EF 50mm f/1.8 Mk I vs EF 50mm f/1.4

[ShutterBugL]

I have the old 50mm f/1.8 Mk I and am considering upgrading to the 50mm f/1.4. I have looked around the web but have yet to see a comparison between the Mk 1 and the f1.4 versions.

Is the f/1.4 a good upgrade or should I wait for the new 50mm L?

[foto202]

I love my 50 1.4 . I can't justify the price of the 50L. I can't imagine that the difference will be worth it to me.

Having said that, I do own some expensive glass and I will one day purchase a 35L but the 50 1.4 delievers great results for the price.

[ShutterBugL]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, foto202.

In case anyone is interested, I just found this review comparing these 2 lens: here (http://www.prime-junta.net/pont/Reviews/g_Fifty_versus_fifty/a_Fifties_duel_--_f1.4_vs_f1.8.html).

After reading this, I think I'll wait for the 50mm L.

[Billginthekeys]

i really have to doubt that the 50 L is $1200 better than the 50 1.4, which is a great lens. i must doubt that there are many people that would agree with that article. not that the mk1 is a bad lens, but it has the same elements as the mkII. If you have the money for the 1.2L and need it, then okay, go ahead. although you might also consider the 35 1.2L or the 85 1.2L if you are going to spent that much.

[ShutterBugL]

Thanks, Billginthekeys. I'm not dismissing the 50 1.4 totally. I've merely postponed purchasing the 50 1.4 to see how far the 50 L will outperform it. I'm quite happy with the imaage quality of the Mk I right now but the noisy focussing mechanism is driving me nuts.

I'll check out the 35 1.2L. But I think the 85 is too long for me unless I go full frame -- but that's probably next year.

[Billginthekeys]

erm sorry, its a 35 1.4. typo. but it should cost a few hundred less than the new 50, and is definitly a great lens. Im looking at the 50 1.2L a little bit aswell, but it would have to do an amazingly significant job to get me to lay down the cash for it.

[em_dee_aitch]

When comparing 50mm lenses, don't forget that it's basically a boring lens, and that hackers have provided a way to spice things up...

Specifically, if you want to be a dork like me, go on eBay and buy yourself a nice 1970s vintage Leica Summicron 50/2.0 for dirt cheap, then get one of the various Leica R to EOS adapter rings, and experience the joy of stop down metering.

I've had fun shooting test targets, like postage stamps, with one of these things. You can find that an old junker Summicron can embarrass many of the modern L lenses in terms of optical quality... not a practical lens for moving objects or candids, but great fun when zone focusing at f/11 outdoors on vacation.

[cdifoto]

not a practical lens for moving objects or candids, but great fun when zone focusing at f/11 outdoors on vacation.

Defeating the entire purpose of buying fast glass. :rolleyes: :p

[em_dee_aitch]

Well, that depends on what body you have!

With the EOS-1 Series, you can buy an old school split reticle focus screen that actually allows accurate manual focusing, then you can shoot the Leica lens at f/2.0 wide open all day long and probably beat the pants off the Canon 1.8... However, I don't dis the Canon 1.4. Lol

[Dante King]

Go 50 1.4 for some many reasons. One that effects most is that sooner or later you will out grow it.

[René Damkot]

I have the old 50mm f/1.8 Mk I and am considering upgrading to the 50mm f/1.4. I have looked around the web but have yet to see a comparison between the Mk 1 and the f1.4 versions.
Here you go... (http://www.prime-junta.net/pont/Reviews/g_Fifty_versus_fifty/a_Fifties_duel_--_f1.4_vs_f1.8.html)

[sandro9mm]

yes its a good upgrade considering USM, AF on MK is damn slow and it sucks at night...

:)