Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II - Nifty Fifty

[Tbirder]

"It was a nice frosty morning and my toes & fingers were freezing by the time I got home, but a very pleasing walk all the same....." [/quote]

Sorry, a little off topic, but I looked at your excellent photos and thought "man that looks cold, glad i don't live there" as we're just coming into summer here. Then I looked at your profile thingy and I see was Bristol and I DID live there! We lived in Fishponds, moved to New Zealand when i was seven (46 now). Don't remember much about it though.

[Kaben]

Great series of images Mystery Machine!
I am looking forward to getting my new pup now -gives an excuse to get up early and take photo's.
Without the feeling of guilt that i should walk the dog, there is no way my body would let me get out of bed any earlier than absolutely necessary!

[popoho]

Bored at work so I took this shot. Image is reflecting on a mirror. Some cropping, brightness and contrast adjustment in PP.

[gabebalazs]

Just received this lens today! Great value!
Here is one of my first shots:

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r279/gabebalazs/Fluffy.jpg

[BoingoBongo]

I finally pulled the trigger on this lens today. I've been wanting it since I originally bought my XTi last year. It should be here Tuesday, and I'm REALLY excited.

[stetsonaw]

some portraits from today... C&C please! mk1, but not really a big thread for that one, and same same but different anyway.
1.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3185/3104393164_d8dbd29b4f_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/32647281@N05/3104393164/sizes/o/)
2.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3154/3103561771_e0949422f9_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/32647281@N05/3103561771/sizes/o/)

[oldvultureface]

http://i33.tinypic.com/16bht8j.jpg

XSi body, hand held f/2.5 @ 1/20, ISO 800. Lit only by a small strand of mini lights on her Christmas tree, this picture would have been impossible with the kit lens. Exposure brought up and white balance adjusted in DPP, Neat Image for noise and Elements 2 for selective sharpening. Shot RAW+JPEG. The JPEG could not be salvaged.

[RebelChick]

Just received this lens today! Great value!
Here is one of my first shots:

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r279/gabebalazs/Fluffy.jpg

OMG that looks like my old cat Maggie :( I miss her so much!

Great shot!

[origamione]

Straight out of box.

http://www.wired.my/50D/IMG_0020.jpg

http://www.wired.my/50D/IMG_0021.jpg

[origamione]

This lens is a bit soft on larger aperture, to achieve greater sharpness, you'll need to set smaller aperture. This shot is 100% cropped with aperture 7.1, 30sec exposure. You can even see the dusts.

http://www.wired.my/50D/IMG_9992.jpg

[origamione]

http://www.wired.my/50D/IMG_0049.jpg

http://www.wired.my/50D/IMG_0051.jpg

[BLUEONION]

50mm 1.8 II

Nevermind white balance. Amazing to see text so crisp!
First photo is 100% crop (I hope I did it correctly)

[stetsonaw]

mmm you just made me hungry!

[nik.hisham]

http://i403.photobucket.com/albums/pp114/nikhisham/EF%2050%20Mk2/IMG_3373.jpg

http://i403.photobucket.com/albums/pp114/nikhisham/EF%2050%20Mk2/IMG_3410.jpg

http://i403.photobucket.com/albums/pp114/nikhisham/EF%2050%20Mk2/Frogger.jpg

[JasonRussell]

That is a kick ass frog haha

[gabebalazs]

WOOOOW!

[e.omega]

haha. I thought it was a dried leaf. Nice!

[RebelChick]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3270/3111224246_109e5c6d29.jpg

[nik.hisham]

That is a kick ass frog haha

Thanks Jason

WOOOOW!

I had the same reaction myself when I saw it on my computer.

haha. I thought it was a dried leaf. Nice!

Thanks Omega.

[xblindx]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3177/3112253096_216161a647_b.jpg

[powerslave]

Nice PP ^ :)

[JasonRussell]

This one was taken with my 50 and my new to me 5D a few minutes ago.

