Thoughts on EF 50mm

[Ramsden]

Same thread as the Sigma. I still have my EF 50mm prime and took this photo 2 nights ago from a moving boat on the Thames in London. Cheaper and easier to use than the Sigma?

Feedback for a willing learner, please

Ramsden

[zakslm]

Ramsden,

I have not used the Sigma, but I use the EF 50 f1.8 STM and used to use the EF 50mm f1.8 II (nifty-fifty) when I shot film with an EOS camera.  I also used an EF 50mm f2.5 macro before the board failed.  I don't know why the Sigma would be significantly more difficult to use than the Canon 50's, but would be interested in why you think it might be.

The Canon 50's that I've used are inexpensive, very sharp and versatile lenses.  Although I can't do a direct comparison between the nifty-fifty (sold the lens years ago) and the 50 STM or macro, but I'm pretty sure the 50 macro is the sharpest lens of the 3 and perhaps the sharpest lens I ever used (also the noisiest with the old AFD AF motor) .  On my crop sensor camera, it was great for portraits and small groups and of course, macro shots.  The STM is also quite sharp from about f2 and smaller apertures and I have a lot of fun using it.

Below is shot taken with the STM at f2.5.

I'd love to play with a nifty-fifty to compare it with the STM.  I think the design and number of aperture blades of that lens was more in line with the 50mm lenses found on classic film cameras of the last century and I would love to see if the results are evocative of my results from FD 50mm  f1.8 that I used back then.  

[Ramsden]

Thanks Zakslm

I guess I'm still learning to work the exposure triangle - so its not the Sigma per se. I took my 50 on a rail tour across europe in October - mainly to keep the weight down for flying home. It was so easy to use and I got some great photos (in my opinion).

Thanks again for your feedback. I'm keen to keep learning 

Ramsden

[Ramsden]

[Ramsden]

This photo was taken at over 100mph through a train window, approaching Vienna with my Nifty Fifty

[zakslm]

Ramsden,

Sounds like you had a great trip!  

The only advise I can offer is watch a lot of Youtube videos on techniques or for capturing photos of what you want to capture and emulate and shoot lots of photos trying that knowledge and advice out!

In my opinion, it's a good first step to learn about 2 legs of the exposure triangle first.  In other words, set ISO to Auto IS and learn concentrate on the obtaining desired results adjusting aperture and shutter speed.  

For instance, set the camera to Av and take a series of photos of the same scene from maximum aperture to minimum aperture in 1 stop increments.  Then look at the results.  Then take another series of shots of something with motion in the scene with the camera set to Tv in 1 stop increments and look at the results again.  Then when having ot make a decision based on compostion you'll get comfortable with setting aperture and shutter speed to achieve results.  Then play with how manually setting the ISO impacts the other 2 legs of the exposure triangle. 

The nice thing about digital photography is that you can take as many shots as you want or can fit on an SD card and it won't cost you a cent.    

[Ramsden]

Thanks. Thats really helpful - I havent experimented to that level yet, but I can see the benefits.  

Yes, we had a great trip - that was on the latest, fastest train in Europe - took 5hrs from Germany to Vienna.

[Ramsden]

Hi 

I thought Id share some of numbers from first attempt a Av priority. EOS90D and Sigma 18-35 Art. Cold sunny -1% with a bit of shade in my back garden.

Opening shot f16 - ISO 320 exposure 1/60. 

Final shot f1.8 ISO100, exposure 1/2000 

BUT the interesting data for me was that ISO hit 100 on the 5th shot at f9 and 1/60 exposure.

Lots of variables with the sun and shade in one shot. 

We had a lot of heavy rain yesterday, so I'm going down to the river which is full spate, to try out the exposure part of the experiment.

Really interesting - and your comments welcome.

Ramsden

[Ramsden]

Part 2 the exposure priority

The small river was flowing fast but in the shade. Same camera and lens + tripod. I began with 1/5000 which triggered ISO 4000 and f2. I then came down 1/3200, 1/2000  and 1/500 and the aperture was still on f2, but the ISO had moved to 400.

Interestingly the next shot was 1/250 with ISO 200 but the aperture went to f1.8.

I then took the next 10 shots at ISO100 with the last one.0.5 and f16.

BUT for some reason the camera didnt want to shoot at slow shutter speeds such as 3 or 4 seconds. I waa in a cold darkish place on a river bank with cold hands - so called it a day.

One thing Im going to do is take a note book with me to document my trials and errors en site.

Thanks again

Comments most welcome

Ramsden

[ebiggs1]

I'd sell the 50mm as you have a far better lens in the Sigma Art lens. One reason I say that is 50mm is a difficult FL to live with especially on a 80D.