50mm or 35mm for a Canon 60D

mikebeecham

mikebeecham

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Hi guys,

I received my very lovely 600D at Christmas and have two kit lenses at the moment, the stock 18-55m and the 55-250mm. Whilst these are good lenses I'm feeling that I really want to take some of those buttery-smooth shots that you see on professional photography websites.

So, after reading around it would seem that the way to go is either a 35mm or 50mm. I was thinking about a Sigma 50mm F1.4, but heard that there are some real focussing issues with the lens, or the Canon 50mm 1.4 which seems to better.

I'm not sure really what's out there on the 35mm side, and wondered whether I could get some suggestions. I want to spend no more than £250 if I can tho.

What should I get, and what CAN I get for the money?

Thanks
 
Canon 35mm f2 is your only choice within your budget. the others are Sigma 35mm f1.4, Canon 35mm f1.4L and Canon 35mm f2 IS USM.

for smoothest out of focus area, your best bet is the 50mm f1.4.
 
Hi mate...

So which would you go for out of Sigma and Canon? Are the focussing reports as bad as they seem?

Thanks
 
A lot of people feel 50mm is a little long for a crop body - I generally don't have a problem with it...

Best advice I can give, before you go spending money, decide what you want from the lens ?

You've only had your body etc for a very short period, I'd have a look at the shots you've taken and see what focal length you are using the most frequently - this at least then may give you an idea of focal length of lens suits best.

A good stop gap, to see if 50mm is good or not for you, is the nifty fifty. Yes, it's a cheap lens and of basic build quality, but can give great results and isn't going to break the bank - should be able to pick a 2nd hand one up for £55-60... If you found it was or wasn't for you, you would be able to sell on for a minimal loss...
 
The Canon 35mm f/2 is a lovely lens, possibly my fave prime.
 
At the current price you could have one of these and still find a good 35mm to complement it. My daughter has the 60D and kit lens. But, I bought her the 50 for her birthday and she was amazed at the quality especially for portraits, Now it's her favourite lens. I just have to keep her away from my 50mm F1.4:shake:
 
The Sigma 50mm 1.4 is an AWESOME lens. I used it for a good while on my 60D. It's my go to focal length. I had to buy the 85L when I went full frame as I just like that focal length so much.

If you get a copy that's perfect, it's a phenomenal lens. You'll see a few people complaining about misfocusing amongst other issues with Sigma lenses, but bear in mind that people run straight to a forum to voice their dismay and 99% of the time you won't see people running to a forum posting about how good things are as they're out in the field using them. I find it quite irritating and really wish people would post more positives about the lenses so you could get a more balanced report on lenses.

Sigma have been around for years and if all their lenses sucked, they'd have gone bust a long time ago. Common sense tells you they have more good lenses out there than bad!

To add a bit of balance though, my 50mm 1.4 was spot on with the 60D, but on my 5dmk3 I've had to dial in a fairly large adjustment. I'm not 100% sure it's right either. I would send it off for calibration to my camera, but I'm reluctant to let my camera go away for a week or two :)

The nifty 50 is also a phenomenal lens. Unless you're desperate for 1.4, I'd save money and go with that. There isn't a better value lens on the market, and I love the contrasty look it gives. I've actually just given my dad the 60D and the nifty fifty :)


Dexter's fly by Niall Allen, on Flickr

That was with my 30D and nifty 50 :)


Open house by Niall Allen, on Flickr

30D with Sigma 50mm 1.4
 
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mikebeecham said:
So, after reading around it would seem that the way to go is either a 35mm or 50mm. I was thinking about a Sigma 50mm F1.4, but heard that there are some real focussing issues with the lens, or the Canon 50mm 1.4 which seems to better.
Click to expand...

There are a lot of Siggy horror stories but I personally have never had any front/back focus issues with any Siggy lens I've owned, 20mm f1.8, 30mm f1.4, 50mm f1.4, 85mm f1.4. 150mm f2.8 and a couple of zooms. Just to make clear that I'm not a fan boy I've also had Canon and Tamron AF lenses.

Most reviews seem to place the Sigma 50mm ahead of the Canon and IMVHO it's worth the risk of having to retun a copy you're not happy with, personally I've never had to and there are I'm sure many happy Siggy 50mm owners :D
 
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