Lens Recommendation for Canon 60D for DSLR Video

D

dreamsound2

Member
Hi, I currently have a 50mm Canon Prime f/1.4 USM. I use the lens 90% for video.

I understand that 50mm is supposed to be the regular point of view of a person but to me it looks like 2-3 feet out from my perspective. I use most of it for Music videos but the room that I film is not very large so I could benefit from less 'zoom' so I don't have to get so far away from the subjects. I have no need to zoom in, so I don't think a 18mm-135mm zoom lens will be the most cost effective. What would you recommend? 24mm? (I know, I am such a noobie).

To me the f/1.4 USM looks really sharp and shows a lot of details on objects which is nice but also on subjects too. You can really see every wrinkle and facial hair, so maybe something a little softer on subjects' faces would be nice.

Price range is in the $500 new or used.

Again, sorry for being such a noob. I'm from the Panasonic DVX era and DSLRs are a different ball game but they can look incredible with such a tight budget.

I'm sure there are plenty of lens recommendation threads, I just can't find the right one. If you could point me in the right direction, that would be amazing. I've been looking for hours and there's so much out there but everyone has different needs.
 
You forgot about the 1.6 crop factor on the C sensor. 50mm equivalent is around 30mm. I mainly use the Sigma 30mm f1.4 on my 60D, the Canon 28mm f1.8 would also be good, both are in your price range new (just). The 50mm is a good portrait lens, there's a heap of portrait filters which soften the detail, but IMO you're better softening it in post.
 
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Hi Rainer, thanks so much for the info. I wasn't aware about the difference with the C Sensor! That explains why even with a 50mm I have to stand way back. I think you meant 80mm instead of 30mm? As I'm researchiing lenses, I think the 18mm would be the best for my situation, even if it rounds up the corners in the room, the effect is kinda cool for music videos anyways.

Any more suggestions I can look up and research on the 18mm-30mm would be highly highly appreciated.
 
Awesome, I'm going to be comparing the Sigma 20mm f1.8 and the Sigma 30mm f1.4. Both within my price range. Good starting point, thanks guys.
 
What about the Tokina 11mm f2.8? Is the 2.8 a small aperture meaning not great for low light conditions? Everything else looks good from the videos I've seen. Also within the price range.
 
Have you taken a look at the Canon 17-55mm f2.8 IS lens? It's a good versatile workhorse zoom that will cover you on the wide end, though it might be a couple hundred more than your budget (on the used market).
 
Perfect, I'm going to check that one out as well! If the quality is worth it I could spend a little extra. So far I'm really happy with what I've research for the Tokina lens. Is not bad in low light conditions but I definitely want to research comparable alternatives. Thanks again.
 
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