50 @ 1.8 focused on the EOS, top of the box.
ISO 1600
1/500

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f196/jasonsrussell/Other%20stuff/_MG_5906.jpg

[JoYork]

Never mind the frog, that is one fantastic kitty you have there, Nik :)

[nik.hisham]

Never mind the frog, that is one fantastic kitty you have there, Nik :)

Thanks Jo. It's actually my mom's cat. His name is Garfield. When he's not sleeping, he's eating. :)

[BoingoBongo]

I got my lens yesterday, and it's awesome. I haven't really taken it out yet, but I've had fun messing with it at home. It's very different from my other lenses, but it's fantastic!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Surfungus/l2.jpg

[Don28]

one from the weekend!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3137/3114896387_86a82c27ec.jpg

[Anthonyce]

Some awesome pice of plastic I just bought today. Awesome price/quality relation. Can't wait to test them.

[mrerico]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3210/3126797637_b19fe0d25d.jpg?v=0

[morpheus6d9]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3075/3119927117_b7bb89c259.jpg?v=0

[hmaren]

I've had mine for about 3 weeks now, and I'm finding that the images are pretty soft, not nearly as sharp as a lot of what I've been seeing up on this thread, thus wrecking some priceless moments with my infant. I'm a newbie who understands the basic principles, but can't seem to get what he wants out of the camera.
Arrrgggghhhh.
Can you tell I'm frustrated?
I'm shooting with an EOS 450D/Xsi
This shot- Aperture priority/ f3.5; 1/20; ISO800

[Karizmatik]

^Up the shutter speed or buy a speedlite.

[gary88]

I've had mine for about 3 weeks now, and I'm finding that the images are pretty soft, not nearly as sharp as a lot of what I've been seeing up on this thread, thus wrecking some priceless moments with my infant. I'm a newbie who understands the basic principles, but can't seem to get what he wants out of the camera.
Arrrgggghhhh.
Can you tell I'm frustrated?
I'm shooting with an EOS 450D/Xsi
This shot- Aperture priority/ f3.5; 1/20; ISO800

Try shooting with a higher shutter speed when you can. Your photo shows some motion blur from shooting at 1/20. For a hand held shot at 50mm you should try to shoot no slower 1/80 or 1/50 as a general rule.

[DreDaze]

it also looks like the focus is almost on his hands and not the eyes..

[nik.hisham]

Yup - the focus is behind your baby, by quite a bit. Look at the baby's hand, and the chair that he's on. Its pretty nicely in focus behind. Could it be that you're not using single point focus? You might want to use that and aim it at the eyes.

Nik.

[rgomes]

^Up the shutter speed or buy a speedlite.

What exactly would the Speedlite accomplish here? I am not being argumentative in the least way, just looking to learn!

[JasonRussell]

Give more light thus a faster shutter speed and no motion blur.

[Medic85]

My new ink.
This is my first tat, and there will be more to come ;)

The tree represents life and the quote that comes off the trunk represents what i live by each day "living in the moment". It says, "The art of life is to live in the moment." The birds are representing taking a risk and flying off to a new adventure.

More pics on my flickr account if you want to see it close up.

*580ex2 @1/4 power
*50mm f/1.8
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3279/3093425722_fd34117561_b.jpg


Freakin sweet tat! That makes me want to get another one!

[Karizmatik]

What exactly would the Speedlite accomplish here? I am not being argumentative in the least way, just looking to learn!

Give more light thus a faster shutter speed and no motion blur.

Yeah, what he said.

[oldvultureface]

I've had mine for about 3 weeks now, and I'm finding that the images are pretty soft, not nearly as sharp as a lot of what I've been seeing up on this thread, thus wrecking some priceless moments with my infant. I'm a newbie who understands the basic principles, but can't seem to get what he wants out of the camera.
Arrrgggghhhh.
Can you tell I'm frustrated?
I'm shooting with an EOS 450D/Xsi
This shot- Aperture priority/ f3.5; 1/20; ISO800

Took me longer than three weeks to become acquainted with my 50 (with the XSi). Found in low light I had to use live view to focus. Also, luck with camera and subject movement. Flash is a great help but often ruins the mood.

Posted before but good example of luck and multiple attempts:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/30404829@N03/3100861819/sizes/o/

f/2.5 @ 1/20, ISO 800

[JasonRussell]

That is a lucky shot.

Anything under 1/60 of a shutter speed and you will not have a crisp shot. Even 1/60 is pushing it on a crop camera.

