EOS 350D and Canon 50mm f1.8

chits wrote:

Hello Everyone,

I am planning to buy this lens and after searching here saw it has focus issue,

What you guys suggest ? My main purpose is to shot portrait of kids and family on holidays,wedding ( night mainly) , Kindly suggest , Does Sigma or Tamron has good wide aperture lens for 350D ?

Re: How the pros do it, it's all in their approach.

They are always looking for the Sure Thing.  Predictability, consistency, and reliability are all foremost in their minds when they are shooting, selling (their brand), or buying equipment.  The lower the chances of success, the more they avoid it.  It's simple, they shoot to put food on the table.  They find what works, and they stick with it.

We as amateurs (I only shoot for gallery sales anymore) have a bit more leeway.  We can afford to shoot a bit more creatively, such as putting on a fast lens and shooting wide open.  As long as we know that AF accuracy and consistency are often marginal (esp in lower light) we can accept that and try to deal with it.

Myself I use AI Servo and Back Button AF 100% of the time, and I also like to shoot bursts (esp in low light).  By cherry-picking the best frames, I find that I gain about 2 stops in handhold-ability, and I have more frames to choose from if the AF isn't totally consistent, plus it also provides the benefit of having more expressions to choose from (like if somebody blinks).

Now the 50mm f/1.8 is notorious for inconsistent focus.  I had one that was just outstanding.  Very sharp.  AF was often right on.  And I have one that is all over the place (and also requires MFA).  If you get a good one, then you may find it really useful.  If not, replace it.

Keep in mind though that no matter what, the AF motor is very noisy (and it can hunt), so this lens can be quite distracting in certain environments.

Myself, I now much prefer using the new 40/2.8 STM in this focal range.  AF is bang on, it's very sharp even wide open, and it's a lot quieter (not totally silent like the kit STMs though if video is in your plans).  I trust this lens anywhere (remember the "pro" approach?).  Sure it's a stop slower than the 50 (which I usually shot at f/2 for improved IQ), so you don't have quite as much DOF control, but I think for your applications it garners serious consideration.

Here's a sample from one of my shoots...

40 STM @ f/4

and a 100% crop of it here...

Click on "Original size"

Look into this one.  IMHO it's a keeper.

Happy hunting!

R2