topic Re: Do I need a 50mm prime lens? in EF & RF Lenses

Do I need a 50mm prime lens?

Bitman — Mon, 18 Oct 2021 09:54:06 GMT

Fairly new to photography. I bought the Canon R6, with the 25-105mm F4 L lens. I also have the 70-200 F2.8 L.

Do I need a 35 or 50mm prime in F2.8 or 1.4?

Re: Do I need a 50mm prime lens?

wq9nsc — Mon, 18 Oct 2021 12:39:21 GMT

My 50mm f1.4 is far from my most often used lens but it is a lens I wouldn't be without. It is also the only non-Canon lens I use, I didn't care for the Canon 50mm f1.4 and after two trips to Canon for repair, the first under warranty, it got replaced with a Sigma Art 50mm f1.4 which I like more. Hopefully the RF version of the Canon 50 f1.4 is better constructed as are most of Canon's other lenses.

The 35mm f1.4 is also a useful lens but if you are only buying one of the two, I think the 50mm will be on your camera more. Zoom lenses are versatile and convenient but there are times when a fast prime is the best choice.

Rodger

Re: Do I need a 50mm prime lens?

kvbarkley — Mon, 18 Oct 2021 13:05:06 GMT

I would use the zooms for a bit and them decide:

Is the zoom just too darn heavy in some situations?

Is 50 or 35 a focal length you use often?

Do you need a faster lens for some situations?

Re: Do I need a 50mm prime lens?

ebiggs1 — Mon, 18 Oct 2021 14:54:36 GMT

The obvious is of course you do. You need both! Seriously you don't really need either. You have the most commonly required zooms already. I suspose you can make a case for a faster lens then the fast primes would be the choice.

"...if you are only buying one of the two, I think the 50mm will be on your camera more."

I disagree with that. I would prefer the Sigma 35mm f1.4 Art. It is a fantastic lens, perhaps the sharpest lens made. Highly versitle and of all my, albeit few, primes left in my lens inventory, it gets used the most.

I also own the unique ef 50mm f1.2L. If you have to have a 50mil it is the one to get. I sold my Sigam 50mm f1.4 Art to buy the Canon 50mm f1.2L. Of course that is my personal opinion others may not and don't see it that way. Truth is I almost never use it. It is my enjoy myself have a good time shooting some great subject lens.

Re: Do I need a 50mm prime lens?

Lxa2009 — Mon, 18 Oct 2021 19:44:10 GMT

I have the 70-200 L and I have the 50mm 1.8, what I came across was the other day my friend showed up on a Harley Tricycle and wanted me to take photos, it was difficult to fit in without walking way back to fit her into the photo. My wide angle 10-18 was at home and I was upset that I didn't have that with me.

Re: Do I need a 50mm prime lens?

jrhoffman75 — Tue, 19 Oct 2021 11:24:39 GMT

@Bitman wrote:
Fairly new to photography. I bought the Canon R6, with the 25-105mm F4 L lens. I also have the 70-200 F2.8 L.
Do I need a 35 or 50mm prime in F2.8 or 1.4?

The advantage of buying a prime lens is generally smaller size and a larger aperture for better low light capability. Primes can also have better image quality since there is less compromise in design compared to a zoom lens.

The disadvantage is there is only one focal length. You need to zoom with your feet. That isn't always possible.

You have L-series lenses, so the image quality difference will be less, and if you aren't looking at L-primes it may be nonexistent.

Buy a roll of gaffer tape (it doesn't leave a sticky residue).

Set the lens zoom to 35mm and tape the zoom ring setting. Spend a period of time taking images. Do you like the results? Do you feel limited by only having an f/4 aperture?

Repeat after setting the lens to 50mm.

Re: Do I need a 50mm prime lens?

Tronhard — Sun, 07 Nov 2021 18:34:01 GMT

@Bitman wrote:
Fairly new to photography. I bought the Canon R6, with the 25-105mm F4 L lens. I also have the 70-200 F2.8 L.
Do I need a 35 or 50mm prime in F2.8 or 1.4?

It seems glaringly obvious to me to ask what subjects you shoot!

Lens focal length and other factors (like max aperture) have a strong relationship to the type of subject. If you shoot mostly street photography a 'normal' field of view and fast aperture might be a benefit, but if you are going to shoot a wide range of subjects you are fine with the 24-105L IMHO.