[oldvultureface]

That is a lucky shot.

I was fortunate neither she nor I moved at the instant the shutter opened.

[JasonRussell]

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JBFcXeRzPY4/R_jfVyY6FfI/AAAAAAAAAAw/XMabYTbe6vk/s800/First+1D+shots+127+copy.jpg

1D
ISO 400
f 5
1/320

Click on the image in my blog for a largger view
http://jasonsrussell.blogspot.com/2008/04/this-is-older-image-from-this-past-fall.html

[nik.hisham]

This is a cool shot. The focus and the eyes and face are perfect! How high up were you, Jason?

[Wheat_King]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3102/3119924276_6dea2cbce6.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3080/3119954636_6779a76159.jpg?v=0
2 shots from a few months back, first time with my lens.

[Medic85]

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JBFcXeRzPY4/R_jfVyY6FfI/AAAAAAAAAAw/XMabYTbe6vk/s800/First+1D+shots+127+copy.jpg

1D
ISO 400
f 5
1/320

Click on the image in my blog for a largger view
http://jasonsrussell.blogspot.com/2008/04/this-is-older-image-from-this-past-fall.html


Love it!

[rohicks]

Freakin sweet tat! That makes me want to get another one!
Thanks; it means a lot to me and I love it! Best of all it was designed by me which is one of the reasons why i was getting it.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JBFcXeRzPY4/R_jfVyY6FfI/AAAAAAAAAAw/XMabYTbe6vk/s800/First+1D+shots+127+copuyy.jpg

1D
ISO 400
f 5
1/320

Click on the image in my blog for a largger view
http://jasonsrussell.blogspot.com/2008/04/this-is-older-image-from-this-past-fall.html
Nice shot Jason.

[hmaren]

Try shooting with a higher shutter speed when you can. Your photo shows some motion blur from shooting at 1/20. For a hand held shot at 50mm you should try to shoot no slower 1/80 or 1/50 as a general rule.

Thank you all so much. I didn't realize that it was considered such a slow speed. I have been having focus issues. I find that the camera isn't always so smart about auto-focus, so I often set a single focus point instead. I'm not sure my diopter is set optimally (I wear glasses), and I haven't had to focus manually since I was a kid (my dad's Yashica Pentax), so my skills at MF are sorely lacking. Any recommendations?

[JasonRussell]

Thanks everyone. I think I posted that one once before but just wanted to show how the shutterspeed affects everything in a image. Even @ 1/320 you still see the motion in the falling leaves.

Nik I was up on a 6' ladder so the camera was about 8' up maybe 5' from his face to camera.

I was hanging christmas lights while my mom and girlfriend were raking leaves. Austin decided to play in em so I grabbed my camera and stood up on the ladder while they threw leaves up in the air all around him.

[berrones30]

I am such a newbie with DSLR's and just got this little sweetie because of all of your shots. I can't wait to see what it can do for me, and vice versa. Thanks for the inspirational shots!

[RebelChick]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3002/3113855643_99566deffb.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3191/3113457665_7f5ea2830a.jpg

[kmcconn9]

Are most of you using this without a flash or with an external flash? If so, which one? Thanks!

[RebelChick]

I hardly ever use on board flash. But i will be getting an external soon. It really helps to be able to bounce the flashed off something

[weezerfan84]

I can't wait. I get my 430ex tomorrow. I hate using the onboard flash, due to the fact it burns right in on any image.

[Rachel B]

I found having the 430ex11 helped me alot-I had been using 30d and the nifty fifty to take pictures of a local cat shelter kitties-a place where I volunteer at, I had been using ISO of 400 and the slowest shutter speed I could get away with-as soon I was able to use the flash and bounce it off the roof/walls etc my pictures increased by a huge percent. her is a before buying the flash picture and an after buying flash picture. (this shelter has inconveniently placed natural light sauces that were hard to utalise)
Exposure: 0.005 sec (1/200)
Aperture: f/2.5
Focal Length: 50 mm
ISO Speed: 500
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3276/2559457469_1e068055e5_b.jpg
Exposure: 0.004 sec (1/250)
Aperture: f/2.5
Focal Length: 50 mm
ISO Speed: 100
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3263/3106533028_48aa63e079_b.jpg

