I want a fast lens for low light cheap

[Rachel Foster]

and I[ve been told people in hell want ice water too....

But..what would you recommend? I like to shoot low light portraits. A 50 mm 1.4 fixed lens has been suggested (I have a Rebel XTi). Any opinions?

[Asher Kelman]

Rachel,

If you mean by fixed, a "prime lens" or one focal length, the the EF Canon 50mm 1.4 lens will be perfect for you. I'd even look at the Canon EF 50 1.8, which, although a tad lower in light gathering platic, is still a good lens for low light work.

Good luck!

Asher

[Rachel Foster]

Then I think...B&H watch out! Here I come!

[Tim Gray]

yes, the Canon 50mm 1.4 sounds right...

[Nill Toulme]

And if you really do mean cheap, then I second the recommendation to give the 50 f/1.8 a try. It's only about $75. It's optical quality is really pretty good; it's the build quality that's almost toy-like — but then again it's not like you'll be banging it around a lot, and at that price you can almost afford to use it and throw it away.

Nill
~~
www.toulme.net

[Rachel Foster]

Perfect!

Thanks, everyone...greatly appreciated.

[Martin Kuivenhoven]

The 50mm f1.8 is a very safe try, quality is good, resale value is excellent. If you fall in love with the concept and want to go for the 50mm 1.4 later on there is no harm done. I have the 50mm 1.8 and it already gives a very different feel compared the standard lenses.

(which sounds odd because in film days it was the lens a body often standard came with ..)

[Rachel Foster]

I found a used 1.4 on ebay for $59.00. I figured it was worth a gamble. I'm skeptical but open, so I'll let you all know how it turns out.

[Asher Kelman]

A bargain! Congrats!

Asher

[Will Thompson]

Such a deal! It seems that every time I find my self with out an L 50 mm lens I get one. I have had three. Two before I had the 50 f1.0L and one before the 50 f1.2L. For the cost to speed nothing can touch it.

Yes it is not the sharpest 50 but with portraits that is not the ultimate goal, the feel or mood is! You should enjoy this lens as I have on many occasions.

I found a used 1.4 on ebay for $59.00. I figured it was worth a gamble. I'm skeptical but open, so I'll let you all know how it turns out.

[Sean DeMerchant]

If the lens is not scratched, then it is without question worth it. I have a well cared for EOS 50/1.4 and it is a delight to work with in low light with the XT. Tv mode at 1/60 or 1/80 and ISO 1600 and it is enough to get grainy black and white portraits in a bar or other low situations. And it is a decent portrait length on a 1.6 crop factor body. A little wider might be nicer, but that bright f/1.4 viewfinder image is a joy to work with.

Here are a few snapshots:

Myself (kitchen lights after dark) (and an obvious fashion victim turning my lens onto me)
http://www.envisagement.com/opf/SPE33788_20070421_RSE_01.jpg

kitchen light at night
http://www.envisagement.com/opf/SPE23976_RSE_01.jpg

Porch Light and a LED Frisbee
http://www.envisagement.com/opf/SPE33749_20070421_RSE_01.jpg

Or Stopping Down A Touch (F/6.3 @ 1/200 w/ bounce flash)
http://www.envisagement.com/opf/SPE37100_20071031_RSE_01.jpg

Please note these are all snapshots and not portraits/photographs but were instead shot for fun and memories. The b&w shots might have lesser quality boke w/ a 50/1.8 than a 50/1.4, but the color shot would be near identical to a 50/1.8 once stopped down that far.

The real benefit in practice from my experience w/ fast glass is less about the insanely shallow DoF than it is about the brighter viewfinder and greater ease of validating focus. The super shallow DoF is more for artistic control or just downright dreadful lighting. Albeit, ISO 1600 on the XT and a B&W conversion kill most of those issues.

Whatever you choose, I hope you get pleasure from it.

all the best,

Sean

[janet Smith]

Hi Rachel

I have this lens too, really useful lens that is often on my camera, not one of those that sits in the bag for months on end, a great workshorse. I use it sometimes for landscapes, flowers, people, animals etc etc..... I'm sure it will live up to your expectations and hope it is in good condition (I'll keep my fingers crossed for you) what a bargain!!!!

[Rachel Foster]

I'm excited about the lens. If this one doesn't work out, it's a life's lesson and that alone may be worth the money. If it's in good condition, then I've got my lens. I do a LOT of low light flowers and portraits, so this sounds like it was made for me.

The funny thing is I'm beginning to get effects (even shooting in nature) without having to concentrate so hard on what setting, where, etc. I'm also getting faster at recognizing dreck vs potentials.

The learning curve is steep but so rewarding....:)


The photos you posted, Sean, have me convinced.

[Asher Kelman]

Sean,

You have a special lens there, it's delightfully friendly, keep it witth you always!

Asher