Does the 50mm f/1.8 work well for shooting video? I have a Canon Vixia HF S200. I've heard this lens is the best value for the money out there. Is that mostly for stills, or does it capture good video too? Also, unrelated, but what is the function of a lens hood? Thanks. Does the 50mm f/1.8 work well for shooting video? I have a Canon Vixia HF S200. I've heard this lens is the best value for the money out there. Is that mostly for stills, or does it capture... » Read More Does the 50mm f/1.8 work well for shooting video? I have a Canon Vixia HF S200. I've heard this lens is the best value for the money out there. Is that mostly for stills, or does it capture good video too? Also, unrelated, but what is the function of a lens hood? Thanks. « Show Less
361229
The big drawback is hand shake will be more visible with this lens than with a lens with IS. It's not terrible for shooting video, you should just be aware of this limitation and plan accordingly as far as tripods/supports/etc. The other thing I'll mention, which I have no idea how the other people who have responded to this thread didn't notice, is your Vixia is not compatible with this lens. This lens is for a Canon DSLR. Don't buy it and expect to stick it on your Vixia, it's not gonna work that way.
361230
I use this lens almost exclusively when I shoot video...it works great and especially in low light situations.
361231
Alternatively you can build a matte box for your camera and adjust per lens.Also this lens rocks, I use it on all my dSLRs for portraits and walking around. You can't afford not to have this lens.
361232
This lens is horrible for shooting video. Here is why:The focal length after APS conversion is about 80mm. Thats too narrow for video and amplifies camera shake. That combined with no IS makes this a horrible lens for handheld video.Dont believe those fancy youtube videos. Most of the videos dont have any audio (to blank out the loud AF motor noise) and they are all taken on a tripod.The best lens for video on this camera is the kit 18-55mm lens. I actually bought the 18-135 kit and had to buy the 18-55 on ebay for video.And for some reason (some bug maybe?) when you have the digital zoon on with the 50mm lens, your digital zoom starts at 2x which gives you a super narrow field. This lens is horrible for shooting video. Here is why:The focal length after APS conversion is about 80mm. Thats too narrow for video and amplifies camera shake. That combined with no IS makes this a horrible lens for handheld video.Dont believe those fancy youtube videos. Most of the videos dont have any audio (to blank out the loud AF motor noise) and they are all taken on a tripod.The best lens for video on this camera is the kit 18-55mm lens. I actually bought the 18-135 kit and had to buy the 18-55 on ebay for video.And for some reason (some bug maybe?) when you... » Read More This lens is horrible for shooting video. Here is why:The focal length after APS conversion is about 80mm. Thats too narrow for video and amplifies camera shake. That combined with no IS makes this a horrible lens for handheld video.Dont believe those fancy youtube videos. Most of the videos dont have any audio (to blank out the loud AF motor noise) and they are all taken on a tripod.The best lens for video on this camera is the kit 18-55mm lens. I actually bought the 18-135 kit and had to buy the 18-55 on ebay for video.And for some reason (some bug maybe?) when you have the digital zoon on with the 50mm lens, your digital zoom starts at 2x which gives you a super narrow field. « Show Less
361233
The lens hood is to keep out unwanted light - say if it is really a bright sunny day out. Also for any dirt, rain or such from the end of the lens.
361234
Video you'll need IS to reduce handshake. This len is so slow, it not even good for taking pictures of moving objects.
361235
It shoots video just fine, it's a matter of being able to focus quickly which takes a while to get used to. If you know what you're doing, this lens is perfectly fine to use in low light situations
361236
1. You shouldn't be using AF at all when shooting video.2. That's not digital zoom, it's a mode where the camera uses a smaller portion of the sensor. Smaller sensor = more crop.
24767
The 50-500 is a great lens...... but it is heavy!! I can't hand hold it to shoot birds. I now use the canon 100-400 for birding which is awesome. If you are gonna use a tripod, the sigma is great choice.
