Looking for advice.

[skozachuk]

Hello all!

I've got a 50d, 18-55 IS, 55-250 IS(currently selling this one because it's is really useless, too dark), 50 1.8 II, 135 2.0 L .
I'm shooting all starting from ants to weddings.
So the question is, what should I buy next?
The problem is that my 50 1.8 is kinda old and I got 7-8 out of 10 misfocused even at 5.6 or so(it's almost completely useless), and the 18-55 doesn't provide great results too.
I was thinking about EF 50 1.4(to replace my 50 1.8 ) or maybe EF 28 1.8, or maybe you can advice me something better?

Budget: less than 1000$.

Thank you,
Serhiy

[msdarkroom]

Maybe a 17-55 for a decent general all purpose lens.
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-S-17-55mm-f-2.8-IS-USM-Lens-Review.aspx

It's just barely over your budget...

[skozachuk]

Thanks, I've read a lot about this one, really sharp images, great IQ,

but I don't think that I want to buy a lens for crop sensor only, because I want to buy FF in future.

but also this may be great lens to earn more money for something else and than sold it. This is hard choice.

thanks again

[DanoPhoto]

thought about getting both primes?  Second hand copies might be within your budget...
 
The 50/f1.4 is a great lens and would figure a 20%-30% keeper rate is pretty frustrating.  I love mine!

[Mt Spokane Photography]

It sounds like your 50mm lens needs repair or replacement, I've had severalof them, and they had a very high keeper rate.  The lenses are cheaply made, and can have cracked internal parts that limit their focus range or speed.
 
Same with the 1.4 version, it is prone to damage if not treated carefully, but is easier to manually focus.
 
The 17-55mm is your best bet, get a refurb and sell it if you go to FF.  You will need different lenses for FF in any event, because of the crop difference.  If you use 50mm on crop, you will need 85mm on FF for example.
 
Its sharper than most all of the low cost primes.
 
Good Luck!!

[scottkinfw]

How about sending camera and lens in to Canon to service and calibrate, spend the rest on another lens?

sek

It sounds like your 50mm lens needs repair or replacement, I've had severalof them, and they had a very high keeper rate.  The lenses are cheaply made, and can have cracked internal parts that limit their focus range or speed.
 
Same with the 1.4 version, it is prone to damage if not treated carefully, but is easier to manually focus.
 
The 17-55mm is your best bet, get a refurb and sell it if you go to FF.  You will need different lenses for FF in any event, because of the crop difference.  If you use 50mm on crop, you will need 85mm on FF for example.
 
Its sharper than most all of the low cost primes.
 
Good Luck!!

[Random Orbits]

How about sending camera and lens in to Canon to service and calibrate, spend the rest on another lens?

sek

If the lens is out of warranty, it's probably not worth having Canon looking at the f/1.8 with the charges that they will bill you.  It sounds like your lens needs to be adjusted, but at this point, I"m not sure if it's worth it.

If you're not willing to go with an EF-S lens, then you might want to consider a 50mm f/1.4 and a 70-200 f/4 since you're selling your 55-250.

[AmbientLight]

I don't know about your budget, but since you already own that nice 135L and you seem not so happy with your 18-55, why don't you add some L primes? Perhaps a 24L or 35L might be a good choice.

If I were you I would hold back buying a standard zoom like the 24-105 until you buy it in a bundle with a 5D Mark III.

[skozachuk]

I don't know about your budget, but since you already own that nice 135L and you seem not so happy with your 18-55, why don't you add some L primes? Perhaps a 24L or 35L might be a good choice.

If I were you I would hold back buying a standard zoom like the 24-105 until you buy it in a bundle with a 5D Mark III.

Thanks, this is really great advice,
I do not really like zooms at all, primes are way much better!

[Wideopen]

Definitely get the 50mm F1.4 or even the 85mm F1.8 They are both excellent primes.

[prestonpalmer]

Definitely get the 50mm F1.4 or even the 85mm F1.8 They are both excellent primes.

Agreed.  Both are great lenses for starting out.  They will work well for wedding photography!

[nickbj05]

Definitely get the 50mm F1.4 or even the 85mm F1.8 They are both excellent primes.

Agreed.  Both are great lenses for starting out.  They will work well for wedding photography!

I agree with these guys. I had the 50mm F/1.4 and used it all the time. I now have the 50mm F/1.2L and like it only slightly better. These two lenses will compliment your 135mm nicely.