Using manual focus on children - 50mm f/1.8

[mcap1972]

Kids move to fast. I would stick with AF.

 

[photoguy99]

If you do use the 50, take some time to learn exactly where the focus is. The rangefinder may well give you a pretty wide range for 'in focus' and you need to get a feel for where inside that range things are truly sharp.

Mt camera and my lens, I need it to be just barely inside the range on one side. Test it and learn.

 

[AlanKlein]

Another thing to consider is the zoom gives you different focal lengths to catch the action at different distances. This is not an photoshoot where the people are static sitting in chairs, is it? The 50mm acts like a small telephoto (75mm on a full frame 35mm) limiting the distances you have to be from the subject.

Another thing, what good is bokah if the subjects are not in sharp focus?

The practicality of the zoom in this instance trumps the sharpness of a 50mm fixed lens.