50mm 1.4 or L lense?

[yalemba]

I already have a 50mm f/1.4, but am considering purchasing an L lens (70-200) for general purpose photography including portraits. Can you experts compare the performance of the two lenses? Thanks.

[CyberDyneSystems]

I don't think any comparison between the 50 prime and the 70-200mm zoom is really pertinant... they are such different animals with different applications.

That said,. Canon's 70-200mm lenses are some the sharpest zooms made. If the intention of your question is concern as to whether the 70-200mm will live up to the expectations you have established based on your use fo the 50mm f/1.4...?

I would say it is a very safe bet that you will be satisfied.

[scottbergerphoto]

As CDS says above, it's like asking whether you need your arm or your leg. They are both great tools in your bag. Both with different purposes, both great lenses.
Scott

[DaveG]

yalemba wrote:
I already have a 50mm f/1.4, but am considering purchasing an L lens (70-200) for general purpose photography including portraits. Can you experts compare the performance of the two lenses? Thanks.

I think that you already have the portrait lens in the 50 and your IS zoom. The 70 to 200 will be a great
addition and although at 70 (effectively 112 mm) it could be used for portraits, the very
large size of this lens is going to make it awkward at best.

But it'll be great for everything else. I chose the 2.8 L, but not the IS version. I would
have liked IS but just didn't have the $ at the time. But the 2.8 part was very important to
me. You get the equivalent of a 320 f2.8!

Later I learned that the 10D will not autofocus with the f4 version and the 1.4 extender,
since lens is too slow it seems. And that is something to take into account.

[vvizard]

I don't think that's right. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think f/4 will autofocus with 1.4x. But it won't autofocus with the 2x.

[CyberDyneSystems]

Your right VVizard.

10D should focus with the an f/4 lens and a 1.4X t-con = f/5.6 :)

[DaveG]

vvizard wrote:
I don't think that's right. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think f/4 will autofocus with 1.4x. But it won't autofocus with the 2x.

I thought that the magic aperture was f4 for AF with the 10D, not 5.6.