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Should I keep my Nifty Fifty?

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Old 20-05-2007, 9:24 PM   #1
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Should I keep my Nifty Fifty?

I've had the 50mm 1.8 for a few months now but hardly seem to use it. I've just bought the 70-300IS and also have the Sigma 17-70 which stays on most the time.

I'm thinking I'd prefer to sell the 50mm and put the money towards the Canon 60mm 2.8 Macro lens. I could then use this lens for Macro shots which I'd quite like to do now and again and then also use it as my portrait lens. Would the 60mm be any good for portrait shots or is it only really good for Macro work?

thanks
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Old 20-05-2007, 9:35 PM   #2
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Re: Should I keep my Nifty Fifty?

If you don't use it much.. sell it by all means .. otherwise it is cheap enough to keep as a second Prime Fast lens ( Portrait not macro)

I'm surprised you don't find much use for it though . At 50mm it is far better than the Sigma. I never hesitate to remove the 17-85 IS USM ( which is my walkabout lens ) if I see a shot suitable for the 50mm... perhaps that will happen less when I get a 17-55 ()

I guess you may not be inclined to change lenses if you feel more comfortable with the 17-70 ( and convice yourself the difference may not be worth the hassle of a lens swap during shooting: I think it is)
I feel you are giving up on it ...I would keep it on one day and try and take as many shots as possible with it just to remind yourself how good it is.

For Macro and portraits did you consider the Tamron 90 mm SP DI?

PS: Just seen Tobers post while adding to this one .. another reason to keep it TBH

Last edited by senu; 20-05-2007 at 9:38 PM.
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Old 20-05-2007, 9:35 PM   #3
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Re: Should I keep my Nifty Fifty?

Not sure you'd get much for it to be honest, as they are so cheap on the net.

I'd keep it. I bring mine out when I want a really sharp shot, or stick it on the camera when I want to just take the body and 1 lens out with me for some "simple" stuff without all my other gear.
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Old 20-05-2007, 9:49 PM   #4
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Re: Should I keep my Nifty Fifty?

Quote:
Originally Posted by senu View Post
I feel you are giving up on it ...I would keep it on one day and try and take as many shots as possible with it just to remind yourself how good it is.
you're probably right, I've just never really got to grips with it or been blown away by it. Value for money though I guess it is a very good lens

Quote:
Originally Posted by senu View Post
For Macro and portraits did you consider the Tamron 90 mm SP DI?
TBH
Yes but with the 1.6 crop I thought the 60mm would be better suited for portrait shots than the 90 IMO.

I think it's maybe because I'be been reading so many good reviews of the canon 60mm macro lately and I've been bitten by the lens bug
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Old 20-05-2007, 9:59 PM   #5
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Re: Should I keep my Nifty Fifty?

Hi ya

Just a bit but the next lens I buy is between the Tamron 90 mm and the Canon 50mm. Bet I end up with both

I would keep it for what it is worth, from what I have seen of it its a great lens for the price.


Cheers Holo
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Old 20-05-2007, 10:04 PM   #6
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Re: Should I keep my Nifty Fifty?

I like mine, I get some v sharp pics with it and use it for portraits too. Considering its low 2nd hand value it is hardly worth the effort of selling. I'd hang on to it if I were you - I intend to keep mine and it seems I have the same set of lenses as you.
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Old 20-05-2007, 10:27 PM   #7
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Re: Should I keep my Nifty Fifty?

Thanks guys, I guess I'll keep it

On a scale of 1 - 10 I NEED the 60mm macro lens 1
On a scale of 1 - 10 I WANT the 60mm macro lens 10

Quote:
Originally Posted by Beachball View Post
seems I have the same set of lenses as you.
and tripod great minds think alike!
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Old 20-05-2007, 10:30 PM   #8
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Re: Should I keep my Nifty Fifty?

I'd keep it - you don't have any fast lenses, so all it would take would be some night shooting or interior work and you'd be wondering whatever you were on when you sold it.

It's also very good at improving you - try going out one day with just that, it'll really force you into thinking about composition.
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Old 20-05-2007, 11:39 PM   #9
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Re: Should I keep my Nifty Fifty?

I went for a few months without using mine before rediscovering it again and now it's on my camera as much as my other lenses. As well as being a very sharp lens, it really helps you get creative with depth of field.
Hold on to it bubble, you'll regret it otherwise imo
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Old 21-05-2007, 7:23 AM   #10
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Re: Should I keep my Nifty Fifty?

Im after one should you decide to sell, obviously if thats the case then we will go through the proper classifieds forums

Pete
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Old 21-05-2007, 11:02 AM   #11
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Re: Should I keep my Nifty Fifty?

Quote:
Originally Posted by PeteB_2000 View Post
Im after one should you decide to sell, obviously if thats the case then we will go through the proper classifieds forums

Pete
After reading the comments i'm going to hold onto it for now. I'm going to put it on the camera tonight tonight and leave it on for a week and have a good play with it (or at least until my 70-300 turns up!!)
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Old 21-05-2007, 11:51 AM   #12
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Re: Should I keep my Nifty Fifty?

Quote:
Originally Posted by bubble502 View Post
After reading the comments i'm going to hold onto it for now. I'm going to put it on the camera tonight tonight and leave it on for a week and have a good play with it (or at least until my 70-300 turns up!!)
No probs
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Old 22-05-2007, 1:46 PM   #13
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Re: Should I keep my Nifty Fifty?

Quote:
Originally Posted by bubble502 View Post
I'm thinking I'd prefer to sell the 50mm and put the money towards the Canon 60mm 2.8 Macro lens. I could then use this lens for Macro shots which I'd quite like to do now and again and then also use it as my portrait lens. Would the 60mm be any good for portrait shots or is it only really good for Macro work?

thanks
I have the 60mm macro and find it superb for portraits as well as supersharp macros. 2.8 is just low enough for some low light indoor work (at parties and stuff) and the macro function is superb.
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