[weezerfan84]

I found having the 430ex11 helped me alot-I had been using 30d and the nifty fifty to take pictures of a local cat shelter kitties-a place where I volunteer at, I had been using ISO of 400 and the slowest shutter speed I could get away with-as soon I was able to use the flash and bounce it off the roof/walls etc my pictures increased by a huge percent. her is a before buying the flash picture and an after buying flash picture. (this shelter has inconveniently placed natural light sauces that were hard to utalise)
Exposure: 0.005 sec (1/200)
Aperture: f/2.5
Focal Length: 50 mm
ISO Speed: 500
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3276/2559457469_1e068055e5_b.jpg

Exposure: 0.005 sec (1/200)
Aperture: f/2.8
Focal Length: 50 mm
ISO Speed: 100

I'm new to photography, so I'm going to take a stab at this. The flash definitely helped in the 2nd picture. F/2.8 looks sharper than the first image, and the 1st image has grainy bokeh on the kitten's left side of face.

[rgomes]

I hardly ever use on board flash. But i will be getting an external soon. It really helps to be able to bounce the flashed off something

Is the 430 external flash better than the 500 series one?

[RebelChick]

Is the 430 external flash better than the 500 series one?

from what i hear its all about power. How much power in the flash you need. Being i mainly shoot kids, and children, and the occasional abstract/nature... all i need is the 430

[Karl Johnston]

This lens is a bit soft on larger aperture, to achieve greater sharpness, you'll need to set smaller aperture. This shot is 100% cropped with aperture 7.1, 30sec exposure. You can even see the dusts.

http://www.wired.my/50D/IMG_9992.jpg
WOW !!!!!!!! i had no idea it could focus so close

[kmcconn9]

I just picked up this lens tonight, I will post up some pictures within the hour...

[oldvultureface]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3191/3113457665_7f5ea2830a.jpg

RebelChick, love the attitude in this one.

[JasonRussell]

WOW !!!!!!!! i had no idea it could focus so close
It doesnt focus that close. Its a 100% crop.

[stetsonaw]

I just picked up this lens tonight, I will post up some pictures within the hour...
time's up :D where's the pics?

[Matt Peters]

@ f/1.8

http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg8/matt-peters/_MG_3926.jpg

[WhyFi]

@ f/1.8

http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg8/matt-peters/_MG_3926.jpg
A) cool!
B) Why would you drink that, livin' in the UK?! :D

[Matt Peters]

A) Cheers
B) Cuz Stella is like drinking pee and I would not like to be associated with the idiots that do drink it, oh and I just love Bud tbh! :D

[HSK]

What about Kronie? :-P

[Matt Peters]

Gotta be Bud, and it just so happens that where we are bowling tonight they have it on tap, yummy!!!

[origamione]

It's fun to play around with this lens, took this one today, no PP, just resized & compressed down for web viewing.

http://www.wired.my/50D/IMG_1507.jpg

[HSK]

That is sweet, I love the green.

[RebelChick]

A) cool!
B) Why would you drink that, livin' in the UK?! :D

didnt you hear some Belgium comp. bought Budwieser? lol

[ThomasW]

The same company that owns Stella...

[davo_robbo]

didnt you hear some Belgium comp. bought Budwieser? lol

LOL.
i have a soft spot for some of the aussie boutique beers, not sure if gage roads or st arnou export but they have some amazing brews

merry christmas all!

[rohicks]

Me on the tattoo table.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3219/3133242883_2384df6b36.jpg

[AlanU]

Still gonna buy the 50mm 1.4 but without a doubt the nifty is a great fun prime.

http://i729.photobucket.com/albums/ww300/alan_u/MISC/IMG_3589.jpg

[Rachel B]

Two I took today wit the 30d:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3266/3136405979_3634e6a078_b.jpg
and this is a 100% crop:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3130/3137231954_983d9ca419_o.jpg

[morpheus6d9]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3291/3136837109_283e262479.jpg?v=0

[Sam N]

http://samn.zenfolio.com/img/v1/p100944833-4.jpg (http://samn.zenfolio.com/img/v1/p100944833.jpg)

http://samn.zenfolio.com/img/v1/p252460572-4.jpg (http://samn.zenfolio.com/img/v1/p252460572.jpg)

[roszell]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3234/3139385328_6d2e4699cc_o.jpg

[LiquidSword]

Just put an order for mine today. I've been deliberating on it for a while and decided to take the not so deep plunge. Will start posting pics as soon as it comes in.

