Low Light Lens for ride photos (canon)?

[EnnEss]

Hello,

I want a lens that will do ride photos, probably a prime lens to keep the price down (i'll crop later). Im new to this kind of photography though and I don't know how fast of a lens I need. I figured someone here would have some experience with it. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

On a similar note if someone does have experience with this, I'm curious if a lens that does low light ride photos could do fireworks as well.

[Anewman]

Hello,

I want a lens that will do ride photos, probably a prime lens to keep the price down (i'll crop later). Im new to this kind of photography though and I don't know how fast of a lens I need. I figured someone here would have some experience with it. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

On a similar note if someone does have experience with this, I'm curious if a lens that does low light ride photos could do fireworks as well.

Low light on the cheap... 50mm F/1.8
Fireworks... TRIPOD, low light lens not required but I guess it would be usable.

[EnnEss]

OK, thank you. Thats the one I was looking at but I wasn't sure if I should just get the 1.4, basically if the 1.8 would be enough. I read through the FAQs here and had my fireworks thoughts all answered on them :).

[Groucho]

You didn't mention what camera you have... the current entry-level Nikons won't focus with the 50mm F1.8 so you'll have to manual focus. Which is not necessarily a deal-breaker (sometimes you can do better manually focusing on the really dark rides) but something to keep in mind.

For most all the manufacturers, the 50mm F1.4 is definitely a better lens overall and has that extra half-stop of light-gathering, but with Canon and Nikon at least, it costs almost 3x as much.

[mainstreet1997]

I took my 50mm f/1.8 to Disney a couple of weeks ago and had a great time getting some shots on my favorite dark rides.

Hers one I took on SSE
http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/ktmac111581/Disney%20December%202008/IMG_0054.jpg

Captain Barbosa on Pirates
http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/ktmac111581/Disney%20December%202008/Library-2826.jpg

Finding Nemo show at AK
http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/ktmac111581/Disney%20December%202008/Library-3176.jpg

The Ghost Bride at Haunted Mansion
http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/ktmac111581/Disney%20December%202008/Library-3418.jpg

Small World
http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q121/ktmac111581/Disney%20December%202008/Library-3441.jpg

Not too bad for 80 bucks!

[dpic]

If price is a big concern, then the 50mm f1.8 is the way to go. With a crop 1.6x camera it acts as a short telephoto, but works great in lowlight. It has the nickname with Canon lovers as the "fantastic plastic." Very sharp lens for the money. Every Canon owner should have one.

[EnnEss]

That's a great picture of IASW! I cant believe how well the others turned out given how dark those rides are.

Im sorry for not including the necessary information, I have a Canon XSI. It may be smart for me to save and buy the 1.4 just so i have the range that one gives. I'll just have to decide the benefits vs the costs. Thanks for all your input and especially the sample pictures, which are great.

[boBQuincy]

There is nothing like the 50 f/1.8 for anywhere near the price! If you are considering stepping up to the f/1.4 it might be worth looking at Canon's 28 f/1.8. It is a little more $$$ but gives a wider field of view, nice for those small spaces (like inside rides).