Looking for an upgrade to my shorty 40 (indoor/general lens)

[9VIII]

I shoot on a t4i and currently own just two lenses - the Canon 85 1.8, and the Canon 40 2.8. I generally use the 85 outdoors and the 40 indoors, and that works pretty well for me.

The quality difference between my two lenses is pretty big though. The bokeh on my 85 is awesome, and it's also super sharp. I know this is a little biased because I generally use it in better lighting conditions, but I think it's objectively a much better lens. I'd like to get something just as good for my indoor uses (parties, pictures of my 1 year old, etc).

One option would be the Sigma 35mm 1.4, which is at the very top of the price range I could consider ($900). Coming in a little less would be the Canon 35mm 2.0. Would I notice enough of a quality upgrade going from the 40 to the 35? Anything else I should be considering?

Thanks.

I know it wasn't one of the requested options, but, if you're willing to spend $900 on a new lens just for indoors, get a 6D on sale and keep using the Pancake (I love the Pancake on my 5D2). The 6D will give you 1.3 stops extra low light performance with the same lens, bring new life to every lens you have now and get from then on, and you have all the benefits associated with having a high end camera (mild weather sealing, AF microadjust, custom settings on the mode dial! wireless connectivity, have you seen how long the battery lasts on the 6D? Shall I go on?).

 

[wsmith96]

PS - as another suggestion, maybe a 17-55 2.8 IS if you can find one within your budget (maybe look 2nd hand)? I liked it a lot on crop (well, it does have to be on crop after all!) and the IS can be useful. If it was me shooting with your gear, I think I'd be looking at the 17-55 2.8 IS, the Sigma 18-35 1.8 or a flash (subject to budget of course).

I could justify the price of the 17-55 (around $900, same as the Sigma 35mm 1.4 that I'm already considering), if I could convince myself that I wouldn't immediately begin wishing I had faster prime glass for indoor shooting.

I've never rented a lens before, but at that price I might go the rental route before I commit.

watch for Canon's refurb sales. I've seen the 17-55 for under $600 there and you get a year warranty.

 

[Sneakers]

I have owned the 40mm and now I have the 35mm f2IS and the later is sharper and has IS that allow you to take pictures in very low light at low speeds. It is a general purpose lens in APS-C and excellent walkaround in FF.
If you are not planning to move to FF in the near future, I recommend the 17-55 f2.8IS and the Sigma 18-35 f1.8. These two lenses are made for APS-C and offer better IQ and sharpness than many lenses made for FF.

Since you are familiar with both the 40mm and the 17-55 2.8, could you draw any comparison between those two lenses at the 40mm focal length that they both share? Is the zoom ability the primary reason to consider the 17-55, or would I also notice an increase in performance at 40mm (due to better IQ, or even just due to IS)?

Or to make things more complicated, what about comparing the 35mm prime to the 17-55 at 35mm?

I ask these questions, because I think I'm more attracted to a lens that will get me the occasional stunning photo than I am to versatility. If the 17-55 delivers both stunning photos and versatility, great, but otherwise I think I'd still be leaning towards the Canon or Sigma 35mm.

I greatly appreciate everyone's feedback. Please know that I take all the replies seriously, and use them as a launching point to watch youtube videos and generally learn more about all the lenses you all are recommending.

 

[Sneakers]

I know it wasn't one of the requested options, but, if you're willing to spend $900 on a new lens just for indoors, get a 6D on sale and keep using the Pancake (I love the Pancake on my 5D2).

I love the out of the box thinking, but I think I'll wait another year or two before I upgrade my camera. I've only had the t4i for a year and a half, and in many ways am still learning how to use it.

I searched this website for 6D sale prices, and only see it going as low as $1600. That's a 78% increase from what I already determined to be the top of my price range!

Good news wife - I brought my lens idea to the canonrumors message board, and decided that instead of a 35mm prime, I'll get a 5d mark 3 and 70-200L!

 

[verysimplejason]

I know it wasn't one of the requested options, but, if you're willing to spend $900 on a new lens just for indoors, get a 6D on sale and keep using the Pancake (I love the Pancake on my 5D2).

