lens question

[jimmy]

I'm buying the 5D with the 18x70 kit lens, thats all I can spend now, but I saw a 50mm prime 1.7 minolts lens for 89.00, is it junk?, would it be any better than the kit lens set at 50mm? would it be much better in low light?

thanks for you help

[TWD]

I haven't tested the 50 mm 1.7 against the kit 18-70 lens, but the 50 mm lens certainly isn't junk. Purists will recommend the far more expensive 50 mm 1.4, but I have found the 50 mm 1.7 to be tack SHARP.

Also the 50 mm 1.7 will be significantly more useful in low light than the modest 18-70 3.5-5.6.

And $89 actually is a bit high I would say. You should be able to pick up a copy for $20 less at www.keh.com for example.

P.S. If you decide to upgrade on the wide angle end, I can heartily recommend the Maxxum 17-35 2.8-4. Very sharp, fast focusing lens.