Two of my lenses have a maximum aperture of f/2.8. One has a widest aperture of f/1.4. Whenever the light starts to wain, and I'm not using a flash, then my hand goes immediately for the f/1.4 lens. Usually, I don't even shoot wide open--but f/1.6 through f/2 are still extremely useful. Yes, you must worry about the shallow depth of field; to compensate, you need to back up from your subject (if possible) and try not to shoot headshots.









Canon 50mm f/1.4 (at f/1.8), 1/320 sec, ISO 400


No flash; mainlight was a large window camera right.