I love the out of the box thinking, but I think I'll wait another year or two before I upgrade my camera. I've only had the t4i for a year and a half, and in many ways am still learning how to use it.

I searched this website for 6D sale prices, and only see it going as low as $1600. That's a 78% increase from what I already determined to be the top of my price range!

Good news wife - I brought my lens idea to the canonrumors message board, and decided that instead of a 35mm prime, I'll get a 5d mark 3 and 70-200L!

If you are not doing video, a used 5D classic is also an alternative. You will love it. I've got a 6D already but I like editing those pictures taken by my friend's 5D. Used 5D nowadays are very cheap.

 

[jdramirez]

I know it wasn't one of the requested options, but, if you're willing to spend $900 on a new lens just for indoors, get a 6D on sale and keep using the Pancake (I love the Pancake on my 5D2).

I love the out of the box thinking, but I think I'll wait another year or two before I upgrade my camera. I've only had the t4i for a year and a half, and in many ways am still learning how to use it.

I searched this website for 6D sale prices, and only see it going as low as $1600. That's a 78% increase from what I already determined to be the top of my price range!

Good news wife - I brought my lens idea to the canonrumors message board, and decided that instead of a 35mm prime, I'll get a 5d mark 3 and 70-200L!

There are packages where you can buy the 6d a 24-105, a printer and other assorted crap. If you can sell the printer and if you can get a decent price for the 24-105... you might have a 6D for around $1200. Sell the t4i for $450ish... and you are talking about an body upgrade for $750.

It is all conjecture until you get the cash in your hand, but I usually buy and sell my own gear as I progress... small upgrades and treating my gear as commodities that have value and may appreciate in value... well... it has done me well.

 

[jdramirez]

I know it wasn't one of the requested options, but, if you're willing to spend $900 on a new lens just for indoors, get a 6D on sale and keep using the Pancake (I love the Pancake on my 5D2).

I love the out of the box thinking, but I think I'll wait another year or two before I upgrade my camera. I've only had the t4i for a year and a half, and in many ways am still learning how to use it.

I searched this website for 6D sale prices, and only see it going as low as $1600. That's a 78% increase from what I already determined to be the top of my price range!

Good news wife - I brought my lens idea to the canonrumors message board, and decided that instead of a 35mm prime, I'll get a 5d mark 3 and 70-200L!

If you are not doing video, a used 5D classic is also an alternative. You will love it. I've got a 6D already but I like editing those pictures taken by my friend's 5D. Used 5D nowadays are very cheap.

I never had a 5dc... so I might be pulling this out of an ass... probably my own. But the 5dc has a max iso of 1600... or was that the max usable iso... I don't remember. With the 18mp line of canons... I think 1600 was the max usable iso for most... but for me, I tolerated 2500.

So in good light... or even moderate light... it is a solid option... but in piss pot poor light... well... that's the 6D's specialty.

 

[sagittariansrock]

I have owned the 40mm and now I have the 35mm f2IS and the later is sharper and has IS that allow you to take pictures in very low light at low speeds. It is a general purpose lens in APS-C and excellent walkaround in FF.
If you are not planning to move to FF in the near future, I recommend the 17-55 f2.8IS and the Sigma 18-35 f1.8. These two lenses are made for APS-C and offer better IQ and sharpness than many lenses made for FF.

Since you are familiar with both the 40mm and the 17-55 2.8, could you draw any comparison between those two lenses at the 40mm focal length that they both share? Is the zoom ability the primary reason to consider the 17-55, or would I also notice an increase in performance at 40mm (due to better IQ, or even just due to IS)?

Or to make things more complicated, what about comparing the 35mm prime to the 17-55 at 35mm?

I ask these questions, because I think I'm more attracted to a lens that will get me the occasional stunning photo than I am to versatility. If the 17-55 delivers both stunning photos and versatility, great, but otherwise I think I'd still be leaning towards the Canon or Sigma 35mm.

I greatly appreciate everyone's feedback. Please know that I take all the replies seriously, and use them as a launching point to watch youtube videos and generally learn more about all the lenses you all are recommending.

