Lens for band/low light and portrait photography

insanityexplained wrote:

Hi all, I currently shoot with a 50mm prime but am looking at getting another lens... have narrowed my selection to these four (Canon brand) within my price range and was wondering if anyone has any experience shooting concerts or low light with them?

- EF 135mm f2.8 @ $499
- 85mm f1.8 @ $424
- 24mm f2.8 @ $184
- 28mm f1.8 @ $509

The 24mm I may be buying in addition to one of the others due to the low price... I have asked some photographers in my area and been recommended both the 85mm and 135mm equally... is there much difference visually from the 85mm and 50mm prime, or primarily only a change in DOF?

Any opinions/experience you have with any of these muchly appreciated thank you!

insanityexplained
Instagram (if you wish to view examples that I've shot with the 50mm):
https://www.instagram.com/insanityexplained/

Of the listed lenses for your stated needs I would opt for the 85mm f/1.8. The wide angles are not generally "portrait" lenses (though I used these focal lengths for environmental portraits) and I never much liked the look or operation of the 135mm f/2.8. The 85mm f/1.8 has some issues with chromatic aberration when used wide open, but is a bargain and fast. Perhaps a 100 f/2.0 instead?

Now a bit of honesty. I shoot editorial work for a living and you would be better off owning an IS version of the 70-200 f/2.8, even a used one. It is far more flexible and useful in a multitude of situations.