What do you think of this lens?

[Spinning]

I really do not like picking out a lens!
I have a canon 50d current lens is an 18-200

It meets most of my purposes and I like the lens. Where I running into problems is taking pictures of indoor diving.

With my current lens I am usually shooting around the 50 or 85MM range.

I orginally was looking to get the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG

I thought it would be a nice fast lens that would have more uses than a dedicated prime lens of 100mm or more...

But when I looked at it today I think it might not be long enough.
So I started to look at this one:
Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 It is actually cheaper but I saw some nice volley ball pictures taken with it and gymnastics. So it should be fast enough and I would still be able to use it for other things.....

Any input. I really don't want to spend over $500

[annnewjerz]

What will you be using the lens for?

Personally, I love my Sigma 30 f/1.4 Out of about 6 lenses I have owned, it's my favorite. I also find that a little wider is better than a little longer with the primes that I have owned since you can usually get a little closer if your shot is too wide (or crop) but you can't always move back.

All of that being said, if you will be using the lens for things like portraits or in controlled situations where you don't have to worry as much about focal length, I would probably go with the 85 as it seems to be a focal length that is favored for portraits.

[mabas9395]

I have a 50d and I also have the 85mm f/1.8. And while i love the quality of that lens, it is not very functional as an indoor lens unless you have a lot of room (like a volley ball court) or just want head shots.

If you are looking to improve your indoor photography, I'd suggest getting an external flash. Something like the 430ex II bounced off the ceiling will be like night and day for your indoor shots.

[YesDear]

I love picking out lenses. I just hate to pay for them!!!:thumbsup2

[KarenAylwood]

I can't say enough good things about my Sigma 30mm f/1.4!!

I'd say for versatility, the 50mm would be the best out of what you're looking at. If you're looking specifically for indoor diving shots, then maybe the 85mm is the way to go. If you want something that is more versatile, I'd get the 30mm or 50mm and then crop the shots if you need to.

[Lizziejane]

If you are looking for a fast lens to shoot indoor diving, then yes, the 85 1.8 might be a good choice. It's certainly fast, and the reach is probably more in line for what you're looking for over the 30 1.4

The 85 is perhaps my favorite lens and I hate when I'm short of space and have to switch to something shorter! The bokeh is just beautiful and it would likely become your "go to" lens for portraits as well as the diving. I've regretted purchasing other lenses, but never the 85!

[C&B Young]

Rather than the Sigma 50mm f/1.4, have you considered the Canon 50mm f/1.8? It's less than $100, the biggest lens bargain there is. For my personal shooting needs I can't see the 1.4 lens being worth $400 more. I've also got the Sigma 30mm 1.4 on my wishlist, too bad there isn't a $100 option available at that length!

[jfinke]

The problem with the canon 50 f/1.8 is its poor focusing ability. You can not really use the 1.8 for low light shots. It is nice when there is plenty of light and you just want to have a thin DOF.

I believe that the canon 85 f/1.8 is considered one of the hidden gems in Canon's line up. I have heard nothing but good things about it.

People were having issues with the quality control of the Sigma, but I think it does come with a 7 year warranty.

Have fun shooting regardless!

[Spinning]

Thanks,
Flash is not an option with indoor diving. So what ever I use it can't not be used with the flash. pLus I would like a lens that could take low light pictures of Christmas lights, chorus concerts etc...

I did look at the canon 50 mm 1.8 and saw that it was cheaper but everyone was raving about the sigma. I also did read that some of the sigma lenses had problems.....which of course helped add to my head spinning!
This is why it is so tough. I had hoped when I went to the store today I would have more answers but they didnt have either lens I was interested in...

mabas9395 : one nice thing with diving I can move around and move back if need be. I can also depending on the meet go to different parts of the pool deck to shoot photos...

[zackiedawg]

What about considering a moderately fast zoom lens, that will give you some nice flexibility, still be faster than your current 18-200 by a few stops at least, and cost less than $500? An example would be the well reviewed and acclaimed Tamron 28-75mm F2.8, which can be bought new in the $450-500 range, and if lucky, used for the $400 range. There may be some other choices too - this is the first that comes to mind (I don't have a Canon, so I'm not as familiar with all the current offerings).

Thought of another: Tokina 50-135mm F2.8 AT-X 535 Pro DX. It's discontinued for Canon, but should be fairly easy to find used, and should fall under $500.

[mabas9395]

Sorry, I thought you said "indoor living", like general purpose indoor shots. But I guess that indoor diving is a different thing all together. And a flash probably wouldn't be all that useful and you probably don't have the space issues. So ignore most of what I said.

Either way, the 85mm is a great lens for indoor living and a lot of indoor sports too, maybe even diving.

[disneyboy2003]

Sounds like the 85mm f/1.8 lens will work well for indoor diving. Its longer focal length and larger aperture should really help.

The only other lens I'd consider would be the 100mm f/2.0 lens. I know that you mentioned that your current photos go up to around 85mm. But if your photos could benefit from a slightly longer focal length while compromising a ~20% decrease in light-gathering ability (the decrease from f/1.8 to f/2.0), then this lens may be worthwhile. The 100mm lens is about $55 more than the 85mm lens.

[Spinning]

I did look at 100mm awhile back and decided it was definately too long. It would be ok in college pools or high school pools that have 2 boards and she is on the one further away.
I really think the 85 is the way to go...just wish the store had it in stock so I could see it.

[Frantasmic]

What kind of lighting will you have (fluorescent or tungsten)?

Is the pool/diving area fairly well lit?

The reason I am asking is that the 85mm f1.8 is a great lens. But, it is kind of soft at the 1.8 aperture. I've taken pictures of my daughter's choir with good spot light and it works well in capturing motion. However, in my son's gym, where the lighting isn't as good, the pictures aren't as crips as I like.

I like the idea of a used lens like the 50-135 suggested. If your budget could be stretched some, you would probably really enjoy the Sigma 70-200 f2.8 for the Canon. It's about $750 and would provide you with many more opportunities both inside and outside the pool.

[Frantasmic]

Here's a choir example from stage with the lens:

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-4/164203/Momentum_2009%20083.JPG


Here's a different choir example, with natural light:


http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-4/164203/St_Stephen_Choir_09%20014.JPG

[Spinning]

Great photos!
Well I just ordered the lens! I went with the 85mm 1.8!
I hope it does what I want and I don't regret not getting the 50mm....but I really think in my heart this is the right one.
It says to arrive around the 5th!
Thanks everyone!