Best normal prime lens for a Canon EOS 500D?

seta wrote:

Thank you all for your replies, they were very helpful!

I will try to address some issues:

My EFS 18-55mm f3,5-5,6 kit lens is actually the better IS STM model (I bought it later separately) but I am still not happy with the result. I will try to explain in amateur terms: Many times the photos come out like they are unfocused or not sharp. The portraits don't have enough definition, and also low light photos are usually blurred. I assume it is also because of the aperture which is at 3,5-5,6. Some times if I have the right conditions I get better results but generally the quality is mediocre.

I guess I missed the Canon EF 50mm f1.8 STM. I did not realize it existed, and thanks to all for pointing it out. It seems a very good choice, probably better than the Canon EF-S 60mm f/2,8 USM I was considering. I understand the old one is also fully compatible, but why go for the older one since there is a new one out and is considered as good and slightly better. I am thinking that the smaller aperture of the 50mm will compensate me in sharpness and quality instead of the 60mm. Also the 50mm might be more versatile to take portraits indoors. I usually take head & shoulders shots of my kids and also groups of 2-3 together.

Ideally, except the Canon 50mm prime that I am willing to try, I would like a great quality lens that would be something between 17-55mm and 17-85mm to substitute the kit lens I have. This would be much more flexible for kids portraits as far as spontaneity goes and also cover for sightseeing and travel photography which is also very important for me. As far as I checked a good lens like the Canon 17-55mm f2,8 is quite expensive... Any other cheaper suggestions (without compromising the quality)?

As far as the 50mm is concerned, it is probably a good choice for me now... Hopefully it will be suitable for my Canon 500D body camera.

Thank you all!!

The 50 STM is a great lense that everyone should own, especially at the low price.

That said, what you are describing doesn't sound like an issue with your lense. The 18-55 STM, though not extremely sharp and a little slow, is a very decent lense. I would work to nlear how to better use your camera setting and a bit about technique before you write it off as subpar.

Once you've done that and still feel an upgrade would be right for you, you may want to consider the Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II LD IF (non-IS). It's reputable as being very sharp with decent contrast, and is a bit faster than your kit lense. You can get it new for around $250.