torn between 85mm or 50mm

[kimiel]

Okay, I thought I would ask this question. I bought my Canon xsi back in the summer and have the 18-55mm kit lens along with a 55-200mm lens. I am ready for another lens. I want something that will produce sharp images at a reasonable price. I have looked at reviews on both the 50mm 1.4 and the 85mm 1.8 and I'm torn between the two. I also looked at some zooms. Anyone have any suggestions? Thanks, Kim

[sk66]

No suggestions.
The key in choosing a lens is what do you want to use it for. An 85mm on a XSi is considered "long". 50mm would be medium (good for portraits on an XSi).

I tend to prefer longer and shorter than either of those on a crop sensor.

If you have a history of photos taken w/ kit zoom, look thru them and se at what range you tend to take most of your images...that focal length will suit you best for what you are currently doing....If you want something "different" in order to accomplish something different than your current lens will, then you should already know what you need.

I personally never used a 50mm much (on any camera).

[kelticsol]

You could sort your photos by focal length and see where you shoot more. That would give you an idea of which would be more useful for you.

[Dirt_Bike_Ryda]

i would go the 50mm purely for the aperature. the DOF at 1.4 is pretty nice, whilist 1.8 isn't bad..

the 50mm converts to 80mm on your camera and the 85 converts to 136mm (so thats something to consider if you haven't allready)

[Jim Bryant]

The only 50mm I've ever used was the macro, but I've had both the 85mm's f1.2, and f1.8 lenses. I'd go with the 85mm, but..........it's your choice.

[kimiel]

I normally photograph family and pets both indoor and out and I like to take the camera out to different locations if the weather permits. My price range is $350-$425 or so. Just want something that will give me some nice, sharp images. Thanks for the replies!

[inkista]

ExposurePlot your shots, and see where you like to sit, focal length wise.

For me, I shoot long, so I went from the 50/1.8 to the 85/1.8.

I seem to have settled on a 135/2.

There are more options than just the 50/1.4 and the 85/1.8 if you want a fast prime. Canon makes a 35/2, a 50/1.4, 85/1.8, and 100/2 all in the $300-$400 price range.

[kimiel]

My latest pics were shot between the focal points of 25 and 50.

[BCampbell]

Originally Posted by kimiel

I normally photograph family and pets both indoor and out and I like to take the camera out to different locations if the weather permits. My price range is $350-$425 or so. Just want something that will give me some nice, sharp images. Thanks for the replies!

The 85mm will probably be a bit long for shooting indoors, especially with the crop factor as others have said.

In fact, the 50mm is already a little long on the Rebel bodies, but it works just fine.

If you tend to shoot between 25 and 50, there's a 28mm f/1.8 that you might like, which would also be somewhat useful for landscapes. There's also a Canon 35mm f/2.0, and a Sigma 30mm f/1.4, but I'm not a fan of those focal lengths.

The 85mm will mainly be relegated to being a portrait lens. The 50mm will work for portraits and some general use (though you'll find yourself backing up a bit), and will be an excellent general purpose and low light lens if you move up to a full frame camera. The 28, 30, and 35 will be more general purpose.

If you've only used zooms, you may also want to make sure you're prepared to be locked into a focal length. My best advice is this: take a week shooting your 18-55 locked at 50mm. Do not zoom, at all, and get used to having to move and see how you feel about the restrictions of being locked at that range. Then take a week and do the same with your 55-250 at 85mm. That'll at least give you an idea of what you will and won't be able to do with those lenses.

[kimiel]

I just ordered the 50mm f/1.4 from Amazon. I got the lens, hood, and filter for $401.00. I think Canon was offering some sort of rebate that is ending tomorrow, so I took the plunge. I have heard some good things about this lens and hope I made the right decision. Thanks for all the input! Kim