Canon 50mm 1.8 vs 40mm 2.8

cgtm

cgtm

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Cam
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[First post here: hello everyone!]

Hi! I have a Canon 400D and the crappy kit lens and, as it's my birthday soon, I'm venturing into the land of better lenses.

Given my (very) amateur status, and very modest budget, I'm looking at a nice portrait/street lens and have come to the conclusion that my choices are either the 50mm 1.8 or the new pancake 40mm 2.8 and wanted to know your opinion on which to get.

Ignore the £40 price difference between them, and I'm also aware of the crop factor.

So, have at it! All advice gratefully accepted.

Regards,
Cam
 
If i was a canon user i would prefer the 40mm especially for street. In fact i would probably prefer to go wider again like the 28mm or the 35mm f2 but i don't know how it compares with the 2 you mentioned.
 
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I own the 40mm lens and from what I've read about the 50mm lens the differences are:

Size - 40mm is obviously smaller but weight is similar
Aperture - 50mm is faster
Sharpness - 40mm is sharp at F2.8 whereas the 50mm seems to be (from reviews) soft till F3-4

So other than the price difference, those are the main pros and cons as far as I'm concerned :)
 
Yeah, I've been leaning towards the 40mm as the clarity is more important to me than the speed for now.

Plus, isn't the build quality a bit better than the 50? As far as I've seen though, pretty much everything is built better, eh?
 
I spent 90% of my photography time until recently with a 500D and 50 1.8. Both done exactly what I needed and I didn't need anything more. I've gotten great results from the 50mm at 1.8.
 
cgtm said:
Yeah, I've been leaning towards the 40mm as the clarity is more important to me than the speed for now.

Plus, isn't the build quality a bit better than the 50? As far as I've seen though, pretty much everything is built better, eh?
Click to expand...

Cam,

In my opinion, the 50mm 1.8 is an excellent lens for its price. It really is.
But! the 40mm is a great 40mm 2.8 lens. Well built, very small and with an incredible IQ for its price.

If you don't always need the larger aperture, definitely go for the 40mm. It will also be a better all-round lens on your crop body.
 
That seals it! Thanks for everyone's input; I've now ordered the 40mm. Roll on my birthday so I can take it for a spin!

Regards,
Cam
 
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I've just got a 35mm for my 550d, I found that I would often not have the room to use the 50mm indoors and would be climbing back in the room to get the shot. Reckon the 40 you have chosen will suit you better than the 50mm.
 
Yeah, that was one concern I had — thanks for confirming it! Just can't wait for it now. Frustrated again today at how impossible it is to get really good clarity from my 18-55. :(
 
Well, the 40mm arrived in plenty of time and I finally got to play with it this weekend (my birthday). Very pleased with it indeed!

Thanks for the help in this thread.
 
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