Buying Advice: What First Lens for a Full Frame?

[tayassu]

The cheapest option would be the new 24-105/3.5-5.6, which seems to be quite good according to TDP.
But I'd recommend you to step up your game with the Sigma 24-105/4 Art. It is in most cases sharper than the Canon version, you are extremely flexible with AF configuration (buy the USB dock for it) and it has great build quality.
70mm would be too short for me for landscapes as well as portraits, so a 24-70 would not be an option.

 

[jdramirez]

Is the quality in optics noticeably better in the 50 1.4 compared to the 1.8?

I didn't think it was noticeable, but the 1.4 is a little better. I'm not sure I'd anyone mentioned this, but the lenses are really sharp at f2.8, but wider than that and it gets soft... so just be aware that you won't be shooting wide open without paying a price.

That's both of them, not just the cheap one.

 

[ajfotofilmagem]

Is the quality in optics noticeably better in the 50 1.4 compared to the 1.8?

If the two lenses are used in F1.8 aperture, both 50mm F1.4 and also 50mm F1.8, the F1.4 model will have sharper image, and has the fastest and silent focus.

If the two lenses are used in F2.8 then the F1.4 model has a litlle advantage in image quality.

If the two lenses are used in F5.6 the image will have the same quality in both lenses.

 

[Ryan85]

If you want prime:

EF 35mm f/2 IS USM and/or the EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

If you want zoom:

EF 24-70 f/4 IS USM (if you are living in Canada it's on sale at $799 - about $600 off from regular price).
or
EF 24-105 f/4 IS USM

If you don't want "L" lenses, the you could consider the new 24-105 STM but I am not sure if it's available already for purchase.

I'd stay away from the non L 24-105 on FF