50mm 1.8 or 18-55mm IS

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legarm

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Trying to decide if i should try and sell my 18-55mm IS for a 50mm 1.8 for my Canon 450D. I can't afford to buy a new 50mm off the shelf so would need to sell my 18-55 to fund it.

Would you people think it would be a good move? I like to take pics of my family. I have heard the 50mm 1.8 is a superb lens in low light too so if i had a choice, would you say the 50mm would be the way forward? I also want to get a long zoom sometime in the future (55-250mm IS).

I want to concentrate on portrait shots at the mo of family.
 
In my opinion (although it's a good lens) I found it a bit tight on a cropped sensor, it depends how close you'll be to the subject and how much you want in the shot - headshots fine, full body or group shots indoors it can be tight depending on location imho. I wouldn't suggest chopping in a kit lens for one as the 18-55 IS is reasonable and far more versatile to get you started. I know you've probably heard it before, but maybe at least try one out first and then save up, they regularly come up around £50 second hand so aren't too pricey. It's nearly xmas aswell...
 
I wouldn't. The 50 1.8 is really very limited on a crop camera. If you want to know what using a fixed 50mm is like, tape up the zoom ring on your 18-55 and see how you get on :eek:

Wait a bit and save up. Kerso is doing a 50 1.8 for £75 delivered - see the trade advertisers section.
 
I like the 50mm 1.8 but its not as good as the 18-55. You definatly can not get a real close shot on anything.
Where as the 18-55 you not be able to use in so much low lights.

Pro's and cons really.

Personally, I would say save up and buy the 50mm 1.8 and also keep the other lens too.
 
save and get the 50 whilst keping the 18-55. As above the 50 is super limited.
You can opt going for a 2nd hand 50 which really isnt that much money.

But its not worth it selling the 18-55 at this stage
 
This will act like an 80mm on a 1.6X crop sensor cam like the 450D.

85mm is one of the most popular lenses for portrait on full frame cams so I'd say the 50mm will work well on the 450D.

I've always much preferred using fixed focal length to using zoom, so perhaps I'm a bit biased!
 
They do compliement each other in someways with the wider aperture on the 50mm.

However, I couldnt live without the range of a 18-55 or similar focal length either.

The 55-250 is also a nice lens and recommended by a few down to its relatively low cost vs performance. However, if lowlight / indoor photography of your family is your main priority, a flash gun may be a wise purchase too.
 
No-one has asked what you mainly shoot yet - let us know that and we can help you determine if the 50mm F1.8 will be suitable.

Richard gave you the best tip - tape your 18-55mm at 50mm and see if you can live with just that focal length. Masking tape works best - no sticky residue!
 
ideally you want both in your bag, personally I couldnt live without a quick prime and would choose it over a small zoom any day, but on the times I have only had a prime with me opportunities have been missed, but I would still choose it over anything else.
 
Waw, nice advice, thanks. I will keep the kit lens then i suppose and see if i can get a 50mm 2nd hand.
 
Still can't decide if i should get a 50mm!! I feel as though i am missing out not having one.
 
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