Canon EF 50mm f1.8 II Lens worth it for fish shots?

[andrewkw]

I know this is the absolute cheapest lens canon makes, but it seems to get good reviews and other then being cheaply made compares favorably to the more expensive 1.4 version.

I would primarily be using this to photograph my octopus in lower light situations, but also for fish and maybe use it for FTS and other coral shots.

I only have the cheapo stock 17-55 and the 75-300 I also have a 2.8 100mm macro lens, so other then that this would be my first "real" lens. I'd also use it for night time astrophotography but that's a whole different game..

I'm not looking to spend a lot now, and I know there is much better out there, I just want to know if I will see an improvement from my stock options for the type of photos I plan on using it for.

 

[BlueCorn]

It's a fun lens. For what it costs you really can't go wrong.

 

[Hookup]

It's not of my fav.

 

[IslandCrow]

I have the f/1.4, but image quality of the f/1.8 is supposed to be pretty close, and the main difference is build quality. That said, I think it's a great lens for full tank shots. If you're taking pictures of individual fish, I think you'd be OK if you buy a set of Kenko extension tubes to give it a macro capability. Extension tubes aren't something I've worked with, so I'm afraid you'll have to talk to others about specifics, but I've seen some very good macro shots (not necessarily aquarium related) with this combo.

Edit:
I missed that you had the 100mm macro. That's an excellent lens and very well suited for your macro shots. For everything else, the 50mm is a rather versatile lens for a prime, and as you've already heard, probably the best image quality you can get for the price. I'd say out of the lenses you have, only the 100mm is on par (and probably exceeds) for image quality.

 

[IPT]

I have both. The difference is build quality (and of course the slight amount of extra light the F1.4 brings in). I found it to be a great lens, plus it's light so easy to throw in the bag to carry around. For low light it should great. Use some extension tubes or get one of those reversing rings to get closer focus if that's what you're after. I think you will like the sharpness it achieves. It is a cheep lens (price wise) so why not !?!

 

[andrewkw]

Thanks guys. I will pick one up. I figured for the price I can't go wrong, but just wanted to get a bit of feedback.

 

[israel.kendall]

I really like this lens, but you do need to be aware that it will have a bit of a soft focus when shooting wide open (1.8) and has a sweet spot for sharpness around f4.0. So for low light situations when you want to shoot 1.8, it may not have quite the sharpness you want.

The soft focus effect isn't all bad, I used it in a friends wedding to get a nice soft romantic feel to the pictures. Also, when in the sweet spot for sharpness, it is very sharp and you will be pleased with the quality.

 

[Hookup]

It's not of my fav.

Geebers! I cannot believe the typo on this... IPad auto correct..

It's ONE of my fav.

I have this and highly recommend.. I see you've made the choice to go pick it up... Great call!

 

[maroun.c]

I'm using the Nikon counter part, I guess it'll be the same.
I have the 1.4 which as above is better built and supposed to focus faster and be a bit sharper at the same aperture. have used it a few times for coral shots and fish shots and also with extension tubes to get it to focus closer. The real pain is having to move back and forth to zoom in and out. Also the closest focusing distance is a bit far to be able to press teh lense on the front glass and focus on things that are mid tank and closer...
I also have a Tamron 17-50 2.8 which is not as sharp as a fixed lense but still sharp enough, allows me to zoom, and most important the closest focusing distance is much closer so I can lean the lense on the front glass and zoom in and out. Focusing in low light is also good (of course the 50 mm will be better as it allows much more light in at 1.8) for the price it is a very good lense. The only Non Nikon lense I own.
Check out my pics here, most of them if not all are with the Tamron.
Now if yo uhave time and don't mind moving back and forth... I'm sure you'll get even better results with the 50mm 1.8