Looking to buy 50mm, not sure which one!

[mstandefer]

Hello,

I know this question is about personal preference, but I need some opinions. I am looking to buy a decently priced 50mm. I have the 24-70mm Canon, and it's superb. But it's huge and I don't want to lug it around with me at all times. A 50mm lens would fit in a purse and wouldn't weigh too much.

I have had two of the nifty fifties break on me. I want something better built, but at this point and time, I don't want to throw down 1500.00 for the L lens. I know I was able to throw down a similar amount for the 24-70, but at this point and time in my life, 300-600 is a doable price range.

I've been looking at the Canon 1.4 as well as the Sigma. I've heard great things about both, so those are the two contenders as of now. One thing I wonder, are they both built well? (don't want another nifty fifty).

I've also thought about a 35mm, but I do a lot of portrait photography, so I like the closeness of the 50. Then again, I have the 85mm, so I get in close with that. Again, it's not exactly light either.

So, I know this question is a big one. There isn't going to be an end all, hands down best lens answer.

But I would like to hear what you guys shoot with and what your opinions are.

Thanks!

 

[runnah]

The Canon 1.4 is a good lens for the money. It has been around a while and it's not so hot wide open but it is $500 cheaper than the sigma.

If you can afford the Sigma, get that. If you can't, get the Canon. Skip the 1.8.

 

[paigew]

I have the canon 1.4 and it is super sharp. I use it pretty wide too...F2.2 or so. I hear the sigma art is amazing but I wonder if it is bigger/heavier than the canon? My 1.4 is very light and small.

 

[Derrel]

What Sigma, and Zeiss have both determined is that there are many 50mm shooters who rely on their 50's a lot, and they feel that a really high-performance 50mm has market viability. But the Sigma and Zeiss offerings are NOT "purse sized" 50's...no...if you want a portable 50, the Canon 50mm f/1.4 is light, small, compact, unobtrusive.

Sigma 50mm f/1.4 Art Sharpness and Bokeh Comparison

 

[JacaRanda]

I have the canon 1.4 and it is super sharp. I use it pretty wide too...F2.2 or so. I hear the sigma art is amazing but I wonder if it is bigger/heavier than the canon? My 1.4 is very light and small.

Definitely bigger and heavier.

 

[mstandefer]

Thank you all for the helpful responses! And not the sigma art, but the equivalent 50mm 1.4 isn't as good as the Canon?

I think I'll end up going with the Canon in the end. But this is the Sigma I am referring to below:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...d_t=201&pf_rd_p=1944687742&pf_rd_i=B00JPL7CK6

 

[Robin Usagani]

How about this Amazon.com : Canon EF 50mm f/2.5 Compact Macro Lens : Macro Lens Canon : Camera & Photo

You can use it to take pictures of bugs too!

 

[jsecordphoto]

The Sigma 50 ART is amazing, but not small or lightweight.