Narrowed it down to TWO Lenses - Need Feedback

AprilEye · Feb 5, 2011

Ok I am going to be getting (for my birthday) one of these two lenses. Talk to me peeps! xo!

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Lens (I am leaning towards this one)
...OR...
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Lens

I have done my research and even looked on Flickr for photos taken with these two lenses, so I just want to hear pros and cons from you guys.

THANKS!

usayit · Feb 5, 2011

if you can afford it... get the f1.4

if not

get the f1.8 and be happy

both are good but the f1.4 id better in almost every aspect except price

AprilEye · Feb 5, 2011

usayit said:
if you can afford it... get the f1.4

if not

get the f1.8 and be happy

both are good but the f1.4 id better in almost every aspect except price

agreed :thumbup:

fokker · Feb 5, 2011

I had the 50mm 1.8, never really used it that much. Got the 1.4 and use it all the time, it's a fantastic lens and you will love it. Get it if you can afford it.

3bayjunkie · Feb 5, 2011

i don't even know why they make a 1.8... just get the 1.4. it isn't really a decision.

subscuck · Feb 6, 2011

I would also recommend the 1.4 over the 1.8. While the 1.8 is certainly great value, it's biggest downfall is very unreliable AF in low light. As an alternative, if you have the extra $, the Sigma 50mm 1.4 is a much better lens and worth at least looking into.

Flower Child · Feb 6, 2011

I have the Nikon version of this lens and also have the 1.4. Best lens I have. Definitely do it.

dxqcanada · Feb 6, 2011

Will you be shooting wide open all the time ?

The f/1.8 is sharper wide open vs. the f/1.4

Jarmo · Feb 6, 2011

If I may suggest another lense? Sigma 50mm f1.4 EX DG HSM. Have you looked into this one?

I hear it is better quality than Canon's own 1.4 but seems to be a tad more expensive.

From those two I'd go with the 1.4

Samerr9 · Feb 6, 2011

I have got the 50mm 1.4 and it is really nice.. but u need to know that at f1.4 it is not as sharp.. i was disappointed at first but all lenses are like this, you can refer to my post in this regard there are some sample images there and alot of good comments ... but i would recommend it

ishafizan · Feb 6, 2011

u're using a crop body, and from your photostream, i take that u're looking for a 'proper' portraits/candids lens. consider also the 35mm f1.4 if fund permits. more useful/comfortable with pics indoors/tight spaces.

Derrel · Feb 6, 2011

I've owned the 1.8 Mark II, and currently have the 50/1.4 EF model. The one knock against the 50/1.4 EF is that many/some samples seem to have focus oddities...weird behavior in terms of not wanting to focus, focus stuttering, etc. On this board, Rufus has mentioned this behavior, as have I. Since the lens will come with a one-year warranty, the 50/1.4 EF might be a lens it'd pay to buy an add-on extended warranty for.

DerekSalem · Feb 6, 2011

usayit said:
if you can afford it... get the f1.4

if not

get the f1.8 and be happy

both are good but the f1.4 id better in almost every aspect except price

This. The 1.8 is a great lens, but the 1.4 focuses a *LOT* faster (USM), is quieter (USM), lets in a bit more light (1/3 stop still helps) and most importantly should be more crisp in terms of IQ (on average they usually are)

AprilEye · Feb 8, 2011

dxqcanada said:
Will you be shooting wide open all the time ?

The f/1.8 is sharper wide open vs. the f/1.4

I want the blurred DOF in several shots I do. Currently I try to achieve it post processing but I know I can get it with the correct lens. Oh yah and nice bokeh too!