How important is bokeh?

[fwhitesides]

I just read a good article that explains bokeh (beware the pop-ups):

http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/bokeh.htm

I was wondering if any of you consider or test for bokeh when you are choosing a new lens?

Also, do you think it is possible that filters (like UV and Skylight) could have an effect on bokeh?

[slin100]

Check this article (http://www.photo.net/equipment/canon/ef50/) out to see the relative performance of the Canon 50/1.4 and 50/1.8. I found this article very illustrative of the dramatic differences between the bokeh of two similar lenses.

It certainly gave me pause to consider purchasing the 50/1.4. In the end, I purchased a very nice 50/1.8 Mk I and have not regretted the decision.

[scottbergerphoto]

Check this article (http://www.photo.net/equipment/canon/ef50/) out to see the relative performance of the Canon 50/1.4 and 50/1.8. I found this article very illustrative of the dramatic differences between the bokeh of two similar lenses.

It certainly gave me pause to consider purchasing the 50/1.4. In the end, I purchased a very nice 50/1.8 Mk I and have not regretted the decision.
Since you mentioned the 50mm f/1.4, here's a shot I did on Saturday with that lens:
http://www.pbase.com/image/25457142.jpg
Scott

[ifurlong]

I think boken is very important, I was blown away after seeing the first few shots taken with my new 70-200L, the boken is very nice

[Scottes]

Slin that's a very nice article. I'd never seen a comparison like that - it was very informative.

[fwhitesides]

Slin that's a very nice article. I'd never seen a comparison like that - it was very informative.

I agree. That was a damn good article. Thanks.

[figment]

http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/bokeh.htm


I wonder if this is a good illustration...? lens: 2.8 70-200mm USM L

http://figment.smugmug.com/photos/1428020-M.jpg

the focus looks like a circular crop to me

[Tom W]

Check this article (http://www.photo.net/equipment/canon/ef50/) out to see the relative performance of the Canon 50/1.4 and 50/1.8. I found this article very illustrative of the dramatic differences between the bokeh of two similar lenses.

It certainly gave me pause to consider purchasing the 50/1.4. In the end, I purchased a very nice 50/1.8 Mk I and have not regretted the decision.

Interesting article, Slin100. I could see some difference in bokeh between the two lenses, but I wasn't able to clearly say that the 1.4 would qualify as "better". The margin of differerce, to me, wasn't that important.

Now, there are other reasons to prefer the 1.4 over the 1.8, including the metal mount, the extra stop, the full-time manual focus, and the slightly better contrast. In this particular comparison, the bokeh wouldn't sway me one way or the other.