86637
Depends on what you are going to use it for. I have the 1.8 50mm and the 1.4 85. The 85 1.4 has much more versatility for portraits and can create amazing blur beyond what the 1.8 can. It also allows for a faster shutter when shooting portraits of young kids(which helps with movement). Lastly, it is an amazing macro lens, but unless you are really into that, the 1.8 is sufficient in my humble opinion
2274833
I've used it for a number of video shoots (Documentary, commercial, etc...) and it never fails, every single time I break this out the director/producer always says "Ehh...I don't know about shooting that wide" but without fail this lens always gets a giant grin when looking at the dailies. It's one of my favorite lenses because it's super wide without being overly distorted. That being said, I don't have any first hand experience using it with a steady cam rig but I honestly don't see it being an issue. The only downside of the lens (hasn't really affected me yet but could be an issue for someone) is that because the front element is so large, it's impossible to use screw on filters. This can be alleviated by using a matte box. Hope this helps! -John Melancon
866884
I use this lens on my 5D Mark II with great success. Set the camera to AV mode for automatic exposure, works just like normal AV mode except you use the dial on the lens to set the aperture rather than the dial on the camera. TV mode isn't available. Manual mode obviously can be used as well. There is no autofocus, but focus is very forgiving. I usually flip over to LiveView for a few seconds to focus the lens. Even on a 5DII the lens is amazingly sharp, beyond what I'd expect out of most L series lenses. Sweet spot is around F/5.6 or so, but it's sharp as tacks all the way to 2.8. I use this lens regularly. I use this lens on my 5D Mark II with great success. Set the camera to AV mode for automatic exposure, works just like normal AV mode except you use the dial on the lens to set the aperture rather than the dial on the camera. TV mode isn't available. Manual mode obviously can be used as well. There is no autofocus, but focus is very forgiving. I usually flip over to LiveView for a few seconds to focus the lens. Even on a 5DII the lens is amazingly sharp, beyond what I'd expect out of most L series lenses. Sweet spot is around F/5.6 or so, but it's sharp as tacks all the way to 2.8. I use... » Read More I use this lens on my 5D Mark II with great success. Set the camera to AV mode for automatic exposure, works just like normal AV mode except you use the dial on the lens to set the aperture rather than the dial on the camera. TV mode isn't available. Manual mode obviously can be used as well. There is no autofocus, but focus is very forgiving. I usually flip over to LiveView for a few seconds to focus the lens. Even on a 5DII the lens is amazingly sharp, beyond what I'd expect out of most L series lenses. Sweet spot is around F/5.6 or so, but it's sharp as tacks all the way to 2.8. I use this lens regularly. « Show Less
1090876
My T5 works wonderfully for action shots. I use an 18-250 lens which lets me get the shots even if they are further away. The focus is very fast and all I have to do is make sure I have the subject in the viewfinder. I have become fairly good at panning (following the subject as it moves) and have been happy with the results. I use a 32GB SD card with a fast transfer rate (90mbs/sec). I have been experimenting with the video mode and while the video is excellent I'm not much of a cameraman with it...yet! Have fun and enjoy, the T5 is the absolute best camera for the money.
666909
Great advice in previous post: ..."good glass (lenses) is far more important than the camera body itself, as it has the biggest impact on image quality. so if possible underspend on the camera body and overspend on glass...."However, a 50mm f1.8 prime on the d3200 is equivalent on an older 35mm film camera, to a 75mm lens which is a short tele-photo lens. On 35 mm cameras of old the 50mm was the "normal lens." On the digital Nikon (X1.5 aspect) a 35mm f1.8 would be more of a normal lens and equivalent to a 52.5mm lens for "normal use, when not using the zoom VR lens that comes with the D3200. Great advice in previous post: ..."good glass (lenses) is far more important than the camera body itself, as it has the biggest impact on image quality. so if possible underspend on the camera body and overspend on glass...."However, a 50mm f1.8 prime on the d3200 is equivalent on an older 35mm film camera, to a 75mm lens which is a short tele-photo lens. On 35 mm cameras of old the 50mm was the "normal lens." On the digital Nikon (X1.5 aspect) a 35mm f1.8 would be more of a normal lens and equivalent to a 52.5mm lens for "normal use, when not using the... » Read More Great advice in previous post: ..."good glass (lenses) is far more important than the camera body itself, as it has the biggest impact on image quality. so if possible underspend on the camera body and overspend on glass...."However, a 50mm f1.8 prime on the d3200 is equivalent on an older 35mm film camera, to a 75mm lens which is a short tele-photo lens. On 35 mm cameras of old the 50mm was the "normal lens." On the digital Nikon (X1.5 aspect) a 35mm f1.8 would be more of a normal lens and equivalent to a 52.5mm lens for "normal use, when not using the zoom VR lens that comes with the D3200. « Show Less
