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18-135 IS STM on a 650D... Is it worth getting a higher end lens?

Started Mar 19, 2013 | Questions thread
007peter
007peter Forum Pro • Posts: 12,933
Keep your 18-135 STM + 50 f/1.8 combo

I would strongly advice you to keep 18-135mm STM + 50mm f/1.8 combo.

STM is very useful for smooth video transition in focus pulling.  While Canon USM are faster, that quick AF makes for jerky video transition, that is why smooth manual focusing is prefer over traditional AF with usm lens.

50mm f/1.8 is actually sharper than 50mm f/1.4 wide open.  50/1.4 also need to be step down to f/2.2 to avoid halation and softness wide open.  The trouble is that bokeh highlight has an obvious octagon shape @f/2.2.

An expensive 24-70 f/2.8 zoom won't give you much more subject-to-background isolation as your 50mm f/1.8.  Comparing 70@f/2.8 vs 50@f1.8, I take 50f/1.8 for portrait any day.

You're better off invest in a real portrait prime like 85mm f/1.8, 100mm f/2, or 135mm f2L

 007peter's gear list:007peter's gear list
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF6 Panasonic 20mm F1.7 II
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