Lens question 50mm 1.4D or 60mm 2.8D Micro

[natjac]

Hey all,

A quick question and canvas of opinion. I am looking to purchase another lens ( aside from the kit lens) and was considering the 50mm 1.4. I had almost made up my mind but then started looking at the 60mm and my interest in the 50mm was somewhat diverted.

I would like to pursue some "macro" type photography but I also really like the low light capabilities of the 50mm. Am I trying to do too much with the one lens???

Any opinions of both lenses and their broad range of applications would be appreciated.

Ta.

[gstark]

Hi.

I think the real question you should be asking is "what sort of images do I want to be making?"

Both are great lenses, and yes, I suspect that you're asking too much from the one lens.

Do you have a need for the capabilities of the 1.4? I do and so I have one, but I'm often shooting in dark and dingy bars.

For well under half the cost of the 1.4 you can get the 1.8; not quite as fast, but still a great lens. Perhaps that might be enough for you in terms of low-light capabilities, and with the money saved, perhaps you can still get the 60 as well.

[natjac]

Thanks for the reply Gary, and yes in the perfect world I would like to get both lenses. However, she who must be obeyed or 'the financial director' (depending on you viewpoint) would have kittens if my lenses started miraculously reproducing !!!!

I guess I really want to be using a specialist lens for more general purpose. I would like to be taking close up insect, flower etc photos but still like the low light and portrait qualities of the 50mm.

*sigh* I guess what you say is correct. I will have to decide which one to go for first and then smuggle the other in at a later date.

Thanks for the info.

[Matt. K]

The f1.8 lens is almost the same as the f1.4 lens. But it only costs about $250. Very few photographers would miss the extra speed because it is so little speed we are talking about. The 60mm macro lens is a great all rounder and useful for general purpose and macro photography. I would go for the 60mm if I was on a budget...and by doing that still have the best of both worlds to a professional standard.

[natjac]

Thanks also for your thoughts Matt,

I was leaning towards the 60 but because I originally had the 50 1.4 in mind I was finding it hard to shake my original intentions!!!! I think I would have more all round versatility with the 60 but still get drawn on the 50 1.4 coz I am not a big fan of flash and candid. Ahhh well decisions decisions decisions.

By the way, I was looking at the second hand market for the three and the prices were as follows:

60mm micro US $275 (excellent cond)
50mm 1.4 US $198 - $205 (excellent cond)
50mm 1.8 US$97 (new)

So thanks again for the input and hopefully I will be able to break the decision deadlock !!!!