Where to go with primes? 35mm or 50mm?

ding76uk

ding76uk

Suspended / Banned
Messages
4,096
Name
Carl
Edit My Images
Yes
I am looking at getting some more primes after using my 100mm 2.8L macro to shoot portraits and really liking the results.

I keep toying between the Sigma 35mm f1.4 Art or the 50mm Art.

The quandary is I mainly shoot bands, but I am starting to shoot more family portraits and thinking about, dare I say it, weddings. I am unsure where to go first.

I am thinking that if I went for the 35mm it would give me the wider view for group shots (currently £528 from One Stop Digital) and I would have the spare cash to invest in a second hand 85mm f1.8 or a 50mm f1.4 (non art).

Eventually I will invest in a decent 85mm and possibly a 50mm Art or 135L.

I am now spinning myself round in circles and could do with some advice from others.
 
On a full frame I like to use the 35mm and 85mm. I have the 50mm but use it less than the other two.
 
ding76uk said:
I am looking at getting some more primes after using my 100mm 2.8L macro to shoot portraits and really liking the results.

I keep toying between the Sigma 35mm f1.4 Art or the 50mm Art.

The quandary is I mainly shoot bands, but I am starting to shoot more family portraits and thinking about, dare I say it, weddings. I am unsure where to go first.

I am thinking that if I went for the 35mm it would give me the wider view for group shots (currently £528 from One Stop Digital) and I would have the spare cash to invest in a second hand 85mm f1.8 or a 50mm f1.4 (non art).

Eventually I will invest in a decent 85mm and possibly a 50mm Art or 135L.

I am now spinning myself round in circles and could do with some advice from others.
Click to expand...


35mm and 85mm is a great combo for most things, and generally the go to for portraits and weddings.

I'd get the 85mm 1.8 and you may find you don't need anything better. It's a great lens, and even better considering the price. I have it, and tested the L 1.2 a couple of weekends ago at a wedding and I'm unlikely to 'upgrade'.
 
35 covers all bases, bands, weddings, any type of group shots really. An 85 is the best compliment to it. My most used lenses are the Sigma 35 and the Nikon 85, they get used for most shoots. I have 2 longer lenses on top, but they're more situational than the shorter 2.
 
theurbanclown said:
35mm and 85mm is a great combo for most things, and generally the go to for portraits and weddings.

I'd get the 85mm 1.8 and you may find you don't need anything better. It's a great lens, and even better considering the price. I have it, and tested the L 1.2 a couple of weekends ago at a wedding and I'm unlikely to 'upgrade'.
Click to expand...

I am tempted by the lower price of the 35mm and getting the 85mm will give me more options for my cash.
 
The sigma 35mm is a great lens, if a tad heavy. Mine gets more use than my 50 on full frame, the focal length is just right for my way of seeing for some reason. Never got on with the 85mm focal length, it's my least used lens by a considerable margin, to the point that I should really sell it. However I don't shoot what you do, so you may well find it very useful!
 
I have 35mm and 90mm macro and i really like both lengths on Nikon FF, in fact the only reason I use my 50mm is indoors when the f/1.4 might come in handy. I also find when I see something it tends to be at 35 or 85/90mm FOV, 50mm is a bit in between.

Wish I would afford a 35 f/1.4 AND it was nice and lightweight. Tempted to replace my old 35 f/2 which really lacks contrast wide open (but is sharp stopped down, is nice and small and cheap) and go for the newer f/1.8. But then I think I already have 35mm so why not try the new 28mm and then I confuse myself and go back to square one :lol:
 
Nawty said:
I have 35mm and 90mm macro and i really like both lengths on Nikon FF, in fact the only reason I use my 50mm is indoors when the f/1.4 might come in handy. I also find when I see something it tends to be at 35 or 85/90mm FOV, 50mm is a bit in between.

Wish I would afford a 35 f/1.4 AND it was nice and lightweight. Tempted to replace my old 35 f/2 which really lacks contrast wide open (but is sharp stopped down, is nice and small and cheap) and go for the newer f/1.8. But then I think I already have 35mm so why not try the new 28mm and then I confuse myself and go back to square one :lol:
Click to expand...

That's where I got to, but by the look of it the 35 is the way forward. 35, 85 and 100 macro should get me out of most situations.
 
I love the 35. I also have a new respect for the canon 50 f/1.4 and will probably swap this for a sigma.

I have a canon 85 f/1.8 but It must need an adjustment with the body I am using as I don't rate it despite knowing what a great lens it is.

I also have a 135L which is amazing but just too long for alot of what I do.
 
Good choice take two steps forward with it and you will get the same FOV as a. 50mm anyway :-)
 
The Sigma 35mm Art is an amazing lens and I really struggle to take it off my D600. When it does come off I stick it back on as possible. The IQ is amazing and sharpness incredible, so much so that you can confidently shoot at 1.4.
 
Love my Sigma 35 :) think I will invest in the Sigma art 85 when it comes out too. Anyone know roughly when it's going to come out?
 
jimmy83 said:
Love my Sigma 35 :) think I will invest in the Sigma art 85 when it comes out too. Anyone know roughly when it's going to come out?
Click to expand...

This is where I'm at. I'm going to get the 35 sigma I think (as I need a low light AF lens) and the 35 covers most of what I need.

Just debating whether to get the 50 f1.8 g instead of the 35 f1.4 art and spend the rest on upgrading my manual focus samyang 85 f1.4.
I'm waiting for the sigma update, if not it'll be the good, but pricey, nikkor 85 f1.4.

However the 35 f1.4 sigma looks a beaut and I've sold 2 different 50 mm lenses before!
 
jimmy83 said:
Love my Sigma 35 :) think I will invest in the Sigma art 85 when it comes out too. Anyone know roughly when it's going to come out?
Click to expand...
Rumors reckon 2015.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top