50mm 1.8 II vs 50mm 1.8

[clos]

Hello all,

I am going to buy a Canon 50mm 1.8 II Lens and need some help.

What does the "II" in Canon 1.8 II mean?

I see some retailers describe the lens without the II. Is this a diferent lens?

If so what is the difference and which is better?

Thanks in advance.

-Clos

[slin100]

The 50/1.8 Mk II replaced the 50/1.8 Mk I. Optically, the two lenses are equivalent, which is to say, excellent.

The Mk II is cheaper, and its build construction reflects that. Canon did away with the distance scale and replaced the metal lens mount of the Mk I with a plastic mount. The Mk II focus ring was relocated to the front.

These cost reductions make the Mk II the best bang-for-the-buck lens offered by Canon.

The Mk I has been discontinued for years. You can be sure that any retailer that sells the 50mm is almost certainly selling the Mk II. There is still a healthy demand for Mk I lenses, and you can find a steady supply of them on Ebay. They seem to go for $80-120.