[mantamark]

Not the sharpest, but i was just learning!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v255/mantamark/Canon%20eos%20400d/20-09-08%20Cornwall/img_0516edit.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v255/mantamark/Canon%20eos%20400d/20-09-08%20Cornwall/img_0335edit.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v255/mantamark/Canon%20eos%20400d/20-09-08%20Cornwall/img_0314edit.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v255/mantamark/Canon%20eos%20400d/20-09-08%20Cornwall/img_0277edit.jpg

[dissa9]

This is an amazing lens for the price :D

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3248/3141834234_1791b7e31f_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3209/3141838770_78913b960b_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3202/3141014133_e8d14115d8_b.jpg

[tjaudet829]

This is an amazing lens for the price :D

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3248/3141834234_1791b7e31f_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3209/3141838770_78913b960b_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3202/3141014133_e8d14115d8_b.jpg
Very nice photos!

[Grady69]

These are some of pics i took over christmas holiday.

[d1blet]

Here's my addition:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3106/3123238745_967d69c1d3.jpg

[oldvultureface]

Along the same line^.

http://i44.tinypic.com/xcj66x.jpg

[hmaren]

Yup - the focus is behind your baby, by quite a bit. Look at the baby's hand, and the chair that he's on. Its pretty nicely in focus behind. Could it be that you're not using single point focus? You might want to use that and aim it at the eyes.

Nik.

OK, so now I need to follow up with a super newbie question that may be appropriate for a different forum (if it is, please re-direct me).

I love the idea and effect of a narrow depth of field with lots of blur in the background, not to mention that a wide aperture will reduce my shutter speed - thus my purchase of the Nifty Fifty. The problem is, how do I know just how much or how little of my subject will be in focus? I am shooting from fairly close, just far enough to get my subject, usually my kid and whoever is posing with him, fully framed, and find in the shot that sometimes parts of a face will be out of focus, so I'm obviously too wide at that point. I'm looking for a magic formula that will tell me what f stop to use that will get exactly the depth of field I'm looking for, without too much background getting in there.

I know - go take a class.

[Smitty2001]

I love the idea and effect of a narrow depth of field with lots of blur in the background, not to mention that a wide aperture will reduce my shutter speed - thus my purchase of the Nifty Fifty. The problem is, how do I know just how much or how little of my subject will be in focus?


Hi, i'm in the same boat as you. Just recieved mine for a present and i'm still experimenting with mine. Here is some useful info i've found. Hope more people chime in and help you. :)

http://www.flickr.com/groups/canonxt/discuss/72157610638076379/

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=545349

[Rachel B]

It depends on where the subject is and where the backgound is, the further away the background from the subject the greater the blurryness

[JasonRussell]

It depends on where the subject is and where the backgound is, the further away the background from the subject the greater the blurryness
And the further you are away from your subject, the greater the DOF. More room for objects in focus.

[S-S]

OK, so now I need to follow up with a super newbie question that may be appropriate for a different forum (if it is, please re-direct me).

I love the idea and effect of a narrow depth of field with lots of blur in the background, not to mention that a wide aperture will reduce my shutter speed - thus my purchase of the Nifty Fifty. The problem is, how do I know just how much or how little of my subject will be in focus? I am shooting from fairly close, just far enough to get my subject, usually my kid and whoever is posing with him, fully framed, and find in the shot that sometimes parts of a face will be out of focus, so I'm obviously too wide at that point. I'm looking for a magic formula that will tell me what f stop to use that will get exactly the depth of field I'm looking for, without too much background getting in there.

I know - go take a class.

trial & error, you learn by experience
forget the class, get someone to sit for you and experiment

[polobreaka]

everyone takes such awesome pictures with this lens. im still struggling. i have the mk1 on 30d and im having a hard time taking sharp images.

