Nifty Two-Fifty or not?

Nifkin

Nifkin

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Simon
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Hi guys,

My current kit consists of a Canon 450D, where I've complimented the kit 18-55mm IS lens with an EF-S 55-250mm IS lens. I've been using them since November, and am very pleased with the results. Now then, I've been thinking about getting my hands on the EF 50mm 1.8 Mk2 "Nifty Fifty", due in no small part to the rave reviews this lens gets. I'm attracted to the fact that the wide aperture lends itself to low light/indoor shooting, as well as the shallow DOF it provides. However, considering I already have the kit lens which includes IS, thus gaining a couple more f-stops to play with over the 3.5 it offers, I was wondering if there really would be any need to purchase the non-stabilised 50mm 1.8? Would I be gaining any performance in low light conditions over the kit lens with it ? I'd be grateful to hear from anybody who has both and what they think.

Cheers

:naughty:
 
the faster glass lets you use a higher shutter speed thus freezing the action when things are moving quickly whereas your IS will just stop hand shake rather than object movement, essentially it's a world of difference.

i've got a 50mm 1.8 but rarely use it though because it's just not a focal length i find i need however it's cheap enough and gives you a good intro to the benefits of a decent prime with regards to depth of field, contrast and sharpness
 
Well the 1.8 50 is a totally different tool to the image stabalised 50 you have in the kit lens.

IS will let you shoot with a slower shutter speed, it won't help stop a moving subject from blurring but the larger aperture might. Then the little 50 will be sharper than the zoom too.

Do these things matter to you??? :)
 
Good points both! Best not to confuse camera shake with object movement in low light; of course IS is only half the story in those conditions. I understand also that, because I'm using the 450D the 1.6 sensor will render the 50mm an 80mm in practice....

And, of course, this thread should've been called "Nifty Fifty or not?" as I'm not talking about the Nifty Two-Fifty, my apologies! ;-)
 
I have got the 450D with kit lens and the 1st other lens i bought was the 50mm. It is good i like it. Being a newbie and i am learning new things all the time. The rave reviews and the price meant it was a must have buy. They are only £70 so if you get it dont like it they still make around £40+ on ebay so it is not the end of the world. I bought mine for £35 from a mate. I have not used in much but there are a couple of pics here on my daughter and new born son.
http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/damienoxlee

Please bear in mind i am a total newbie at this
D
 
Thanks for the pics Furious; they're sharp as!
 
As most people who have one will tell you, go for it. At ~£50 for a used one, it's not expensive, and can always be sold on for a similar amount.

I will just say, 50mm on a 1.6 crop body takes a little getting used to, as a focal length. But it's great in low light, and stupidly sharp when stopped down. So you won't have any regrets :)
 
I have a Sigma 17-70, Nifty 250, 50mm f2.5 macro and a Nifty 50. The nifty 50 is the sharpest lens i have, so good in fact that I'm selling the 50mm macro as i no longer need it (and the funds will help!!) so seeing what you already have i would still get a Nifty 50 as it's such a good lens for the money.

This pic of my eldest was the 1st pic i took with my Nifty 50 on a Canon 40D. I am still a photo virgin (ooh er Mrs!!) and i am very please how sharp this is.

3224300905_dfcd3b8a90_o.jpg
 
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