50 mm or 40 mm

[sedwards]

i need a new lens for an upcoming photo shoot . everything will be indoors , i am looking at a 50mm 1.8 and a 40 mm 2.8 . would the 1.8 be worth it for lower light or does the 40 mm have beter image quality making it a better choice ? i am confused lol not worried about the price difference.

[Kayaker72]

Could I suggest the 50 f/1.4? I currently have both the 50f/1.4 and 50 f/1.8 II. I was able to take some photos I am very happy with using the 50 f/1.8 II. It is very sharp from f/2.8 to f/8. Very nice image quality. But the AF was slow and inconsistent. I am much happier with the AF on the 50 f/1.4, granted, it is still slow compared to my other lenses. In addition, I am pleased with the sharpness of the 50 f/1.4 from f/2 to f/8, so gained a stop.

I've never used the 40 mm, but have heard/read/seen good things. I would be concerned a little that f/2.8 won't be enough for indoor use. You would need good lighting.

[thekingb]

On your t4i, you'll be better served with a prime that's faster than f-2.8 for indoor shots. As for overall lens quality, the 40 pancake is a better built lens than the 50 f/1.8 with far superior AF. IQ is similar.

[Busted Knuckles]

I just got the 40 today, and on the 5dIII what a 'fantatastic 40" - However, I agree that the 50 1.8 or the 1.4 would be better suited f-stop wise - the other would be to rent the 24 or 35 1.4 - crop body inside anything smaller than a gymnasium is tight.

[Dave Throgmartin]

If possible you may want to consider using a flash. If it is dark f/1.8 may still be limited without pushing the ISO high and the depth of field would be quite thin. f/4 or f/5.6 would provide better sharpness and more depth of field if flash is an option.

Dave

[sedwards]

Thanks guys. Now for flash questions. Canon speedlite is almost 300$ here but walmart has an off brand for 60$ . i think its made by sunpak . is the canon flash worh the extra cash ?

[Dave Throgmartin]

The $60 flash likely won't do ETTL (electronic thru the lens metering this means you'd likely have to use the flash in manual mode) or be able to have its orientation changed (can't bounce off ceiling, etc...).

The 430 EX II is a pretty good flash unit that is capable of doing these. I'm guessing this is the one you're referencing that is $300. There are 3rd parties that have similar functions.

Below is a pretty good EOS flash article.

http://www.photonotes.org/articles/eos-flash/index.html#faq1

Dave

[Busted Knuckles]

Thanks guys. Now for flash questions. Canon speedlite is almost 300$ here but walmart has an off brand for 60$ . i think its made by sunpak . is the canon flash worh the extra cash ?

I know it is heresy - Yongnuo 565ex - Should be $150 or so - it has lots-o-power and features - can be slaved by onboard flash - the only thing it cannot do is be a master.

There was some build issues with the first, but mine has worked great. I use on my T3i and 5dIII