50mm prime lens, is it your primary?

[Eyad]

Hi All,

I know that the answer for the above will depend on your targeted subject as landscape or portrait or sports...etc

But on most of the occasions that anyone is roaming around with his cam, is the 50mm always mounted as primary or it comes as optional?

Mine is 18-200 to cover all aspects, still it's not the best lens around for low light.

I'm getting a 50mm for low light portraits, i'm not sure if it can be used for actions shots.

[Bluenoser]

I just received my 50mm late last week, so haven't had it long enough to determine if it will be my primary.

Of all my lens, I've used my 17-85 most frequently. It's a nice walk around lens, giving me wide angle and zoom.

[SusanH1970]

My 50mm is mounted on my camera 95% of the time. I mainly do portraits and still life. I haven't had the opportunity to try it for action shots yet, though.

I also love it for shaped bokeh shots (as in my avatar). Now, that's fun!

[OsmosisStudios]

Depends on what im doing.

Right now my 50mm is stuck to my FE, but i'll be doing portraits on friday so it's gonna have to come off. My digital body has an 18-70 on it, as it gives me a decent range in a small package. Its generally the second lens I bring with me on shoots.

[SusanH1970]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

Depends on what im doing.

Right now my 50mm is stuck to my FE, but i'll be doing portraits on friday so it's gonna have to come off. My digital body has an 18-70 on it, as it gives me a decent range in a small package. Its generally the second lens I bring with me on shoots.

Not to hijack the thread....but Os, do you find the 18-70 much better for portraits than the 50mm? I've been looking at a 28-135; seems that would have a really nice range.

[t blanchard]

I love to keep the 50mm on my camera because it is so lightweight and small. With that lens on I can bring a small bag and don't have to worry about my camera bag!

[t blanchard]

Originally Posted by SusanH1970

Not to hijack the thread....but Os, do you find the 18-70 much better for portraits than the 50mm? I've been looking at a 28-135; seems that would have a really nice range.

I know you didn't ask me, but I have that 28-135. It's a super range for the size and weight, but I don't love the lens. It's a little soft and I find it has some issues with CA and fringing. But, for the money it is a good value... I've used it for a while and find myself wanting to upgrade. The IS is nice but I don't like the variable f/stop range - at the long end it's f5.6 - so not that fast. I'm sure that doesn't help much... but overall I give it a mixed review.

[Jim Fox]

Don't own one, but I own the 85/1.8 prime. Was suggested for basketball. Hardly ever use it. My 70-200/2.8 is on my camera 98% of the time.

[jprime84]

I usually have the kit lens for non planned shots. This summer I will be investing in an L lens that will function as my general purpose lens.

Thinking about one of these:
24-105mm f/4L IS
24-70mm f/2.8L


although considering the price difference... the 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS is also interesting....

[WooD]

I've got a 50, but only use it for low light shots.

My primary lens is a 17-55 f/2.8 , and a 80-200 f/2.8 on my other body.