Hi everyone... I have wanted a new lens for a while now, but I really haven't been able to afford it, but as long as I don't go too overboard, I think I can swing it... I'm trying to stay under $400 - $450 US dollars. Here is what I am looking at - any pros or cons you have experienced with either? Any advice really would be swell!! Also, which would YOU choose?
Thanks ahead of time for all of your inputs!!
The ever amazing Canon 50mm f/1.4
Low end compact macro Canon 50mm f/2.5
Canon macro 60mm f/2.8 (This is about $150 more than the 50mm macro... is it really THAT big of a difference in the images?)
All three are great. The benefit of the 50mm macro is it is an EF lens so you can use it on full frame if you wish. I use it every day. The EF-S 60mm is also great, and I don't honestly see a difference in real-world shooting. Koshi uses that lens every day. The 50mm f/1.4 is a fantastic portrait lens, and I'd still be using it if I hadn't passed it on to Koshi when I bought my f/1.2 lens.
I was about to come on here and say that my two most used lenses are listed in here ... so I'm probably no help, cos I'd say buy both ;)
Otherwise, have you considered the 50mm f/1.8 as well as the 50 mm f/2.5 macro? You'd get two lenses for roughly the same price as the 60 mm f/2.8 macro ... I've not use the 50 mm f/2.5 macro so can't really say what it's like though ...
@indiannie_jones - I'm so excited for YOU that I can hardly imagine how I will feel when I get my next lens (if I ever decide on one.)
@jinximages & @koshi - Thanks for your input, & Koshi - I hadn't thought about getting the f/1.8 and the macro - it's a really good idea though!! Now I am really considering doing it that way. ERGH!!! Decisions, decisions!! I want too many lenses that it makes narrowing down to one difficult. =D
@iridecentburden My other suggestion is to marry a pro photographer ... that way, you can take his lenses or make him buy you ones ... there's a reason I don't own my own zoom lens - the one in jinx's bag is just far too shiny for me to bother with my own ;)
@koshi - So, if I am understanding correctly... I should marry a man for his "equipment"? ;)
I looked through your "365 Days of Macro" album, & I'm absolutely in love with, not only YOUR photos, but the DOF and clarity with your macro lens... Your images alone might have just sold me on the 60mm. I need to find someone that has posted quite a few shots with the 50mm macro, just so I can try to compare a difference in the clarity, DOF, & overall quality of the image though.
+ Nicole, I KNOW, RIGHT?!? I made it with maybe three minutes to spare before they closed the doors. Lesson learnt though - spend that extra $20 for Fedex or pay €70 in import taxes :(
If you want a good portrait/low light lens I suggest the 50mm f/1.4 but it's not really sharp wide open, but stop it down to f/2 or below and it is razorsharp (if you want a lens that is sharper fully open, you should get the f/1.8 + it's cheaper :p)
If you really want the close focusing of a macro lens, the 60mm is just way better than the 50mm macro and totally worth the extra money.
Nicole, I am a product photographer and can tell you that the 60mm f2.5 is WELL worth the money. I love mine...it's my absolute FAVORITE piece of glass in my collection thus far. For work, it is the only lens I use. I originally got it when I was just starting out as a gift from my BF who really didn't know a lot about lenses but had heard me mention my love of Macro work. It's a great little workhorse of a lens, perfect for product shots (considered a standard type lens by folks doing this sort of work) and perfect for portraiture shots. it's also a great lens to work with when you're working in natural light settings.
I LOVE my 60mm and highly recommend it. :)
Write a Reply
Sign up for a free account or Sign in to post a comment.
Tweets ahoy!
Join the Group
Pin With Me
I just ran downstairs in UGGs, jammies and shorts to check my mail... MY LENS ARRIVED AND I HAVE FORTY MINS BEFORE THE POST OFFICE CLOSES!!
Thank you for reminding me to check my mail :D :D :D :D
I was about to come on here and say that my two most used lenses are listed in here ... so I'm probably no help, cos I'd say buy both ;)
Otherwise, have you considered the 50mm f/1.8 as well as the 50 mm f/2.5 macro? You'd get two lenses for roughly the same price as the 60 mm f/2.8 macro ... I've not use the 50 mm f/2.5 macro so can't really say what it's like though ...
@jinximages & @koshi - Thanks for your input, & Koshi - I hadn't thought about getting the f/1.8 and the macro - it's a really good idea though!! Now I am really considering doing it that way. ERGH!!! Decisions, decisions!! I want too many lenses that it makes narrowing down to one difficult. =D
I looked through your "365 Days of Macro" album, & I'm absolutely in love with, not only YOUR photos, but the DOF and clarity with your macro lens... Your images alone might have just sold me on the 60mm. I need to find someone that has posted quite a few shots with the 50mm macro, just so I can try to compare a difference in the clarity, DOF, & overall quality of the image though.
If you really want the close focusing of a macro lens, the 60mm is just way better than the 50mm macro and totally worth the extra money.
I LOVE my 60mm and highly recommend it. :)