I found the 35 f/2 IS to be almost same as the 17-55 with both lenses wide open, and slightly sharper at f/2.8.
This is with both lenses on my 7D and not in any scientific testing at charts, but my trying out a friend's lens over a weekend. If you already like the 35mm focal length based on your 40mm, I don't see why you should choose the zoom. But without having used the 40/2.8 I am not sure the improvement provided by the 35 f/2 will knock your socks off. You are much better off getting a good copy of the 50/1.4 in my opinion.

 

[verysimplejason]

I know it wasn't one of the requested options, but, if you're willing to spend $900 on a new lens just for indoors, get a 6D on sale and keep using the Pancake (I love the Pancake on my 5D2).

I love the out of the box thinking, but I think I'll wait another year or two before I upgrade my camera. I've only had the t4i for a year and a half, and in many ways am still learning how to use it.

I searched this website for 6D sale prices, and only see it going as low as $1600. That's a 78% increase from what I already determined to be the top of my price range!

Good news wife - I brought my lens idea to the canonrumors message board, and decided that instead of a 35mm prime, I'll get a 5d mark 3 and 70-200L!

If you are not doing video, a used 5D classic is also an alternative. You will love it. I've got a 6D already but I like editing those pictures taken by my friend's 5D. Used 5D nowadays are very cheap.

I never had a 5dc... so I might be pulling this out of an ass... probably my own. But the 5dc has a max iso of 1600... or was that the max usable iso... I don't remember. With the 18mp line of canons... I think 1600 was the max usable iso for most... but for me, I tolerated 2500.

So in good light... or even moderate light... it is a solid option... but in piss pot poor light... well... that's the 6D's specialty.

Generally, if ISO 1600 is enough for you then 5D should be ok. It can go up to 3200 though...

http://www.ephotozine.com/article/canon-eos-5d-mark-i-vs-ii-vs-iii-review-comparison-19775
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos5dmarkii/38

It's still a great starter camera and still better in terms of IQ at any comparable ISO (raw) against any 18mp APS-C camera from Canon.

 

[Sneakers]

I ended up ordering the Canon 35 IS if anyone is curious. Looking forward to getting it in the mail and putting it to use!

 

[jdramirez]

I ended up ordering the Canon 35 IS if anyone is curious. Looking forward to getting it in the mail and putting it to use!

That's a good choice... similar focal length, an additional stop of light, and a bonus of having IS. How much did you spend on it?

 

[Sneakers]

I ended up ordering the Canon 35 IS if anyone is curious. Looking forward to getting it in the mail and putting it to use!

That's a good choice... similar focal length, an additional stop of light, and a bonus of having IS. How much did you spend on it?

$600 + an extra $50 for the hood. I understand the price fluctuates a little and others have gotten it for $550, but I didn't want to wait indefinitely for a sale/rebate.

 

[batotman]

I ended up ordering the Canon 35 IS if anyone is curious. Looking forward to getting it in the mail and putting it to use!

It's one of the sharpest lenses I've ever used. I didn't care much for any of the 40's I've used. And the 17-55 was the sharpest crop lens I've owned. But I really prefer the prime except when in tight spots and I can't move backwards.

 

[Andrew Davies Photography]

Good Choice, I love my 35mm F2 IS it is never off the camera

www.andrew-davies.com

 

[cellomaster27]

Consider looking for a used 28mm f1.8. I think it works really well with aps-c sized sensors, giving a equivalent full frame view of ~45mm. I used almost exclusively this lens with my 600d.

+1. I've been using that lens with my 500D. Now, I'm still using it with my 6D and it seems to be sharper than ever. Together with the 50mm F1.8 II, I've got a fairly light combo. The fact that it focuses fast even in low-light is a plus especially indoors. There are lot of people selling theirs after they moved from APS-C to FF due to the kit lens they got when buying their FF. You can get a lot of deals for this lens. For me, I'll keep mine. It's very useful for me. It's sharpest when used @ F2.8 and above but F2.2 is sharp enough especially for portraits.

+1 for the 28mm 1.8. Great little lens.. Usually use it at 2.2 though. Sold the nifty fifty for many reasons.. The 40 is great but would love to get the 35 f2 IS. From hearing so many great things about it!