101690
I don't have enough information yet....what other lenses do you own, and what camera would you be shooting with? Are you the main photographer? Are you bringing lights or at least a high(er) powered flash unit?This is a great lens for macro use, but with a maximum aperture of f/2.8 this cannot be considered a fast lens at all. While a 50mm lens is fantastic for shooting in a more photojournalistic style, you will probably want something a little longer for portraits (especially if you're using a full-frame digital or film camera). Please respond with what camera(s) you'll be using and what other lenses you own and I'll give you more detail I don't have enough information yet....what other lenses do you own, and what camera would you be shooting with? Are you the main photographer? Are you bringing lights or at least a high(er) powered flash unit?This is a great lens for macro use, but with a maximum aperture of f/2.8 this cannot be considered a fast lens at all. While a 50mm lens is fantastic for shooting in a more photojournalistic style, you will probably want something a little longer for portraits (especially if you're using a full-frame digital or film camera). Please respond with what camera(s)... » Read More I don't have enough information yet....what other lenses do you own, and what camera would you be shooting with? Are you the main photographer? Are you bringing lights or at least a high(er) powered flash unit?This is a great lens for macro use, but with a maximum aperture of f/2.8 this cannot be considered a fast lens at all. While a 50mm lens is fantastic for shooting in a more photojournalistic style, you will probably want something a little longer for portraits (especially if you're using a full-frame digital or film camera). Please respond with what camera(s) you'll be using and what other lenses you own and I'll give you more detail « Show Less
1816400
Well the HF200 does behave poorly in low light condition, even with the best aperture and frame settings, but I can't tell if it's worse than other HD camcorders.Also, make sure you didn't disable the autofocus, it's easy to make things worse. I don't mean the setting available via the standard FUNC menu, but directly with the Up and Down controls from the wheel, it's the third option from the bottom.The zoom may also affect grain and artifacts, use it sparingly.
382374
I have both lenses and they are both pretty good. I probably like the 50mm a bit more than the 35mm. The real question for you to answer is what will I be my primary use for the lens ? Remember, we're shooting with a crop-sensor camera, so the lenses convert from a 35mm to a 52mm, and the 50mm converts to a 75mm lens. My recommendation for General Purpose Shooting would be to go with the 50mm ! A great bang for the buck and terrific bokeh !
387098
I really happy with these lens Its great for the price and the performance in my opinion, The canon 1.2 i had used it but for me its slow to focus and the price to high i looks nice the size of the glass but no way i will get that lens if you have the money then its a different story
1204899
Dude this is a great lens, but if your looking for a portrait lens either the 50mm/f1.4 or 35mm/f1.4 or both would be best. Don't get me wrong you can use this lens also, but the 50mm or the 35mm would be a better choice. Any of the lens below would work just fine, the last one would be Manual focus on your camera, but it is a cheap lens which is a fantastic beater lens. Nikon 35mm f/1.4G AF-S FX SWM Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras 1449.00 Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.4G SIC SW Prime Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras 449.00Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras 77mm filter 449.00 Nikon 50mm f/1.8D AF Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras 120.00 Dude this is a great lens, but if your looking for a portrait lens either the 50mm/f1.4 or 35mm/f1.4 or both would be best. Don't get me wrong you can use this lens also, but the 50mm or the 35mm would be a better choice. Any of the lens below would work just fine, the last one would be Manual focus on your camera, but it is a cheap lens which is a fantastic beater lens. Nikon 35mm f/1.4G AF-S FX SWM Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras 1449.00 Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.4G SIC SW Prime Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras 449.00Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Lens for... » Read More Dude this is a great lens, but if your looking for a portrait lens either the 50mm/f1.4 or 35mm/f1.4 or both would be best. Don't get me wrong you can use this lens also, but the 50mm or the 35mm would be a better choice. Any of the lens below would work just fine, the last one would be Manual focus on your camera, but it is a cheap lens which is a fantastic beater lens. Nikon 35mm f/1.4G AF-S FX SWM Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras 1449.00 Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.4G SIC SW Prime Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras 449.00Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras 77mm filter 449.00 Nikon 50mm f/1.8D AF Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras 120.00 « Show Less
