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I owned 17-40 F4 L, Should I get 35mm or 50mm?

Started Jun 3, 2013 | Questions thread
Michael Thomas Mitchell Forum Pro • Posts: 12,158
Re: I owned 17-40 F4 L, Should I get 35mm or 50mm?
1

In generally, the wider the lens, the more difficult it is to get a "creamy" background. However, that's not to say it's impossible.

I know what you mean about the 17-40. It's so wide, and only f4, that a blurred background simply isn't what it's good at.

If you like wide angle and still want opportunities to get a smooth, blurred background, you might consider the EF 28mm f1.8. A beautiful lens with the two characteristics you want most. And a good match for the 6D's larger sensor. It's affordable, too: about $400.

The 50 f.14 had a nice bokeh, but there's no wide angle quality to it, naturally.

For really creamy bokeh at a great price, Canon's EF 85mm f1.8 or 100mm f2 are hard to beat. Again, though, we're going the opposite direction in focal length from what you asked about.

It doesn't matter if you already have the 17-40. Zooms are there for CONVENIENCE. The 28 f1.8 can sit along side it quite nicely. After all, there's a BIG difference between f1.8 and f4, and optical quality is almost always going to be superior with a prime.

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