On APS-C, is a 50mm f/1.4 still worth keeping if I mostly use a 28mm f/1.8?
Asked 6/30/2011
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I shoot Canon APS-C bodies (60D and 400D) and own a Sigma 50mm f/1.4 and a Canon 28mm f/1.8. I use the 28mm for most of my photos because I prefer being closer to my subjects, but the 50mm gives noticeably stronger background blur and shallower depth of field.
Since 28mm behaves like a “normal” lens on a 1.6× crop body, while 50mm becomes a short telephoto, I’m trying to decide whether the 50mm still fills a useful role on APS-C or if it’s redundant for my style. Is the main benefit of keeping the 50mm better subject separation and portrait framing? If I rarely use it, is that a good sign I should sell it (and possibly the extra body too)?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
15y ago
2 Answers
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You will get much better subject/background separation with the 50 f/1.4, mainly on account of the longer focal length. I personally like the short telephoto angle of view 50mm gives you on APS-c.
But if you don't like composing shots with the angle of view the fifty gives you, and you rarely use it then it probably makes sense to sell it. I don;t know how to answer your question any better than that.
Originally by user1375. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user1375
15y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
On APS-C, these lenses are not redundant—they serve different roles.
A 28mm on a 1.6× crop body works as a normal lens, which is why it likely feels natural for everyday shooting. A 50mm becomes a short telephoto, which is especially useful for portraits and for stronger subject/background separation. The tighter framing and longer focal length are the main reasons the 50mm gives you more pronounced blur.
So the question isn’t whether the 50mm is useful in general—it is—but whether it suits how you actually shoot. If 80% of your images are with the 28mm and you rarely reach for the 50mm, that’s a strong sign it may not fit your style right now.
Before selling it, try using the 50mm exclusively for a few days or weeks. That will tell you whether you value its portrait look enough to keep it. If you still don’t enjoy composing with that field of view, selling it is reasonable.
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