If you’re looking for a prime lens for your Canon DSLR to expand your creative options but the high prices for single focal length lenses is putting you off then consider the Canon 50mm 1.8.

At around $90 the Canon 50 1.8 has got to be Canon’s least expensive lens available. At around 4.5 ounzes it is also one of Canon’s lighteset lenses. No strain on the wallet or the neck strap!

This lens does what it is designed to do. Take exceptionally clear photographs at all apertures and give very nice depth of field effects while using the available light.

This is an excellent portrait and still life lens. Pictures taken with the Canon 50mm 1.8 give results that are close to what your eyes see.

You have wonderful depth of field control to give you those beautiful blurred background and foreground effects with razor sharp focus on your subject. This allows the subject to really pop out of your composition. Because of the large maximum aperture there is no need for a flash that will wash out natural highlights and shadows.

The f 1.8 maximum aperture swallows light at four times the amount that the generic “kit” lenses can. This gives you more options for taking low light pictures. When you don’t want to use a flash this is the go to lens in low light. When flash use is discouraged at some indoor events the Canon 50 1.8 is your pick.

Here’s what people like about the Canon 50 1.8.

• The price.
• Exceptionally sharp optics.
• Ability to focus as close as one and a half feet.
• Perfect for natural looking pictures in available light with excellent color balance.
• Compact and light weight. Great for traveling or hiking/biking.
• 1 year warranty.

Here’s what people dislike about the Canon 50 1.8.

• The build quality. There is a lot of plastic in the lens body. This is why it weighs so little.
• The focus drive is noisy.

If you want to really explore taking pictures in manual mode where you have the control instead of the automatic setting. You want to get professional results in your still life and portrait photography. You want to get away from using the flash which destroys all the natural highlights and shadows of a picture. Think candlelight. You don’t want to shell out megabucks for a very expensive prime lens. You should give the Canon 50mm 1.8 a serious look.

Check out http://www.digitalcameralensonline.com for full lens reviews and comparo’s.
Jay Holbrook