Simple question-Is there really a need for f1.4 or faster prime lenses ?

[goodguy]

f1.8 prime lenses are considered the lower, less sophisticated, less gifted kid of its faster, bigger and more loaded brother.
But is there really a need for f1.4 lens ?

1.The first obvious advantage is that its faster which is great but with modern FF cameras this is just not all that necessary, I used to shoot in many conditions at f2.8 and now I even dialed it down to f4 because modern cameras FF sensor are simply this good.
2.Better DOF, better Bokeh, well my question is how good is it really between f1.4 vs f1.8 and how many times do you really shoot at f1.8 or faster to get this extra separation for the background.
3.f1.8 lenses are much smaller and much lighter
4.f1.8 obviously is always cheaper

On the other hand f1.4 lenses have more technology in them, more blades, more glass so they are more sophisticated.
But how important is it really ?
When buying f1.4 lens how much is it for bragging rights and how much is it for real need ?

 

[Desi]

It is my understanding that the greater number of blades gives a more spherical aperture, which yields more spherical circles of confusion, thus a better quality to the bokeh.

 

[beagle100]

f1.8 prime lenses are considered the lower, less sophisticated, less gifted kid of its faster, bigger and more loaded brother.
But is there really a need for f1.4 lens ?

On the other hand f1.4 lenses have more technology in them, more blades, more glass so they are more sophisticated.
But how important is it really ?
When buying f1.4 lens how much is it for bragging rights and how much is it for real need ?

since I got a cheap 22 f2 pancake lens I never use my 30mm 1.4

so maybe there isn't a need for f1.4 lens even if it has more "technology and sophistication "
www.flickr.com/photos/mmirrorless

 

[snowbear]

Perhaps more so with the film rollers than the binary crowd.

 

[Ysarex]

I sure wouldn't want to give up my f/1.4 zoom lens. That wider aperture does come in handy in dim locations like trips to the antique mall where I can't use a tripod.

Joe

ISO 80
1/15th sec.
f/1.4

 

[table1349]

Photography is all about compromise. Why would one compromise their IQ when they don't have to?

 

[480sparky]

For some, it's just a way to flaunt their wealth. They own the most expensive of anything, but really don't know why.

But if I were to shoot weddings on a regular basis, I'd want a passel of über-fast primes.

 

[dxqcanada]

I distinctly remember my Canon FD 50mm f/1.4 had much higher IQ than the FD 50mm f/1.8 ... it more than just a wider aperture.

 

[table1349]

Why stop at f1.8, why not f2, or f2.8. There are those that need that much speed for their photography and there are those that don't. Having a Lamborghini would be cool. Problem is, here in the US I have no use for it since I get the full value out of it, so I don't have a desire to own one.

 

[goodguy]

But if I were to shoot weddings on a regular basis, I'd want a passel of über-fast primes.

Why ?
I shoot weddings, most of the events for me is f2.8-f4
I don't go lower then f2.8 but then of course each has his/her style

 

[goodguy]

Why stop at f1.8, why not f2, or f2.8. There are those that need that much speed for their photography and there are those that don't. Having a Lamborghini would be cool. Problem is, here in the US I have no use for it since I get the full value out of it, so I don't have a desire to own one.

Well I asked the question and I am asking about the difference between f1.8 and f1.4 no more no less

 

[480sparky]

But if I were to shoot weddings on a regular basis, I'd want a passel of über-fast primes.

Why ?
I shoot weddings, most of the events for me is f2.8-f4
I don't go lower then f2.8 but then of course each has his/her style

And that...... would be my style. That's why.

 

[table1349]

f1.8 cheaper build, even the newer version feels cheaper, optics aren't quite equal to various f1.4's on the market, and the bokeh while better is not as smooth and nice.

 

[goodguy]

I distinctly remember my Canon FD 50mm f/1.4 had much higher IQ than the FD 50mm f/1.8 ... it more than just a wider aperture.

Well with modern lenses I think the gap isn't so big, as an example Nikon 50mm 1.8G is actually rated to be sharper then the Nikon 50mm 1.4G
Another example is Nikon 85mm 1.8G which is so sharp that frankly even if the 1.4 version is sharper I don't see much of a difference if there is any.

 

[goodguy]

But if I were to shoot weddings on a regular basis, I'd want a passel of über-fast primes.

Why ?
I shoot weddings, most of the events for me is f2.8-f4
I don't go lower then f2.8 but then of course each has his/her style

And that...... would be my style. That's why.

Good answer