Canon EF 50/1.8 II

[johnmate]

In a previous post I had some comments on my 28-80 lens with the 10D.
(http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=22257).

Some adviced to buy as a starter the Canon EF 50/1.8 II lens. Picked it up yesterday at the store (they had it in stock), and made some testpictures. And I must say the pictures are better. But I have to get used to the lens.

I put some experiment pictures online so you can see for yourself:

http://www.mateboer.com/digitalgallery/50mm/

Thanks again for the advice! :)

[bobmatt]

I bought the same lens today but haven't had a chance to give it a good try yet but will keep you posted on the results.

[Jim_T]

Yes.. I have one. I don't use it much. I just got it because it's a "Must have".

The build is ultra cheap, but the pictures are very sharp when you stop it down a bit..

I've never tried close up shots like you did.. It says the min focusing distance is 1.5 feet so that's probably what you were shooting at.

Your shots look good... You can really see the shallow depth of field from the wide aperture.

[JABACo]

Your shots look good. I'm about to buy an EF 50mm f/1.8 and an EF 85mm f/1.8 for low lighting sports action shots.

[Jim Larson]

I never used my 50/1.8 much on my film slr.

On my 10D, however, the 50 has become my favorite lens for portraits. :lol: Once I got a 24/2.8, I put away my 28-105 zoom and have not looked back.

Switching between two primes is not so bad. The cheap primes will fit in a pocket.

[Ballen Photo]

In a previous post I had some comments on my 28-80 lens with the 10D.
(http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=22257).

Some adviced to buy as a starter the Canon EF 50/1.8 II lens. Picked it up yesterday at the store (they had it in stock), and made some testpictures. And I must say the pictures are better. But I have to get used to the lens.

I put some experiment pictures online so you can see for yourself:

http://www.mateboer.com/digitalgallery/50mm/

Thanks again for the advice! :)

John,
That's a great prime lens for not a lot. You've made a wise decision in picking this lens up as you're already demonstrating with your photos.
Enjoy,
Bruce

[psk4363]

:D That's convinced me about the 50mm 1.8 - I'll be adding that lens to the 17-40L that I'm getting on Monday when I visit the States. I mean $70 for such a bright, sharp lens - good deal methinks!

Cheers,
Barry

[MrKickalot]

Thanks a lot for the sample pictures!! Now you have made my wait to get mine even worse!! LOL!! UPS says I get it tomorrow!! I want it today!!!Glad to see your pictures to back up all the good talk about the lens!!

[OviV]

I got one for xmas and I have had mixed results with it. Most of my problem seem to be related to focus (it tends to front focus). I'm sure it is something I am doing wrong. Here is an example:

http://www.shareapicture.com/vsalbum/getpic.aspx?fld=\OviV\2003-12-25%20Christmas&pic=113_1317_RT8.jpg&W=640&H=480&OV =0

[slin100]

I have a 50/1.8 Mk I and it tends to front focus slightly, as well. Front focus is easier to compensate for than back focus because the depth of field behind the focus point is deeper than in front. I used to have a Canon 24/2.8 which back focused so badly I had to return it.

What aperature did you use for that shot? It looks like the shot was taken close to wide open. It's possible that the depth of field was too shallow to capture both faces in focus even if focus had been perfect.

[fwhitesides]

Switching between two primes is not so bad. The cheap primes will fit in a pocket.

I hear that. Back when I was shooting film, I had 4 lenses in my bag: 28mm f/2.8, 35mm f/2, 50mm f/1.4, and 85mm f/1.8. I found that there was almost I nothing I couldn't do with that combo. Once you get used to it, switching lenses on the fly is quick and easy. Also, primes are almost always faster than zooms and in many cases give sharper results.

[Belmondo]

I hear that. Back when I was shooting film, I had 4 lenses in my bag: 28mm f/2.8, 35mm f/2, 50mm f/1.4, and 85mm f/1.8. I found that there was almost I nothing I couldn't do with that combo. Once you get used to it, switching lenses on the fly is quick and easy. Also, primes are almost always faster than zooms and in many cases give sharper results.

The downside to all that lens-swapping is the possibility of attracting dust. This is not necessarily a huge problem, but enough of one that I try to pick and choose pretty carefully when and where I change lenses. I don't know if the world is just getting cleaner or what, but I find I have much less trouble with dust on the sensor than before.

[OviV]

Slim,

That one was pretty wide open (2.2) but I have noticed similar results with some that weren't. I'll have to do some more experimentation.

Ovi

[slejhamer]

I think this is a great lens for the price. Wide open it's a little soft, but that is to be expected.

I posted some martial arts pics, all taken with this lens at f/1.8 under dim, mixed lighting: http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=22756&highlight=

No focus problems that I have noticed.

[CyberDyneSystems]

It is simply the best deal in ANY lens on the market... :)

[Jim Larson]

Slim,

That one was pretty wide open (2.2) but I have noticed similar results with some that weren't. I'll have to do some more experimentation.

Depth of field for 10D, 50mm lens, F2.2 at three feet: 1 inch

If you focused on the girls nose, the girls ears would be out of focus.
You need a F8 to get a full 4 inches DOF. (or a 35mm at F4)

[OviV]

Thanks Jim. Where can I get info on making those types of calculations?

Ovi

[MrKickalot]

I think this is a great lens for the price. Wide open it's a little soft, but that is to be expected.

I posted some martial arts pics, all taken with this lens at f/1.8 under dim, mixed lighting: http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=22756&highlight=

No focus problems that I have noticed.

That's lucky for me!!! I bought this lens specifically to take pictures at Martial Arts events!!! Thanks for posting the pictures!

[Jim_T]

Thanks Jim. Where can I get info on making those types of calculations?


I'm a different Jim :) ... But here's a good site..

http://dfleming.ameranet.com/dofjs.html

[slejhamer]

That's lucky for me!!! I bought this lens specifically to take pictures at Martial Arts events!!! Thanks for posting the pictures!

MrKickalot - You will like the lens for MA shoots. I sent you a PM with some other info - be sure to check your messages.
Cheers,