Low light lens question. Please help.

[TucsonTRD]

I agree with powers_brent. A good tripod will be essential for city-scape shots at night.I would highly suggest the 17-55 as it is incredible and very versatile for a crop sensor camera as you have. You may be better off buying a good tripod and head instead of a lens. If you are considering a 50mm prime, I suggest the "nifty fifty" (50 1.8). It is incredibly cheap and produces great images. That way you don't lose too much money if you find out a 50mm prime doesn't work well for your needs.

[MacManUS]

I have both the 50 f1.4 and the 17-55 f2.8, and both are really amazing products. I shoot with a 20D and a 7D, and the 17-55 is really better than anyone on the forum can state. Jaw droppingly good.


The 50 f1.4 is great for portraiture, and general low light photo's. I do not get great results till I am at f1.8 or so. Then it shines. I hear a new 50 f1.4 mark II is on the way, so I would be leery of buying this now.


2 lenses I would call your attention 2


The 85 f1.8, a killer lens.


The 135 f 2.0, the best lens canon has ever made.


No one does it better. Great for low light, and the best backgrounds you can imagine.


My next trip to the bank will hopefully bring me the 35L f1.4, as I hear it is the bees knees.

[gbc]

I'll second the 85 1.4. Got it a few weeks ago, and I love it. I use it more than the 50mm now. I just take a few giant steps back. But, for me, the images just seem to pop more with the 85 than the 50mm 1.4. quickly became my favorite lens.


I also have the 17-55, and it's a great lens, but agree that it's not ideal in really low light.