Sigma 30mm F1.4 or Canon F1.8 II?

[jacksony]

Hi there, I am interested either getting the S55-250 IS to shoot further range as I currently only got the Kit 1 for 450D. Should I go for this upgrade as it seems quite a budget lens for its quality right now?

However on the other hand, I was thinking of getting Sigma 30mm F1.4 or F1.8 MK II to take those DOF shots with close range.

Could anyone advise me regarding which lense for close range potrait should I get (according to value for money)? Currently I only got 18-55 with a 0.7x converter.

Thank you!

[wdEvA]

i guess u mean the 50mm f1.8?

it depends on what kind of portrait u are looking at.
and by looking at the sigma 30, i believe you are using a crop body?

When i wa using my 40D, i had the Sigma 30 1.4 as well as the Canon 50 1.4.
I would say the 30mm would be very useful when used for full body shots, and if you are looking at doing close portraits, the 50mm 1.8 would fare better. But do take note that the 1.8 version will sometimes produce quite harsh bokeh.
You might wan to consider the 1.4 version instead.

[jacksony]

Hey after researching, I think I will most likely get these:

55-250 IS
50mm f1.8
430EX II

I am just a beginner so am not very sure if these are value for money? But I understand what these are for, eg: 55-250 is for zooming/tele, 50mm f1.8 is for close up bokeh effect, and 430EX II is for value flash. What will be the advised price for these 3 items? could be 2nd hand but will be good if still has warranty.

Sorry, but is there alot of difference between 50mm f1.8 and f1.4? And should I get a 50mm or a 30mm for close up potrait? Maybe for subject that is 2m away?

[cucumberballz]

If you want shallow DOF and quality bokeh, get the sigma 30mm. Got one and never looked back. The canon 1.8 sucks at bokeh due to the 5 blades, compared to the sigma which has 8. Look at the second picture here to see what i mean. And as for canon 1.4 vs 1.8, look here.

[pplneedthelord]

Originally Posted by jacksony Hey after researching, I think I will most likely get these: 55-250 IS 50mm f1.8 430EX II I am just a beginner so am not very sure if these are value for money? But I understand what these are for, eg: 55-250 is for zooming/tele, 50mm f1.8 is for close up bokeh effect, and 430EX II is for value flash. What will be the advised price for these 3 items? could be 2nd hand but will be good if still has warranty. Sorry, but is there alot of difference between 50mm f1.8 and f1.4? And should I get a 50mm or a 30mm for close up potrait? Maybe for subject that is 2m away?

that seems to be a good set up together with your standard kit lens.

to answer to that, start with a 50mm f/1.8 first. its a much cheaper lens and its easily available to purhcase. you can achieve close up potrait with the 50mm f/1.8.

[jacksony]

btw, is 50mm f1.4 only available in USM? meaning there is no low value for it?

[rainwhisper]

Hi Jacksony, do you intend to take group of 3 to 5 people, if yes you will need Sigma 30MM F1.4. I'm using 450D and got a 50mm F1.8. I find that 50MM is not wide enough, it gives you headshots only if you are 2M away. I planning to get 30MM F1.4

[pplneedthelord]

Originally Posted by jacksony btw, is 50mm f1.4 only available in USM? meaning there is no low value for it?

yupp only available in USM. how low a value would you want for a fast prime lens?

[wdEvA]

if you dont mind MF, can try carl zeiss 50mm 1.7, sharper than the canon 50 1.4 i would say, and more contrast.
cheaper too =)

[jacksony]

Oh.. I was wondering why do they need a USM for 50mm 1.4? won't it be cheaper without the USM so more people can buy!

[jacksony]

Maybe I will just get the cheaper 50mm f1.8 to try out first..

[pplneedthelord]

maybe canon should launch a 50mm f/1.8 USM. hahaha

[charlesleong]

Originally Posted by pplneedthelord maybe canon should launch a 50mm f/1.8 USM. hahaha

why? the price would probably go up by 100% and people wouldn't pay for that... if you're going to stick in a USM, the size of the lens would enable you to have f1.4, and guess what? there already is a 50 1.4 USM...

[pplneedthelord]

Originally Posted by charlesleong why? the price would probably go up by 100% and people wouldn't pay for that... if you're going to stick in a USM, the size of the lens would enable you to have f1.4, and guess what? there already is a 50 1.4 USM...

yes i do know that for a fact. i was just being a little sacarstic in the earlier comment.