50mm 1.8 lens v. 50mm 1.4 lens

[davidquillin]

Which of these lens will produce better quality photos? Is each of them more suitable for certain shots? lighting etc...?

 

[Rob]

Optically they are very similar in capability.

Some say (assuming you are talking Canon) that the 1.4 has a nicer bokeh (out of focus effect).

There's a bit of light gathering difference, but the DOF at 1.4 is extremely shallow and lenses aren't at their best wide open.

In most cases, Canon especially, the 1.4 is a better made lens. The Canon 1.8 has a plastic mount and the nastiest manual focus ring in the world. However, it's very cheap and is capable of excellent sharpness and optical accuracy. I bought one, and use it all the time.

Personally I'd get the 1.8 (I did!) and a cheap zoom lens, for the same price as the 1.4.

Rob

 

[saulmr]

This may shed some light on the technical aspects of both lenses

http://www.photo.net/equipment/canon/ef50/