50mm lens

[lazaroonie]

been using a (borrowed) 50mm 1.8 canon lens, and really impressed with it.

I was considering buying one, but I also fancy a macro lens. i notice that canon have a 50mm macro lens. would this do both jobs ? or is it strictly for macro work. obviously it isnt as fast as the 1.8, but that wouldnt be a big problem i dont think.

 

[wontolla]

I use my 50 1.8 for both macro and portrait. It will focus down to 18" and if I want closer I put a tube on. Plenty of cheapish ones on ebay or put a wanted add on here.

 

[paleblue]

If you want to do macro, don't get the f1.8. The closest you can get to your subject is ~45cm. The Macro 50mm will be better if you don't mind the big jump in price. It won't be as good in low light, but f2.5 is still pretty wide. You can look on here: http://www.pixel-peeper.com/lenses/?lens=738 for sample images, and compare.

 

[EdBray]

If you really want to do macro and can afford the jump in price I wouldn't discount the EF-S 60mm f2.8, gives 1:1 macro (the 50mm f2.5 only gives 2:1) and is also a great portrait lens on a crop body.