Prime lens

[pgatt]

I am looking for an easy to carry, no-fuss option for my Canon 20D

Was wondering what suggestions people have, currently choosing between the following:

* Can. EF 50 1.4
* Can. EF 50 1.8
* Can. EF 35 1.4
* Can. EF 35 2.0

What are the pros/cons and image quality out of each?

[greencardigan]

I can't comment on the quality as I don't have any of these lenses or the Nikon equivalents. But I'd suggest the 35mm f/1.4

The 35mm's would be most like a standard 50mm lens on your dslr.

[DaveB]

This thread may have been better-placed in the Canon Corral forum: maybe a moderator should move it there?

* Can. EF 50 1.4

80mm-equivalent on a 20D (more a portrait-telephoto length than a standard lens).
A nice lens with FTM (full-time-manual) focussing. USM focus is silent and fast too.
Approx AU$630

* Can. EF 50 1.8

80mm-equivalent.
A cheap lens with excellent quality but a noisy focus motor. I have the old Mk.I version of this lens (still available on eBay).
Approx AU$160

* Can. EF 35 1.4

56mm-equivalent (close to a standard lens).
A beautiful lens (it's one of Canon's "L" models) with USM and FTM.
If cost is no problem this is the one I would recommend as a general-purpose lens out of this lot.
AU$1500+

* Can. EF 35 2.0

56mm-equivalent.
Basically the same focus motor/etc as the Mk.I 50mm/1.8 (they came out at the same time). Not a bad lens (can't comment too much as I haven't used it - I expect the quality will be good).
Approx AU$550

Of course that's just from the list you provided. There are lots of other fine lenses also (including some made by Stigma). Keep in mind that the theoretically-standard focal length for 35mm cameras is 43mm (for a 20D that's 27mm). So you might want to look at the 28mm options also...

[pgatt]

Sorry, forgot to start this in the right place. Thanks for the advice. I think I'll get either the 50 1.4 or the 35L once I get round to it. Found out I eventually need a lightmeter for tafe (been meaning to get one anyway since the 20D doesn't have a spotmeter, and to try and actually have some idea with flashes)

[shakey]

So many lenses..so little money (well thats my problem)

[mR_CaESaR]

id consider the sigma 30mm f1.4 if i were you.