[JoYork]

everyone takes such awesome pictures with this lens. im still struggling. i have the mk1 on 30d and im having a hard time taking sharp images.

Can you elaborate further, maybe post a sample photo or two?

Providing you have a high enough shutter speed and stop the lens down a little, the lens will take some nice crisp pictures. I've had a few photos which came out blurry but that was usually human error on my part - shutter speed too low or I missed the focus, etc.

[Gary Harris]

Looking at some of yalls pics, Im sold! Just ordered me one. :p

[hmaren]

And the further you are away from your subject, the greater the DOF. More room for objects in focus.

So for a portrait of a baby at f1.8, what's the ideal distance to keep his whole face in focus?
How much more leeway do I have if I move it up one stop?

Lastly, I find that the autofocus isn't always reliable - something that I've seen others complain about - and I, as a glasses wearer, haven't yet found the ideal diopter setting in my viewfinder that will guarantee me a reliable manual focus.

[oldvultureface]

So for a portrait of a baby at f1.8, what's the ideal distance to keep his whole face in focus?
How much more leeway do I have if I move it up one stop?

http://www.dofmaster.com/dofjs.html

This was taken at f/2.8 at close range. Her left hand is out of focus as is her hair on her right side.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/30404829@N03/3062148529/sizes/o/

[gabebalazs]

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r279/gabebalazs/Thorns.jpg

[hmaren]

http://www.dofmaster.com/dofjs.html

This was taken at f/2.8 at close range. Her left hand is out of focus as is her hair on her right side.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/30404829@N03/3062148529/sizes/o/

This DOF calculator is fantastic. Thank you so much.

[JasonRussell]

Looks like I was beaten to the link.

As you use it more and more you will get used to the DOF with faster lenses. If you fill the frame with a babies head you may want to shoot @ 2.2 or 2.5 to get more infocus.

Let me try and find a shot @ f2 or so.

[JasonRussell]

Here ya go. Even @ f2 his right eye is OOF. I should have been around 2.2-2.5 but this was just a snapshot from christmas with the family.

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f196/jasonsrussell/Portraits/IMG_6180-Edit.jpg

[Karizmatik]

http://www.kariz-matik.com/photography/IMG_5876-SML.jpg

[oldvultureface]

Karizmatik,

Nice bug.:)

[nik.hisham]

OK, so now I need to follow up with a super newbie question that may be appropriate for a different forum (if it is, please re-direct me).

I love the idea and effect of a narrow depth of field with lots of blur in the background, not to mention that a wide aperture will reduce my shutter speed - thus my purchase of the Nifty Fifty. The problem is, how do I know just how much or how little of my subject will be in focus? I am shooting from fairly close, just far enough to get my subject, usually my kid and whoever is posing with him, fully framed, and find in the shot that sometimes parts of a face will be out of focus, so I'm obviously too wide at that point. I'm looking for a magic formula that will tell me what f stop to use that will get exactly the depth of field I'm looking for, without too much background getting in there.

I know - go take a class.

Here's what works for me. If your target is filling the frame from waist up,
- shoot at f4 to get the entire head in focus.
- shoot at f2.8 to get one eye in focus (from the side) or the eyes in focus and and the nose OOF (if from the front)

If you're shooting scenery shoot at f/11 or so and use hyperfocal shooting to get everything in the frame in focus and sharp.

Anything below f/2.8 might be a bit soft to too soft, depending on your copy - but sometimes it can fun to play with in this range.

[Routinho]

Got mine a few days ago (together with my 40D). This is my son, 11 months old and used to his dad taking pictures !

[Domino81]

Took this yesterday at the family Christmas party.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v468/Domino81/IMG_7528.jpg

ISO 800, 1/250 sec, f/2.0, Canon 20D

[otpsyche]

playing hide and seek with my niece with my new 50mm..

[JasonRussell]

I think your lens isnt focusing properly :D

[USER876]

Just got one for christmas......here are some of the first few pics I took, just messing around

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pI858HPu_js/SVkQU9Er6iI/AAAAAAAACyM/btbkThxI_zQ/s800/IMG_1800fff.JPG

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_pI858HPu_js/SVkQTfPKjrI/AAAAAAAACyE/kZB9F-o78L0/s800/IMG_1786fffs.JPG

[otpsyche]

I think your lens isnt focusing properly :D

thanks for the advice, bro..hence im getting the hang of it..;)

[JasonRussell]

haha its all good. Just messing with you ;)

Its a fun lens and my go to in really low light stuff or if I just want to get rid of the background.

