35mm f/2 IS USM vs. 24mm f/2.8 STM pancake

skopinsky wrote:

Hello!

I'm new to photography, and for now it is mostly just a hobby.

That being said, I'm shooting on a Rebel T6s and currently have the kit lens (planning to use this mostly for travel purposes) and the 50mm f/1.8 STM.

I really love the artistic flexibility that the lower aperture of the 50mm gives me, but I find it is just too zoomed in sometimes. I would like to purchase another prime lens to use to take pictures of my family and friends along with some artistic portrait and engagement photos for some close friends.

I've narrowed it down to the 35mm f/2 IS USM and 24mm f/2.8 STM pancake. Which do you think is better or is there another lens that I am overlooking? Is it worth it to buy both? Price isn't a huge factor in deciding between these two lenses, but I would say I do not want to spend much more than the price of the 35mm in total.

Thanks in advance!

-Sami

The 35 f/2 IS has an equivalent FOV of 56mm on full frame. If this FOV would work for you, and it sounds like it might based on what you've described, then the Canon 35 is hard to beat. It's a terrific lens. I tested it along with the sigma 35 1.4 Art when I purchased my 35mm lens. I ended up going with the Sigma, but it was a tough call...both are excellent lenses.

The 24mm Pancake would give you more of the 35mm FOV on a full frame. I haven't tried the 24 Pancake, but do own the 24 2.8 IS and it works well on my 7DMKII. Which to choose between the 24 Pancake & 35 f/2 IS would largely depend on whether you prefer the 35mm or 50mm FOV (full frame).....a classic debate always!

The 24 Pancake is priced so reasonably that you could go for both if you are intent on going all prime! This would put you around $700 range. Not bad for a small, light weight, quality set of lenses (ie including your 50mm). But, you would still be missing the 15/18 to 24 wider end....could be significant depending on your needs. The Canon zooms that include this range are "slow" with the exception of the 17-55....which is pricey$$.  These are tough calls that I've always struggled with on my crop bodies as well!

Some have mentioned the Sigma 18-35 f/2. Just my experience, but: I've recently tried 2 different copies of this lens and both were very out of focus requiring very large and very different adjustment settings (ie at the various focal lengths and distance ranges.....using the Sigma dock). This combined with the very hit/miss focus accuracy of the lens....I was never able to dial in the focus adjustments (after hours of trying).....unlike the experience with adjusting the focus of my Sigma 35 art with the dock (ie a breeze). Not sure if the 18-35 just does not work well with the 7DMKII? The 18-35 is a great concept.....just didn't work for me. Anyway, if you consider this route, keep in mind that you'll need the Sigma Dock. Price of Sigma lens and dock: $850.