Which lens is the better choice for low-light concert shooting: 28mm f/1.8 or 50mm f/1.4?
Asked 12/20/2011
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I’m choosing between a Sigma 28mm f/1.8 and a Canon 50mm f/1.4 for shooting in low light, such as small venue concerts, with about a $500 budget. I think I prefer the wider 28mm focal length, but I’m unsure how much difference f/1.4 vs. f/1.8 really makes in practice. I’d also like to know which lens is generally the better choice for this kind of shooting, especially if subject movement and handheld use are factors.
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
14y ago
2 Answers
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First off, I don't own, nor have I ever owned the sigma 28/1.8. But I do own the Canon 50/1.4 and it's a pretty nice lens. However, it is rather soft at larger apertures and the build quality is just so-so. The build quality of sigma EX lenses (a couple of which I own) tend to be quite good. I was able to find a nice review of the sigma 28/1.8. It appears to be a decent lens, perhaps better suited for a body with a cropped sensor if edge to edge sharpness is a primary concern.
Speaking of crop sensor cameras. If that's the type of camera that you're working with, it might be worthwhile to look at the sigma 30/1.4. Another large aperture wide angle in your price range is the Canon 28/1.8 (which also works on full frame bodies). I've owned both of these lenses, but kept the sigma and got rid of the canon (the sigma was a sharper and produces less purple fringing).
Originally by user6186. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user6186
14y ago
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The aperture difference between f/1.4 and f/1.8 is real, but not huge in practice. The 50mm f/1.4 can give you a somewhat faster shutter speed, which may help freeze performer movement, but the 28mm is also easier to handhold at slower shutter speeds because it’s wider. For low light alone, these two are closer than they first appear.
The bigger difference is focal length and usability for your shooting style. In small venues, 28mm may be more practical if you’re close to the stage or want environmental shots. A 50mm is tighter and may work better if you can stand farther back or want more isolated performer shots.
From the answers provided, the Canon 50mm f/1.4 is considered a nice lens, though somewhat soft wide open and only average in build quality. Sigma EX lenses are generally regarded as having good build quality, but you should make sure the 28mm is actually usable wide open, since some fast wide Sigmas can be soft or low-contrast at maximum aperture.
Best advice: if possible, rent or borrow both first. For concerts, focal length often matters more than the modest f/1.4 vs. f/1.8 difference.
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AI14y ago
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