Lens #2

[scoot241]

I've been taking pictures with the Canon XSi for a few days (mostly of my daughter), and the one real limitation with the 18-55mm kit lens is the difficulty in shooting indoor photos. I'd imagine the same problem would present itself at night outside. So, my thought is to get a 50mm f/1.8 prime. On the old Nikkormat FTn I've shot on and learned a little about SLRs, I would shoot mostly with a 50mm f/1.4 so I'm fairly comfortable with the length (of course, without the digital crop factor).

Do you think this is the way to go, or do you have a different suggestion?

[bob100]

I've been taking pictures with the Canon XSi for a few days (mostly of my daughter), and the one real limitation with the 18-55mm kit lens is the difficulty in shooting indoor photos. I'd imagine the same problem would present itself at night outside. So, my thought is to get a 50mm f/1.8 prime. On the old Nikkormat FTn I've shot on and learned a little about SLRs, I would shoot mostly with a 50mm f/1.4 so I'm fairly comfortable with the length (of course, without the digital crop factor).

Do you think this is the way to go, or do you have a different suggestion?

the 50 f1.8 is good for low light and it's cheap ($70) but I've got good indoor pics from my 18-55IS kit lens. Have you tried the largest aperture (3.5) with higher ISO levels? Do you shoot in RAW? have you used the flash at different levels?

[boBQuincy]

The 50 f/1.8 is good and it is cheap. It also has the *feel* of cheapness, which money just can't buy! ;) This is definitely one you should have for low light.

The 18-55 starts at f/3.5 but quickly goes to f/5.6 as you zoom out, not much good for low light. Another option is Canon's 28mm f/1.8 but for anything but the 50 the price goes up very quickly.

[scoot241]

I believe I was shooting at f/4 because the lens was around 30-35mm. I was trying to stay away from the barrel distortion that can be noticable at 18mm. I know it can be corrected but I'd rather not have it to begin with.

I am shooting RAW and I was trying out the built-in flash but still need to figure it out better b/c it seemed to be a bit overpowering.

[greens_in_WA]

How about getting a flash with a tilt and bounce it off the ceiling or walls? You could also get a defuser.

Just found this article, too:
http://flash.popphoto.com/blog/2007/06/tip_of_the_day__5.html

Use a piece of white cardboard to bounce the flash or use a coffee filter as a defuser.

[MassJester]

I have the 50mm 1.4 and like it very much, but on a crop camera I find it's indoor use sometimes frustrating. I did recently acquire the 28mm 1.8 and very much enjoyed my first shots with it. If you can rent or borrow one it would be worth a look.

[scoot241]

How about getting a flash with a tilt and bounce it off the ceiling or walls? You could also get a defuser.

Yeah a bounce flash will be something to get in the future. I'm also thinking of Disney usefulness which is why the 50mm is appealing.

[jann1033]

good little lens but check the copy right away. mine doesn't auto focus well around 1.8 -4. i thought it was me( for almost 4 yrs) till i read a month or so ago about others having the same problem. now i manual focus at 4 and under and it's fine. mine it really sharp at the f22+ end, my sharpest lens by far there (which it isn't "supposed" to be according to reviews so i have a mutant copy). but it would be nice to be able to use auto in low light if i wanted to.