People are always asking me what lenses they should get.  I often recommend Canon 85mm f1.8, the Canon 50mm f1.4, and the Sigma 30mm f1.4. Once I finish the next question is “what about the Canon 28mm f1.8?”, and I always have to explain that I’m not a hug fan of this lens.

The canon 28mm f1.8 is soft wide open and doesn’t really clear up until f2.8.  So you are spending $450 or so on a prime for low light shooting but the lens could be to soft to use in low light. Its build quality is better then the canon 28mm f2.8 and for twice the price it really should be.

I only end up recommending the canon 28mm f1.8 if you need this focal length for your full frame camera.  If your shooting on a crop sensor camera like the t2i, 60d, or 7d then consider the sigma 30mm f1.4. It’s a stop faster then the canon 28mm f1.8 it has a better build quality, and it is sharper (imho).  The price between these lenses isn’t fare apart, so money wont be much of a factor.

On the other side of the fence, some users feel uncomfortable using none canon lenses on a canon camera.  If that is the case then I recommend saving up a bit longer and picking up the either the Canon 24mm f1.4 or Canon EF 35mm f1.4. Both of these lenses are great and they wont let you down.

The canon 28mm f1.8 is an ok lens, but I wish it offered better performance for such a high price tag. If you don’t have the money to spend and own a full frame camera this may be your only option.

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Filming, Lenses