[Dick England]

There has been no mention of the Samyang 35mm f1.4. It has the best optics of all the lenses in the 35-50 mm range and is amongst the cheapest. It has a number of disadvantages, though. It is large, and its optical superiority is best appreciated on full frame. It has no electronic connection with the camera, not even an automatic aperture, so you have to set the aperture on the lens with the camera set to aperture priority, and focus mostly with live view (which is a must have), usually shifting the setting between a large focussing aperture and the "taking" aperture. Even for shots at infinity, you have to find out yourself where infinity is, and mark it on the ring: the focus markings supplied are inaccurate. It's all a bit like driving a vintage car with a crash gearbox. An enthusiast might enjoy developing the skills required to operate it smoothly and effectively, but a professional (the equivalent of a taxi-driver) demands an auto and would be unlikely consider it.