75885
I have the 35mm 1.8, and that is my favorite lens of all time. Having had about 12 cameras over the course of my life, digital and film, I have to say, the 35mm 1.8 is the best lens I've had. It's bright and takes amazing photos in low light. Some people complain about the rough bokeh, but I actually like it. Gives me alot of creative latitude and just the right focal length for me. the 18-55 has VR, which helps keep pictures non-blurry despite the higher f-stop. There's really no comparing the two, one is a zoom and the other a fixed focal length with a much wider aperture. For indoor pictures, the 1.8 is much much better, unless you need the zoom. with the 1.8 there's really no need for flash. I have the 35mm 1.8, and that is my favorite lens of all time. Having had about 12 cameras over the course of my life, digital and film, I have to say, the 35mm 1.8 is the best lens I've had. It's bright and takes amazing photos in low light. Some people complain about the rough bokeh, but I actually like it. Gives me alot of creative latitude and just the right focal length for me. the 18-55 has VR, which helps keep pictures non-blurry despite the higher f-stop. There's really no comparing the two, one is a zoom and the other a fixed focal length with a much wider aperture. For indoor... » Read More I have the 35mm 1.8, and that is my favorite lens of all time. Having had about 12 cameras over the course of my life, digital and film, I have to say, the 35mm 1.8 is the best lens I've had. It's bright and takes amazing photos in low light. Some people complain about the rough bokeh, but I actually like it. Gives me alot of creative latitude and just the right focal length for me. the 18-55 has VR, which helps keep pictures non-blurry despite the higher f-stop. There's really no comparing the two, one is a zoom and the other a fixed focal length with a much wider aperture. For indoor pictures, the 1.8 is much much better, unless you need the zoom. with the 1.8 there's really no need for flash. « Show Less
2022547
Yes this lens was specifically made for shooting on a camera with a crop sensor like a 7D. It's perfect for shooting video, not as sharp as Canon "L" glass but since canon doesn't make an 11-16 2.8 it's pretty much the go to lens for professional filmmakers on a budget.
916479
So despite it being a macro there's no problem with regular focusing?The 50mm 1.8 is really shoddy build quality, I think you're thinking of that. The 50mm 1.4 (3 times the price) is quite sturdy.I use the 28-105mm (the cheap one, not the L glass) I got this around the same time my friend got the 28-135, which looks like a better lens on the surface, yet he hated his and sold it. It's a much larger lens physically, while the 28-105 is really small, so that's something to consider. I also felt like mine focused better, although that wasn't an objective test. And it's half the price, which is nice. Something to consider So despite it being a macro there's no problem with regular focusing?The 50mm 1.8 is really shoddy build quality, I think you're thinking of that. The 50mm 1.4 (3 times the price) is quite sturdy.I use the 28-105mm (the cheap one, not the L glass) I got this around the same time my friend got the 28-135, which looks like a better lens on the surface, yet he hated his and sold it. It's a much larger lens physically, while the 28-105 is really small, so that's something to consider. I also felt like mine focused better, although that wasn't an objective test. And it's... » Read More So despite it being a macro there's no problem with regular focusing?The 50mm 1.8 is really shoddy build quality, I think you're thinking of that. The 50mm 1.4 (3 times the price) is quite sturdy.I use the 28-105mm (the cheap one, not the L glass) I got this around the same time my friend got the 28-135, which looks like a better lens on the surface, yet he hated his and sold it. It's a much larger lens physically, while the 28-105 is really small, so that's something to consider. I also felt like mine focused better, although that wasn't an objective test. And it's half the price, which is nice. Something to consider « Show Less
441169
Any luck? I am in the same boat as you... I notified Canon regarding the s200 and the HF M400. Here is the reply I got: The VIXIA HF M400 is scheduled to be available in late March for an estimated retail price of $649.99. This is not a replacement for the VIXIA HF S200, but for the VIXIA M-series, HF M300. The VIXIA HF S30 is the only successor at this time for the VIXIA HF S200. The VIXIA HF M400 is a lower class model compared to the VIXIA HF S200. So what does lower class mean? Cheaper lens??? Just when I was set to click on the buy now
873452
Another option is getting the 50mm 1.8 for about a hundred bucks. Takes great shots and you can still buy the 28-135. I bought my 28-135 used and love having both lenses.