 

[CANONisOK]

I ended up ordering the Canon 35 IS if anyone is curious. Looking forward to getting it in the mail and putting it to use!

I think you made a good choice. And, hey, if it doesn't work out - you can just send it to me. I've always wanted a 35mm prime.

 

[iowapipe]

But without having used the 40/2.8 I am not sure the improvement provided by the 35 f/2 will knock your socks off. You are much better off getting a good copy of the 50/1.4 in my opinion.

While I liked my 50mm f/1.4 for particular things, and having bought it for the improved quality over the f/1.8, I regret to say that I fell into the same problem sooooo many others experienced. Even though the lens has been out for years, it has continued its habit of a failing focusing mechanism. 19 months after I bought mine, I started having inconsistent focus on shots over 10 feet away. I ignored advice found on many forums that said to avoid the lens. I 'hoped' that newer lenses had hardware tweaks that solved the mechanical failure. Not so. And the price of repair is too high to justify. It would be smarter to buy a new lens with warranty if I desperately felt the need to replace it with the same 50mm f/1.4 model. Instead I'm putting that money towards other desires, and only very seldom miss the 50 when I want to do something very particular.

 

[mackguyver]

I ended up ordering the Canon 35 IS if anyone is curious. Looking forward to getting it in the mail and putting it to use!

That's a good choice... similar focal length, an additional stop of light, and a bonus of having IS. How much did you spend on it?

$600 + an extra $50 for the hood. I understand the price fluctuates a little and others have gotten it for $550, but I didn't want to wait indefinitely for a sale/rebate.

Not a bad price given where it started and that we're in the rebate doldrums until the Fall...congrats on the new lens and by all account, it's an awesome one. Be sure to share your photos with us!

 

[BLFPhoto]

While not knowing your financial situation, I can recommend keeping the 40mm. It works well as compact body cap that still has your camera in a ready-condition. Additionally, you may always find situations where you don't want to risk your nice 35mm to the elements you're shooting in. Far better to risk a $150 lens in those instances. Not to mention that it is relatively similar to the 35 and 50 focal lengths to serve as a useful backup in case the unthinkable happens to your primary lenses. Similar to why I kept my Mk I 50mm f/1.8 loooooong after I got the 50mm f/1.4, and still keep it despite also owning the 40mm. They were cheap investments and easy to justify keeping around for those "oh crap" situations. I got my 40mm for $130 open-box from Best Buy when I wandered past their photo cabinet on my way to get a TV. I instantly loved it, despite the fact that I really prefer the 35mm focal length as a matter of choice in shooting.

I have a whole litter of lenses, but the one that is on the camera I always have near me "just-in-case" is the 40mm. Small, unobtrusive, and more than capable of capturing fleeting moments in most documentary situations. The 40mm, a 6D, and a 580EX II now form the cornerstone of my lightweight running photography pack. Sometimes I go out with nothing but that setup and the 135L in my bag when I'm cycling or running with a group or for long treks away from roads during ultra marathons, etc.. Carrying the 24-70 zoom or even one of my 35 1.4s would significantly impact my range given pack space, weight, and food considerations.

Your situations may not be similar, but consider those situations in your own photography where being light, small, and unobtrusive would be a plus. Not every situation requires IS or the best IQ you have available in your kit at or near a given focal length.

It's a cheap investment that you've already made.

 

[Ripley]

I ended up ordering the Canon 35 IS if anyone is curious. Looking forward to getting it in the mail and putting it to use!

That's a good choice... similar focal length, an additional stop of light, and a bonus of having IS. How much did you spend on it?

$600 + an extra $50 for the hood. I understand the price fluctuates a little and others have gotten it for $550, but I didn't want to wait indefinitely for a sale/rebate.

Let us know what you think of it once you get it!

I've just recently "discovered" this lens. I had the 40mm as a lightweight alternative to my f2.8 zooms but sold it because of what it lacks. However, if this alternative offers another stop of light, IS, improved autofocus speed, comparable focal length, comparable IQ, and comparable weight... win. BIG win!