also, personally I feel like at 2.8 and that reach, if you can't hold it steady then you may have issues