Hey Robert,


I have actually been debating the same question in my own mind. I have the plastic fantastic (50/1.8 II) which works wonders for head-shots as it does have that roughly 85mm equivalent. There are essentially 4 options you have.


1) 35mm f/1.4 L -- if you can afford this lens, then there is really no question. Get it.


2) Sigma 30mm f/1.4 -- This is the fastest of the relatively inexpensive lenses. It is a little softer than either of the canons that follow, but its color handling, and bokeh put it in the middle of the three, which incidentally is where its price falls $437 at BH. This lens is going to get you closest to 50mm as it comes in at 48mm on a 1.6 body.


3) Canon 35mm f/2.0 -- Bryan says that the bokeh is somewhat harsh, and its colors more washed out. You are also missing an ultra-sonic type AF. This comes in at $303 BH. This is roughly 56mm on a 1.6 body.


4) Canon 28mm f/1.8 -- This is the most expensive of the 3 ($479 at BH). It is also slower than the Sigma, but IQ (if I can use such a broad and fuzzy term) is arguably better than the sigma. Is it worth the extra $40? That