Which Canon Prime - 35 or 50mm?

[subseasniper]

Hey all,

I am going to be buying a prime for my EOS 40D shortly but am struggling whether to go for the 35mm f2 or the 50mm f1.4

I want a lens that is versatile enough for portraits of my family and as a general walkabout lens.

I thought the 50mm was the one to go for as it becomes 85mm equivalent with the crop factor but is this just too long for everyday use.

At the same time the 35mm will be about 50mm equivalent and I am bit worried that it will be too short for portraits.

Any advice please, I am tearing my hair out here.

 

[purpleclouds]

35 f2 and the 50 1.8??

Best of both worlds....and the 50 1.8 is at a throw away price so why not??

 

[macmike]

I'd say go for the 35mm I've heard good things about it, and I personally find the 50mm to be too long as a walkabout. Just my opinion :shrug:

Edit - what purple clouds said! Great idea.

 

[WeddingHack]

The 50 will be more flattering for portraits. Although the 35 gets a 50mm field of view with 1.6x crop, the way the wider angle lens handles perspective doesn't change.