T2i cropped frame concerns

Babicz

So I've been looking into a new prime as my first upgrade from my 18-55mm kit, and have discovered this new world of full-frame and cropped-frame sensors. I'm almost sold on the 50mm f/1.4, but want to make sure I understand what picture I will be getting.

I've zoomed to 50mm on my kit, and was wondering if that is the same FIELD OF VIEW I will be getting if I use a 50mm prime? Or will I be seeing a much smaller FoV? (I'm not talking about DEPTH-OF-FIELD; I understand that is controlled by aperature).

THANK YOU. For some reason I'm finding this so confusing!

Alex

PBked

Hi there
The field of view for the 50mm prime is 47' which is the same as the 50mm setting on your 18-55mm kit lens. What you have to remember though is that the crop factor of f/1.6 on the T2i will make the 50mm prime give the same view as an 80mm on a full frame sensor.
However, that said, it is an excellent lens in terms of speed (f/1.4) for low light work and shallow depth of field for portrait work.
Regards
PBked

Babicz

Ok I don't have a FF body laying around.

So what you're saying is that the image at 50mm on my 18-55mm will NOT be the same as a 50mm prime on the same body? The image I will get will be a CROPPED image of the 50mm setting on my 18-55mm?

PBked

Hi again.
I'm sorry if I confused you. The image at 50mm on your 18-55mm WILL be the same as a 50mm prime on your T2i.
What I was trying to point out is that manufacturers still quote lens focal lengths as if they were fitted to a full frame camera. This means that your 18-55mm while designed for a crop sensor would actually be the same as a 28-88mm on full frame. At 50mm your lens and a prime will give the same field of view which is roughly equivalent to 80mm on full frame.
If you want a field of view roughly equivalent to 50mm (56mm in fact) then you might consider buying a 35mm prime lens.
Hope this makes more sense to you.
Regards
PBked