What next- A ~50mm quivalent or flash

[robert]

I'm trying to figure out what to get next. I'd really like a "standard lens" though I know i also need a flash.

Currently I use-
10-22, 50mm 1.8, 100 macro.

I also have an EF 24 2.8, Ef 28 2.8 plus a few consumer Zooms. The 24 is good lens but figure the UWA can cover it, and the 28mm I have is soft with poor contrast.

I am looking at Either the Ef 35 f2 ($360 DDP) or Sigma 30mm 1.4 ($490). The Sigma looks like it has better numbers in the centre than the Canon 35mm, though its corner performance looks quite bad. This is not a concern for me as I would use this as a portrait lens and as such tend to use it close to wide open, where the coreners would be OOF.


I do know I need a flash and am annoyed i cant use my old 430 EZ but i know I prob wouldnt carry a flash too often. I am consdiering the 430EX ($350),


The only protraits I am taking are family shots- mainly my 14 mo son, and prefer landscapes.

Thoughts and experience welcomed,

Robert

[gstark]

The Sigma looks like it has better numbers

But you're probably not going to be taking too many pictures of numbers, are you?

I would probably be looking seriously at either this lens, or one of the wide zooms.

And get the flash as well. It's only money, after all.

[MCWB]

Robert, I have the Sigma 30 f/1.4 and it's great. As you say, centre sharpness is acceptable even at f/1.4 and it's great stopped down 1/3 or 2/3 of a stop. The corners aren't as sharp at any aperture. This is a lens that, like many classic fast lenses before it, begs to be used at or close to wide open in ambient light.

[Tiberius]

You can use the EZ flash on that camera, as long as you don't mind using it in manual mode.

[robert]

Thanks Tiberius,
I ended up getting the 430 EX, makes life so much easier when taking photos chasing a toddler around!!

I am however, still trying to figure if i can use the older EZ as a trigger for off camera 430 ex- no luck so far.
Robert PS- I have raised my sights a little and now saving for the 35 f1.4 L!