does this 50mm lens do anything my current lens don't do?

[disneygirl76]

Hi all,

I'm trying to figure out what to add/change to my lens so that I get the pics I am looking for at WDW.

It has been recommended to get the following:

http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/ef_lens_lineup/ef_50mm_f_1_4_usm

This would be to use as my regular walk around lens.

I have the following:

Canon Rebel XSi body
Canon 18 - 55 mm lens (came with body)
Canon 75 - 300 mm lens (added later)

Does this lens do anything that my current lens don't do?

I was also recommened to get:
http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/ef_lens_lineup/ef_s_18_200mm_f_3_5_5_6_is

But I just don't have the funds for that.

Any help would be great!

 

[NowInc]

I typically always recommend people get a prime lens such as a 50mm (or 35mm). Yes..you won't be able to zoom..BUT here are my reasons for suggesting it:

1.) Wide open aperture capabilities = GREAT low light performance. Example: Go on to a dark ride with this lens, set it wide open (with your ISO set accordingly) at f1.4 and shoot away. You will be impressed.
2.) It forces you to learn composition. With the inability to zoom, a prime lens will force you to actually physically set up your shots. Move around, forward..backwards..frame accordingly. It really will help you learn a lot that will translate over to your zoom lens.
3.) Landscape photography. These types of lenses are pretty good for taking nice shots and getting a LOT in the picture.
4.) Portraits. Again..with the wide open aperture you can get some really nice bokeh when taking portraits without having to be too far back from the subject. See below (taken with a 35mm):


Walt Disney World Trip - June 2012 by DreGGs, on Flickr


Walt Disney World Trip - June 2012 by DreGGs, on Flickr

 

[flynnibus]

The 50mm is a ton faster..(F1.4) so you will be able to get better low light photos, and setup shots with very shallow depth of field (shown in NowInc's second photo).

Prime lens are much easier to build with such low F-stop and so primes are very popular for portraits and low light.

Of course the value of the second lens is having the wide range without swapping lenses.. and being a faster lens as well.

The addition of the prime would give you better low light shooting.. which is a common desire for theme park photogs.

 

[ddbowdoin]

you just have to practice at wide open... your auto focus points become really small so you can miss shots.

I've used the canon 50 1.2 and had one eye in focus, one eye out of focus lol

 

[flynnibus]

I've used the canon 50 1.2 and had one eye in focus, one eye out of focus lol

I hate that when a person is only half in focus!

 

[disneygirl76]

Thanks for the tips! I'm making my way through all of this camera stuff!

 

[KeithVH]

I would slightly disagree. I suggest the 1.8 model http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/12142-GREY/Canon_2514A002_Normal_EF_50mm_f_1_8.html. If you really wanna spend money, then get this 1.4 http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/381615-REG/Sigma_300101_30mm_f_1_4_EX_DC.html to get you to a 50mm equivalent.

Note that the 50 will STILL effectively be an 80mm lens. But even for $100, it's a killer. You won't really notice the the loss of one stop IMHO, especially in the parks. It takes time to think about utilizing a wide open lens (except in a dark ride). If you have the money, any 1.4 is nice but I have a hard time justifying the large extra cost for 1 stop.

 

[Parrain]

I agree with the f 1.8. I love mine. And, you don't have to fool around with any settings if you aren't comfortable, just put the camera in action mode. Fast pics! It will stop motion in the daytime or take beautiful shots at dusk or of the lights reflecting off the lakes and such at night! My most favorite pics were of the reflections of the dance hall, Swan and Dolphin off of the
Lake near our room at the yacht club at night, using my old Nikon D50 with the 50mm F 1.8 . Beautiful shots that I could not capture with another lens without getting that grainy look. I also use it to capture my daughter in mid leap or other action while she is performing with her competition dance team. Professional looking shots that the conventions normally charge a fortune for. Get the cheaper f 1.8, it is an awesome lens that should do uanything you need for half the money of the f 1.4

 

[disneygirl76]

Thank you for the info!