Canon 50mm f/1.8?

matt-l · Oct 9, 2008

Anyone here use/have one? is it worth it, seriously thinking about it based on most reviews.

first lens purchase, mostly for flower macro, some portraits, which is what i've been told its good for

250Gimp · Oct 9, 2008

This was the first non-kit lense I bought. I have been very happy withit.

I is plasticy and noisy focussing, but it is quite sharp.

Throw on some extension tubes and it makes a decent macro lense too!!

Big Mike · Oct 9, 2008

For the price and optical quality, it may be the best value-for-the-money lens you will find. However, it is very plasticy. If you can afford it, the 50mm F1.4 is a much better feeling lens and isn't really all that expensive.

Dao · Oct 9, 2008

Best price / performance you can get.

Montana · Oct 9, 2008

It is one of Canon's sharpest and most contrasty lens out there. I would not hesitate to buy one.

Derrick

mrcrassic · Oct 9, 2008

It's an all-plastic lens, so it's lightweight, but not as durable. If that's not a concern for you (which at this price point, shouldn't be), the glass is VERY VERY good. Probably the best glass that you can buy at that price.

It's not the best for shooting macro (i.e. really really REALLY magnified images), but it's great for getting a nice subject up close, headshots and general stuff. It was the lens that stood on my camera until I bought the 28-105mm.

Bifurcator · Oct 9, 2008

Go for the 1.4

Tykell · Oct 9, 2008

Bifurcator said:
Go for the 1.4

Agreed. Far more durable and is much sharper at f/1.8 than the 50mm 1.8 is. There's a reason the 50mm 1.4 is considered the favorite of many photographers.

Dmitri · Oct 9, 2008

Depends what you want to do. I got mine recently, after a zoomer, because I wanted to take wildlife photos first. The 50 1.8 is great for portraits and products, that kind of thing, because it lets in tons of light with great bokeh.

And as the others have mentioned, for the price there's no reason NOT to have it (unless you want the 1.4, but prepare to spend much more).

matt-l · Oct 9, 2008

at this point, i don't think the 50mm 1.4 is going to happen, with a discount(i work where i am going to buy it) i should get it for even less, even with the plasticy construction atleast if it do break its a free fix.

i think i will buy the 50mm 1.8!, thanks guys!!

Dmitri · Oct 9, 2008

matt-l said:
at this point, i don't think the 50mm 1.4 is going to happen, with a discount(i work where i am going to buy it) i should get it for even less, even with the plasticy construction atleast if it do break its a free fix.

i think i will buy the 50mm 1.8!, thanks guys!!

Grats and have fun with it! And get ready to cringe every time the focus kicks in, its so loud it sounds like its going to pop out the lens :lol:

matt-l · Oct 9, 2008

Dmitri said:
Grats and have fun with it! And get ready to cringe every time the focus kicks in, its so loud it sounds like its going to pop out the lens

great!, sounds like a need for ear plugs

Tykell · Oct 9, 2008

Dmitri said:
Depends what you want to do. I got mine recently, after a zoomer, because I wanted to take wildlife photos first. The 50 1.8 is great for portraits and products, that kind of thing, because it lets in tons of light with great bokeh..

Just checking, you're not saying the 1.8 can do this BETTER than the 1.4 right? Because that's just silly.

Dmitri · Oct 9, 2008

Tykell said:
Just checking, you're not saying the 1.8 can do this BETTER than the 1.4 right? Because that's just silly.

Not at all. The first clue that I didn't say it was the fact that I didn't say it, the second clue could have been my next sentence, "And as the others have mentioned, for the price there's no reason NOT to have it (unless you want the 1.4, but prepare to spend much more)."

northstar · Oct 11, 2008

I also debated whether to get a 50 f/1.8 or the 50 f/1.4. I went for the 1.8 just because I didn't want to spend 300 on a 1.4. I got the 1.8 for 75. I really like it. If money isn't an issue, get the 1.4...if it is...get the 1.8.

The focusing is noisy...and the lens itself feels plasticy (like what the others have said), but I've had great experience using this lens. It's definitely my favorite (that might be because that's the only really decent lens I have). It's great for portrait shots...I have used this lens to shoot at friends weddings on so many occasions!