[bimbojr1]

Hi guys.. im new to this! i bought this lens a week ago thanks to you guys!! lol.. i love this lens.. im new in photography so any CC are welcome!
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3215/3147998194_cbccfa1185.jpg

[S-S]

youre doin well so far - you nailed that one

[WhyFi]

I love the focal length of the Fifty on a crop, so I'm always tempted to buy a better 50mm prime... but I also want to go FF, so I wonder if my 85 f/1.8 is going to become what my Fifty is now... ah, this damn hobby!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3256/3150564978_6921b12222.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/whyfinyc/3150564978/sizes/o/)

[JasonRussell]

my 85 is on my 5D 90% of the time. The 50, about 2%.

[poldoga]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3076/3108225736_90296a19e8.jpg?v=0

[DrMitch]

A trio of my more recent nifty-fifties...

My lovely wife...
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj195/dr_mitch/IMG_2403.jpg

My sister and niece...
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj195/dr_mitch/IMG_2372.jpg

Let sleeping dogs lay...
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj195/dr_mitch/IMG_2743.jpg

[Crime Dog]

New to the hobby, and you all convinced me...I ordered my copy today! :) Should have it Friday.

[origamione]

HANGING TOUGH!!

http://www.wired.my/50D/IMG_2018.jpg

[KeithLaFaille]

Straight out of the camera, adjusted WB in LR2, no more.

http://www.kerensky.net/pics/spikes1.jpg

http://www.kerensky.net/pics/spikes2.jpg

K

[mrerico]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3237/3153322832_256287dd2c.jpg?v=0

100% crop
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3252/3152486333_de5f803518.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3201/3153321180_b8b8d3b68a.jpg?v=0
100% crop
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3218/3153322942_2b463dab71.jpg?v=0

[stetsonaw]

buddy's father-in-law
f/4 1/60 bounced 430exII
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3217/3154716389_a5485459bd.jpg

[Rachel B]

A self portrait with my husband
Exposure: 0.005 sec (1/200)
Aperture: f/4
Focal Length: 50 mm
ISO Speed: 100
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3224/3155598446_90c5bac18f_b.jpg

[pridash]

HANGING TOUGH!!

http://www.wired.my/50D/IMG_2018.jpg

Excellent capture!

[photocrazy12]

HANGING TOUGH!!


Very nice!


100% crop



100% crop

Beautiful pictures.

A self portrait with my husband
Exposure: 0.005 sec (1/200)
Aperture: f/4
Focal Length: 50 mm
ISO Speed: 100

Nice photo, great smile!

[RNPoo7]

I used to really not like this lens because of the constant 50mm but after using my kit lens and seeing these pics here, I gotta get one!!

[gabebalazs]

Park in Toledo

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r279/gabebalazs/Trees50mm.jpg

[S-S]

i really like that one, it has a great mood

[rohicks]

New family member.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3198/3154168748_7e5bbd21bf.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3237/3154168524_6c6acd81f9.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3120/3154168298_dbc431164d.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3103/3154168058_863c6c272b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3244/3154167820_45a274899c.jpg

[S-S]

beautifully done ryan, you made the lens look like a more expensive version of itself :)
and LUV TEH KITTEH 2

[SheldonJace]

I absolutely love this lens!

http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq257/Sheldonjace/BreckatPismoBeach2-1.jpg?t=1230940798

http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq257/Sheldonjace/Seth.jpg?t=1230940838

http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq257/Sheldonjace/PismoPier.jpg?t=1230940884

[BoingoBongo]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0903/Surfungus/del.jpg

[sscamatt]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3153/2936459253_860485b52b.jpg?v=0

[hmaren]

Thanks to all who have responded to my inquiries.
I took this at Christmas.
f2.8 1/50 sec iso 1600

[dissembled]

I've been thinking of getting this lens but read that AF is pretty spotty. Alternative: Manual focusing. However, heard that MF is not a viable option with this lens due to its build. Is that true?

