New lens or upgrade to full frame? (details inside)

[NoahMommy]

Hello I recently purchased my first DSLR a Canon SL1. I have been using it soley with the 50mm f/1.4 lens. The lens is great - I'm happy with the image quality / sharpness / bokeh etc. However most of my photos are indoors of my toddler son. I find that I have to back up far to get shots of more than his face. And even sometimes I can't back up far enough before hitting a wall. We are expecting another child and I think the cropping will be even more of an issue as I want to take pictures of the 2 kids together, group shots, etc.

So I'm thinking of getting either (1) the new 35mm f/2 or (2) classic 5d since both are around $600 (new baby coming, on a budget!). Looking for advice as to what would take better baby / children / group shots, the 35 mm f/2 on my SL1 or the 50 mm f/1.4 on the classic 5D.

FYI with life being pretty crazy I pretty much want to get a camera / lens combination that I can use 99% most of the time without switching lenses.

Please let me know what you think and / or if you have other suggestions!!!

 

[badrano]

It's not an issue with the camera, you just need a lens to give more focal length flexibility.

You could go with the 35mm prime lens, but I would go with a good zoom lens like like the 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 (as an example) to have more flexibility. I have a Nikon with the 18-105mm kit lens and I'm happy with the picture quality.

 

[Scuba]

I would just get the 35mm or consider the 28mm. I wouldn't go to a zoom unless you are going to get a fast zoom since most of your shots are indoors.

 

[NoahMommy]

It's not an issue with the camera, you just need a lens to give more focal length flexibility.

You could go with the 35mm prime lens, but I would go with a good zoom lens like like the 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 (as an example) to have more flexibility. I have a Nikon with the 18-105mm kit lens and I'm happy with the picture quality.

I would just get the 35mm or consider the 28mm. I wouldn't go to a zoom unless you are going to get a fast zoom since most of your shots are indoors.

Thanks for the replies. I failed to mention I did buy the camera with the kit lens. I wasn't happy with the sharpness of the kit lens and also it is quite bulky. I am leaning towards getting the 35mm f/2. Do you think distortion will be a problem for close up shots though?

 

[vimwiz]

Its the lens. Ive got an 18-55 and use the 24-35 range for close ups and general shooting.

 

[MK11_user]

Distortion will be a problem on any wide angle lens used close up for indoor shots of the kids why not get yourself a good compact (Compact Digital Camera)?
Most come with a reasonable zoom lens and hot-shoe for flash, built in flash are generally a little too harsh.
I have a Canon G12 which I find very useful for confined space photography.
Have a look at this link re: Compact Digital Cameras. Top 10 Best Serious Compact Digital Cameras 2013
I will only use my DSLR's (EOS 5D mk2 or 7D) if there is loads of room.
Hope this helps.

 

[Scuba]

Distortion won't be an issue as the OP wants a lens to get two kids in the image. Also on a crop body the edge distortion will be eliminated. I think the 35 would be fine.