I need to pick a prime lens for my Rebel T7i like today because I have a gig this weekend and my old nifty fifty just bit the dust. Ive been shooting for years and usually stick to the 50mm f/1.8 but the autofocus motor just started grinding and wont lock suddenly. I mostly do indoor portraits and street stuff in Chicago.
I have about $400 to spend and Im debating between getting another 50mm or jumping to a 35mm. The crop factor on the T7i makes the 50 feel so tight in small rooms but I need that creamy bokeh for this shoot Saturday. Should I stick with what I know or is the 35mm better for crop sensors?
In my experience with the Canon crop sensors like your T7i, that 1.6x multiplier is a killer in small rooms. If you stick with the 50mm, youre looking at an 80mm equivalent focal length which is strictly portrait territory. Honestly, i would grab a 35mm for the flexibility. Heres a quick breakdown for your budget:
- Canon EF 35mm f/2 IS USM is my top recommendation. It gives you a 56mm equivalent field of view. The 4-stop image stabilizer is huge for low light street work, and the ring USM motor is way faster than the STM stuff.
- Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM is cheap but limiting. You get that f/1.8 aperture for bokeh, but the 1.15ft minimum focus distance is annoying indoors. I have tested many setups over the years and the 35mm hits the sweet spot for a crop body... let me know if you need more spec comparisons.
> The crop factor on the T7i makes the 50 feel so tight in small rooms but I need that creamy bokeh for this shoot Saturday. I'm really satisfied with the Canon EF 35mm f/2 IS USM because it works well for tight indoor spots. Technically, that 35mm glass gives you a 56mm equivalent focal length on your T7i. You'll be happy with the sharp f/2 aperture and the built-in stabilization data is solid. It's often under $400 used, making it a great budget-friendly move. Let me know if you need more specs!
Yo! Since you need that creamy bokeh but feel cramped, you gotta check out the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC HSM Art. I use it on my crop body and its basically magic for street shots and indoor stuff! The f/1.4 gives you that insane background blur youre after, way better than most 35mm options. It fits your budget perfectly and honestly feels like a tank compared to the old nifty fifty. Youll love the extra room in tight spots!
Did this last week, worked perfectly
