next lens help

seth · 14 Mar 2007 at 21:20

First off hi, I've posted in here a couple of times and read the forums pretty regularly (always find good advice, inspiration and such). I'm quite new to photography so forgive my stupidity.
Ok so ive had a 350d since january and now looking to get a new lens.
Im mostly looking to take portraits and landscapes and so I was thinking the canon 50mm f/1.8 would be a good cheap next lens to get. My question is, is the 50mm f/1.4 worth the extra money or should i stick to the cheaper f/1.8.

I also need a tripod and in this I'm pretty clueless, looking for something cheapish, like around the 50 quid marker. Is this a wise amount to spend or will I soon wish I'd dished out a little more for that extra quality.

I plan to stick with the kit and this 50mm f/1.8 till i can afford something like a 28-135 to replace the kit or a 70-200 to use along with it.
Thanks.

SDK^ · 14 Mar 2007 at 21:26

The 50mm F1.8 should be everything you need

Image quality between the 1.8 and 1.4 is much the same. For info the 1.4 offers silent & fast focusing (Micro USM), improved build quality and the faster aperture.

There is a good comparison of the two lenses here : http://photo.net/equipment/canon/ef50/

seth · 15 Mar 2007 at 13:16

Good link thanks, after browsing the net all night I've decided to go for the 50mm f/1.8 and a hama star 63.

J1234 · 15 Mar 2007 at 15:53

SDK^ said:
The 50mm F1.8 should be everything you need
Image quality between the 1.8 and 1.4 is much the same. For info the 1.4 offers silent & fast focusing (Micro USM), improved build quality and the faster aperture.

There is a good comparison of the two lenses here : http://photo.net/equipment/canon/ef50/

Seconded, very very good lens for the price, extremely sharp imo.

seth · 24 Mar 2007 at 21:44

Ok well, heres a couple of pics from my first play with the lens. Keep in mind im a beginer and am just getting to grips with my 350D but all C&C welcome!

#1

#2

#3

seth · 24 Mar 2007 at 23:13

ok about 20 views there and no posts, are they really that crap?

Tachyon · 24 Mar 2007 at 23:57

The first one of the dog you've just missed the focus on it. The tip of the tongue seems to be where it's at, try to have the eyes in focus more. It's a tricky action shot though so can be difficult to nail focus on your first attempts.

Second shot really doesn't do anything for me.

Edit: If you ignore the composition of this shot as I was just playing with the flash & the cat, you'll see how much more life it has about with the eyes in focus.

seth · 25 Mar 2007 at 13:34

I meant to focus on the tongue, his eyes are boring theyre pitch black

. ah well, is this some sort of 'photographers rule' that its better to focus on the eye?
thanks for the comment

Gareth · 25 Mar 2007 at 14:42

seth said:
is this some sort of 'photographers rule' that its better to focus on the eye?
thanks for the comment

Yes indeed, it is normal to expect the eyes to be pin sharp.
You're doing the right thing; showing what you've done and listening to advice.
Keep it up, BUT remember, the rules are SOMETIMES meant to be broken.