Prime Lens for 6D

[tiger82]

I think it is better to first cover the entire focal range  from 24 to 200mm then determine which focal length is best for you.    I ended up with a 50 1.4 and the 100 IS macro within my 24-70 and 70-200 options.  I got the 40mm pancake for when I want to walk around lightly.

[DanielW]

You might be interested in what Kai has to say about it (50 and 35 mm, resp):

http://www.digitalrev.com/article/5-reasons-why-you-need/MzI1Mjg0MA_A_A

http://www.digitalrev.com/article/5-reasons-you-need-a/MzQ2MjUzNzk_A

Best of luck!
Daniel

[infared]

How about the 35mm f/1.4 Sigma...? That looks like a killer lens. I own the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 and LOVE it. Low depth of field and incredible bokeh with fast focus. All my other lenses are Canon "L" glass (and one Zeiss) but I broke protocol with the Sigma because I just believe it offers more than Canon in that area at the right price. I do not own the Sigma 35mm ...but again, I think Sigma has trumped Canon once again with quality, style and price.
Either one of those lenses would be a great cost-effective way to get your feet wet with a fast bokeh-licious prime in the normal or slightly wide lens range.

[Zlatko]

My main question is, what do you guys find the best focal length for an everyday prime lens?  I feel kind of restricted at 50 mm, but I wonder if 35 mm is too wide for an everyday walk-around lens.

35, 40 and 50mm are all great everyday walk-around lenses.  Only you can decide which focal length you prefer.  When I don't want to carry too much, I choose either the 50/1.4 or the 40/2.8 pancake.  The new 35/2 IS looks like an ideal walk-around lens, but maybe wait till the price comes down.  The Sigma 35/1.4 looks lovely, but is too big & heavy to be the ideal everyday walk-around lens.

[TrumpetPower!]

If nothing else, the Shorty McForty is an awesome body cap.

Pro tip: mount the Shorty McForty, take off the grip (if you have one), turn on Live View, and you've now got the ultimate party camera. Not many people will realize it's the IQ / low light monster it is, and just think you've got a high-end point-and-shoot. Put it in green square mode and hand it off to people and they're still not likely to realize it.

Of course, there's also an awful lot to be said for the 400 f/2.8, as well....

b&

[bycostello]

I love the 40mm pancake on FF. And it's mad cheap!

+1

[elflord]

I am starting to look into getting my first prime lens and I am having a hard time making a decision.  My friend has a 35 mm f/1.4L lens, which I found quite amazing, though I didn't use it for long.  I also am looking into a 50 mm f/1.4.  I know these lenses have huge price differences, and I am also concerned about the looming update for the 35 mm lens.  My main question is, what do you guys find the best focal length for an everyday prime lens?  I feel kind of restricted at 50 mm, but I wonder if 35 mm is too wide for an everyday walk-around lens.

As a "walkaround" prime, I'd pick the 50mm focal length though it's really a matter of preference. Some people like the 50mm focal length, others like to shoot either wider or narrower -- so most of these people would lean towards either a wide angle or a wide angle/short tele combo like 35/85.

Wide angle lenses can be a challenge to compose with because (a) the tend to pull in a lot of background (including things you might want out of the frame) and (b) they tend to exhibit (more) perspective distortion which can be a challenge to work with if you're photographing people.

Anyway, if you prefer wide angle lenses, get a wide angle lens. Take a good look at the Sigma 35mm as well as the 35L.

[RLPhoto]

50mm 1.4
100 f/2 or 135L

[Rmafive]

I tried out a 50mm f/1.4 earlier tonight and I feel like that is the best option right now.  The cost of the 35L is too high considering an update is looming.  The 50 definitely feels a little fragile compared to a sturdy L lens, but the cost definitely makes up for that.  The performance is pretty impressive, much better than I had expected, and I feel like the focal length is just right for everyday shooting.  I still feel like 35 mm will be a nice focal length down the road.

[Jesse]

The iPhone has the FOV of a 35mm. Seems to work for everyone.

[dswatson83]

For sure get the Sigma 35mm f/1.4. Lensrentals said it was just about there sharpest and favorite prime lens. The reviews are amazing too: http://learningcameras.com/reviews/7-lenses/86-sigma-35mm-f14-review

Just look at the Sigma next to the Canon f/2. What a nice looking lens. Sharp as crap too.
Canon 6D Vs. 5D Mark III Hands On Review

[2trout]

yes, I have the 40mm, a good all rounder for sure!

[verysimplejason]

50mm + 28mm F1.8.  Perfect!  I've let my friend tried my 28mm on his new 6D.  It's sharp even on the edges and super fast AF.  It's IQ is a lot better when used with 6D.

[bholliman]

I recently purchased a 6D also, upgrading from a 7D.  I love my 35mm 1.4 with the 7D, but find it too wide for most around the house and other low light shooting with the full frame body.  I tend to use my 24-105mm zoom frequently around 50mm for indoor shots.

I just ordered a 50mm 1.4 prime and I think I'll use it more than the 35mm going forward, even if its probably not as good a lens.  The 50mm focal length on a FF is just a better one for me.

I may sell my 7D and 35mm lens at some point if I don't use them more than I am now.

[Area256]

I have both the 40mm f/2.8 and the 50mm f/1.4.  I think the 50mm f/1.4 can do a lot more, but the 40mm is awesome in it's own way (really small, and really sharp).  Actually I find I'm using the 40mm more often than the 50mm on my 6D. 

Of course a lot of that comes down to your style of shooting.  I like the slightly wider 40mm for walking around with (possibly because I grew up with a 38mm film P&S), and the f/2.8 isn't all that limiting with the high ISO of the 6D.  However when I want to shoot people, the 50mm f/1.4 just gives way more options in terms of the DOF control that lens can give you on FF.

Although I've never actually used it, I'd suggest staying away from the 35mm f/2 - most review sites suggest it has poor edge performance, and the 40mm in actually really good in that regard.

I'd play with both in a store, and just get the one you feel best about.