[BoingoBongo]

MF and AF are both fine, especially for an $80 lens. AF does tend to hunt a bit in extremely low light, but other than that it works fine. MF is fine too. The focus ring is a bit on the cheap side, but it works. You will not regret getting this lens, I promise.

I tend to stick with AF just because the depth of field is so shallow that I haven't quite mastered MF yet, haha.

[dissembled]

Thanks for the reply. Seeing a lot of sharp photos in this thread so I'm guessing that the AF is capable enough.

[DMcGrew]

Many of the photos in this thread are absolutely incredible. I just bought this lens to go with my new 5D2. Can't go wrong for only $85.

[BoingoBongo]

Thanks for the reply. Seeing a lot of sharp photos in this thread so I'm guessing that the AF is capable enough.

Definitely. This lens is tack sharp, and the AF works great as long as there's a little light around.

[JasonRussell]

I forced myself to use this lens alot today and I have to say it is a joy to use even on a 5D :)

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f196/jasonsrussell/Life/IMG_6328.jpg

[God-speed]

Hi everyone

I have no pictures to share as of yet but did order the nifty fifty. (Would have sooner but B&H website was down.)

I hope to receive the glass before I leave out of the country on vaction.

Pictures of course will be posted later on!

[SeinUndZeit]

It will be worth the wait as you can see from this thread. :D

[HSK]

http://www.flexing.plus.com/images/IMG_3442.jpg

http://www.flexing.plus.com/images/IMG_3445.jpg

http://www.flexing.plus.com/images/IMG_3446.jpg

[Strangely Brown]

About 9/10 years ago I had the 50mm Mk1 and loved it but times where hard in 2002 and I had to sell all of my photographic equipment. To this day I regret selling it :cry:

I have spent the last couple of years getting back in to Photography have only this week got round to ordering a Nifty Fifty.

Thanks guys for reminding me how great the 50mm lens is.

[Gary Harris]

So far I havent found the niche for the fifty, but I'm still a noob so it could be just me.

[rohicks]

Indianapolis Capital Building.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3121/3169670788_b7512cc28b.jpg

[mrerico]

Canon rebel xti with 50mm f/1.8 and homemade ringflash


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3261/3169342282_23e6c681b6.jpg?v=0

[jraggio]

100% crop of the above. To the left is the sidewalk in front of my home, and to the right you can see the pillars on my front porch. Love this lens.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v215/99allturbo/Misc%20pictures/IMG_0803_3_br_gr_cropped.jpg

I know this is an old post, but was wondering if somebody could explain how to get the whole picture in B&W and allowing color in the eyes. Is that as captured or photoshopped in some way?

Thanks,
John

[rohicks]

I know this is an old post, but was wondering if somebody could explain how to get the whole picture in B&W and allowing color in the eyes. Is that as captured or photoshopped in some way?

Thanks,
John

Duplicate the bg layer and desaturate/black and white.
Then add a layer mask to that layer and paint over the the eyes. TADA ;)

[Mark1]

I got this lens on Sunday. Should be here by wednesday!Cant wait, I have been thinking about it for about 6 months, no real reason to why I was waiting. But sunday I broke down and ordered it.

[jchargu3]

both on the 50 1.8 II

40D
IS3200 (expanded)
No flash used at all that night... Im trying to challenge myself to compose stuff using natural lighting and postprocess to look half decent

http://sharpshuttermedia.com/gallery/d/8456-4/Ybor1309-6.jpg (http://sharpshuttermedia.com/gallery/d/8454-2/Ybor1309-6.jpg)

Random Kids sitting on the bench for the whole 2 hours I was walking around so I finally stopped and handed them a card and asked to snap a photo
http://sharpshuttermedia.com/gallery/d/8459-4/Ybor1309-7.jpg (http://sharpshuttermedia.com/gallery/d/8457-2/Ybor1309-7.jpg)

[sagray]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3093/3164902033_986e9fedd5_o.jpg

Just natural evening light coming through a glass door. Lens wide open, ISO 3200, 1/160th. Slight sharpening and contrast adjustment in post.