OK, so I'm looking for a prime walkaround lens for my 5dmk2. I don't particularly want the expense of an L lens as I'm covered with a 24-70 and 70-200 as it is. I just want something small and a bit more discreet than the bulky 24-70. I was looking at the 50 f1.4 - what are your thoughts? Is there anything else that is better suited to the 5d mk2? Any opinion welcome! Thanks, Craig

buzzski wrote:
Is there anything else that is better suited to the 5d mk2? Any opinion welcome! Thanks, Craig

Depends on what you shoot when you walk around

Depends on what you shoot when you walk around


It's varied... but for the purpose of this post let's say general street stuff - people and sh*t like that!

could try the 28mm f 1.8usm 350-450 bux

digitalbug30d wrote:
could try the 28mm f 1.8usm 350-450 bux

I'm not sure if I want anything that wide. Does it perform better than the 50?

Go "retro". Get a cheapie 50 1.8 and see where it takes you :-)

for people and sh*t like that... 85mm f/1.8, 100 f/2 or even 135 f/2

buzzski wrote:
digitalbug30d wrote:
could try the 28mm f 1.8usm 350-450 bux

I'm not sure if I want anything that wide. Does it perform better than the 50?
not really the 50 seems better IQ wise with the 1.8 its an older motor for A/F
the 50 1.4 has faster A/F with usm as well as the 85 f1.8 so I would choose
either of the last 2

Well, if he doesn't know what he looking for exactly, might as well get the focal length taste first, then he can work up upgrading the lens.
Get a 35/2, 50/1.8 or 1.4 and a 85/1.8 then decide from there. Sell them, and buy the L version of your preferred focal length.

For me (and I like to shoot similar things) my choice of non-L AF prime for general walk-around would be the 35 f/2.

IMHO it depends what the OP wants. Clearly the 35 f2 or a 50mm lens are the obvious choices, but if size & weight are considerations the 50 1.4 weighs as much as my old 24-85 Canon lens which performs really well on the 5DII (but clearly isn't a prime). So perhaps a 50 1.8?

David

dhphoto wrote:
IMHO it depends what the OP wants.

To shoot people and sh*t like that

I always loved the 35L or 50L for walk around.

optically, no.

buzzski wrote:
digitalbug30d wrote:
could try the 28mm f 1.8usm 350-450 bux

I'm not sure if I want anything that wide. Does it perform better than the 50?

buy the 35/2 and 50/1.8... see which works best for you, but just keep them both.

50mm is what a lot of street photogs used back in the day

however, if you want a little context, pick up a 35mm-if your budget can take it, a 35L on a 5D2 would be quite hot

Daan B wrote:
for people and sh*t like that... 85mm f/1.8, 100 f/2 or even 135 f/2

+1

Choice of focal length is personal, but I agree that 50mm or 35mm are the top contenders if you must carry just one lens. The 50 is more flexible: see my article here:

http://www.vothphoto.com/spotlight/articles/forgotten_lens/forgotten-lens.htm

The Canon 50 1.4 is a great choice, balancing cost, features, size, weight, and optical performance. If you are addicted to shooting wide open at 1.4 for bokeh, then the Sigma 50 is the best currently available in this focal length, but it's heavier and bulkier.

50 1.4 or 35L is typically what I use...50 1.4 is nice if you want to be understated with your equipment...

If you like to shoot portraits, 85mm 1.8 is better for your needs. If you are more of a photojournalist approach, then 35mm/ 50mm will be your choice.

The old film cameras (the original FF) came with a 50mm lens because it is so versatile. The same way it would be for your 5DMkII. It is your choice if you want the 50 f1.8, inexpensive, or the pricier, and better quality, f1.4.

35L if IQ is paramount, 35/2 if you want lighter, more discreet kit w/o too much IQ tradeoff. I always feel 50 is a bit narrow, but then I've trained my eye with 35mm focal length over the years, so works for me as a generalist prime.

Oh, the Sigmalux is the one to get. Sigma 50/1.4. No doubt.

Daan B wrote:
for people and sh*t like that... 85mm f/1.8, 100 f/2 or even 135 f/2

those focus a lot better too

and the 135 f/2 is magical even wide open
although it is getting harder to hand hold in low light

I'd get a 24/28 and a 50/85