canon 17-55mm V canon 50mm1.8

[SpikeK6]

Hi just had an impulse bid on a canon 50mm 1.8 without really thinking.
I have the 17.55 and everyone raves on about the 50mm but what I want to know is, would I be wasting my time with the 50mm prime seeing as I already have a lens that cost many times more in the same focal length.

People on here say the nifty is really good from 2.8 well if thats the case how does it compare to the 17-55 at 50mm at 2.8.
Whats it like at 1.8 I have heard it can be a little soft??

Be nice to get some comparisons from some one who owns both or has owned both

Thanks

spike

 

[wavefront]

When I had both on my 40d a few years back I too was worried about the overlap. However, in practice, I used them differently. If I wanted to be less conspicuous, and travel light or just going to the pub etc I'd take the 50 1.8. It really made me look at things differently. And then when I wanted more versatility (read: lazy on my feet and used the zoom instead) I'd use the 17-55. Plus it had IS which helped a bit in certain conditions.

Give it a go, and if you find you don't use it, you'll be able to sell it for a fractional loss.

Mark.

 

[wavefront]

Hmm, forgot your Q about sharpness. Yup, my nifty was a little soft at 1.8 but at that aperture, user error with focusing is more likely to ruin a shot than whether the lens is soft wide open. I don't think I ever compared both at 2.8 but the 17-55 is razor sharp, pretty much throughout and it's af drive much better and quieter and I recall it 'hunted' less in low light. Also the 17-55 has more aperture blades so the bokeh it produced was different, that said I love shots with the nifty's hexagonal highlights!

 

[SpikeK6]

Thanks for that Mark

I think i will just save my money then on what you have said.

Thanks again

spike

 

[HoppyUK]

If you've never used a really low f/number lens, you should give it a try. Just have a go at f/1.8, for a portrait maybe, and check out the shallow depth of field.

It's so cheap anyway, but if it's not for you, you could sell it on here in minutes.