EF 50mm 1.8 or 28mm 2.8

[arvindm29]

Hello,
I need user review and suggestion to buy a prime lens. Should I go for canon 50mm f1.8 or 28mm f2.8? I want to have the feel of 50mm prime lens which was standard lens during the roll cameras era. Why I drilled down to two different focal lengths is 28mm f2.8 on a 1.6X FOVCF is 45mm might get the closest feel of 50mm, and 50mm f1.8 is the cheapest prime available. My main usage with this lens will be indoor photo with bigger aperture and some portrait of my daughter and some times landscape.

Please share more information. I am open for suggestions on other lens (not interested with 3rd party lens) and with some budget constrain.

Thanks,
Arvind

[Sunny]

Topic Approved

You need a feel of the prime lens? Then look no further than the 50mm f1.8. Dont be influenced by the fact that right now you dont have a full frame. The 50mm is cheap (3500 INR!) and is very very sharp.

Here are some photos taken with the 50mm : http://www.thephotographer.in/darkroom/showthread.php?t=40&highlight=winter

But be prepared to take care of the fragile plastic assembly of this lens, I have already broken one and have bought a second one. But if you take care of it it will reward you.

[KrishnenduKes]

If you are saying that you want to get a feel of the 50mm film camera type of feeling, what lens were you using earlier if any?

[arvindm29]

Topic Approved

You need a feel of the prime lens? Then look no further than the 50mm f1.8. Dont be influenced by the fact that right now you dont have a full frame. The 50mm is cheap (3500 INR!) and is very very sharp.


@ Sunny could you please let me know where it is sold for 3500INR? I have checked here in Bangalore and been told 6450INR :(

@Krish
I am currently using EFs 18 55 IS and 55 250IS.

[KrishnenduKes]

@ Sunny could you please let me know where it is sold for 3500INR? I have checked here in Bangalore and been told 6450INR :(

@Krish
I am currently using EFs 18 55 IS and 55 250IS.

In that case, your film camera "feel" is already covered in what you have. What more are you looking for? If you tell us that, maybe we can think of options.

About the price of the 50mm on the white market, I think Aryan paid something like INR 5K odd off the shelf.

[Aryan]

@Arvin: I got my 50mm f1.8 II lens from the Canon dealer quite a few months back for Rs.4.5k or thereabouts. It is available at the gray market, here in Delhi, for as low as Rs.3.5k or so! :D

[arvindm29]

In that case, your film camera "feel" is already covered in what you have. What more are you looking for? If you tell us that, maybe we can think of options.

About the price of the 50mm on the white market, I think Aryan paid something like INR 5K odd off the shelf.

I am looking for a Prime lens with less load on my pocket. along with prime lens i want to take the advantage of bigger f (f1.8 or 2.8) which is not the case with kit lens.

[Aryan]

I am looking for a Prime lens with less load on my pocket. along with prime lens i want to take the advantage of bigger f (f1.8 or 2.8) which is not the case with kit lens.
Then, get the 50mm f1.8 II with your eyes closed, and you will NOT regret a bit. ;)

[KrishnenduKes]

Then, get the 50mm f1.8 II with your eyes closed, and you will NOT regret a bit. ;)

I second this suggestion. It opens till 1.8, good portrait work can be realised with this.
On the other hand, the 28 f2.8 is not really a wide. You can wait for a lens which is wider for later when you can put a load on your pocket.

[nelson_sanjoy]

You will not get a sharper lens at this price point so go buy it.

Pros : Cheap ,light ,f/1.8 aperture helps in low light , a good tool if you like reverse macroing ;) specially with your Canon 55-250 IS.

Cons : AF hunts for focus in lowlight, manual focussing a bit uneasy.

Verdict : All said and done - a must for any Canoner :).