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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Canon 50mm 1.8 or 40mm 2.8 for this job
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Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III
Olympus 12-40mm f/2.8 Pro
10/30/2012 10:49:27 PM · #1
Just after some feedback from those that have the new 40mm stm 2.8 lens and can compare it to the cheap 50.

I'm setting up a shoot through umbrella with a 430ex (RF602 triggers)for my daughter for their work. Nobody knows how to use their SLR and they only have a 100 macro for what they have been doing so far. This is too far back for the area we will be setting up this portraite type shoot. Images are to be from chest up and they will be before and after (she works in the beauty industry).

They want to keep this cheap so the alternative lens I would normally suggest would be the 50mm 1.8 but I am wondering if the 40mm 2.8 might be a better lens. I have had the 50 and it's focus was rather hit and miss. Is the 40mm fast and accurate to focus? Would the working distance be OK for head and shoulders (re distortion). Would this be a better lens for this purpose?

Thanks
Maria

Samsung Galaxy S24, S24+, S24 Ultra
Sony Vario-Tessar T* FE 24-70mm f/4 ZA OSS
 10/30/2012 10:59:36 PM · #2
40mm should be OK for head-n-shoulders shots, that's about a 65mm lens in FF equivalent, which is a decent focal length for the job.

Originally posted by The Digital Picture:
The Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM Pancake Lens is the first available Canon lens with the stepping motor AF implementation. The Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM Lens was simultaneously announced, but showed up in stock only as I put the finishing touches on this review.

While I definitely prefer Ring USM focusing systems better, the STM design works well. It focuses reasonably fast and most importantly, accurately.


Here's the review: //www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-40mm-f-2.8-STM-Pancake-Lens-Review.aspx

It sounds pretty interesting.

Message edited by author 2012-10-30 22:59:49.
Canon EOS R6 Mark II
Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0 L IS
 10/30/2012 11:07:34 PM · #3
I pre ordered the 40mm (shorty forty?) and have used it a lot while I've had it........ I also have the 50 f1.4 and the 50mm f1.8 (newer plastic not metal one).... I HATE the f1.8.... and I love the 40..... The f1.4 is in a different class but the 40 is very sharp and just a great lens... Go buy it. I THINK I say it for $150 ish recently instead of $200... so bargain IMO.
Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III
Olympus 12-40mm f/2.8 Pro
10/30/2012 11:13:49 PM · #4
Yes, I'm thinking the same thing.

Much better quality lens that the nifty fifty. They won't need f1.8 so I think it would be the better purchase.

Canon EOS-5D Mark II
Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD Canon Mount
10/31/2012 07:37:55 AM · #5
I'd say it holds up pretty well in IQ. wide open the 50/1.8 is soft (although i dont remember it being that bad) but at comparable apertures the 40mm seems to match or beat it especially at the edges.

//www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=810&Camera=453&Sample=0&FLI=0&API=3&LensComp=105&CameraComp=453&SampleComp=0&FLIComp=0&APIComp=4
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