50mm

[Whaler]

Which one should I buy? Priority #1 is optical quality everything I've read indicates that the 1.4 and 2.5 are about the same but, the 2.5 is not USM. Is the 1.8 as good as the aforementioned.

:?: 50mm 1.4

:?: 50mm 1.8

:?: 50mm 2.5 macro

[defordphoto]

If you have the cash, get the 1.4. It is the better lens. There are better macro choices out there than the 2.5, IMO. I have the 50 f/1.8, but will be getting the 1.4 in the near future.

[richpix]

Which one should I buy? Priority #1 is optical quality everything I've read indicates that the 1.4 and 2.5 are about the same but, the 2.5 is not USM. Is the 1.8 as good as the aforementioned.

:?: 50mm 1.4

:?: 50mm 1.8

:?: 50mm 2.5 macro

Comparing the 50mm f/1.4 to the 50mm macro is to compare different varieties of apples--not as extreme as comparing apples to oranges. The lenses are designed for different purposes, but both have excellent optical quality as you point out.

The 1.4 is great for low-light situations and general use, but can't do macro work without adapters. The macro is optimized for close-up work, but can be used for general work. I'm guessing here, but I believe the 1.4 is quicker focusing, because it has less range to focus through.

It comes down to what will suit your style of photography--what you plan to do with the lens. I have the 50mm 1.4 and prefer the 100mm f/2.8 for macro work--it gives me a little more distance from the subject.

[JZaun]

I can only comment on the 50mm macro.. I had a 50mm Sigma macro and found that you just had to get too close to the subject! I returned it even though it took good pic's and ordered a 100mm Canon macro. You don't have to get so close to get 1:1 macro. You didn't state brand but the canon 50mm macro is a 1:2 ratio not a 1:1. You need a $$$ adapter to get 1:1 :?

Hope this helps!

JZ

[scottbergerphoto]

If you have the cash, get the 1.4. It is the better lens. There are better macro choices out there than the 2.5, IMO. I have the 50 f/1.8, but will be getting the 1.4 in the near future.
I agree. If you have the cash, buy the 1.4, if not the 1.8 is pretty close in optical quality, less so in build quality.
Scott

[AzzKicker]

I have the 50mm 2.5 macro and its very good for closeup work like others have stated. But anything beyond a few feet it doesnt seem to capture well. At least in my case. For example I wouldnt use it for landscapes etc. Now for Portrait shots where you want to get above shoulder shots its very good.

[Haifidelity]

If you have the money, go for the 50mm f/1.4. I have this and the 50mm f/1.8 MKI and for USM and better build quality, I believe it's worth it. The bokeh on the 50mm f/1.4 is outstanding compared to the 50mm f/1.8 MKI, but there's no doubt that the f/1.8 is the value champ.

I'd nix the 50mm macro and would preffer to work in the 100mm Macro range to give some distance to he subject.

Ultimately though--ALL LENSES YOU MENTIONED ARE RAZOR SHARP!

-hza

[chris.bailey]

Another 1.4 endorsement if you can run to it. Build quality is better than the 1.8 and the 1.4 has USM so faster and quieter focusing.

[Whaler]

Thank you for your input. . . . the 1.4 it is. :D

[Haifidelity]

Another 1.4 endorsement if you can run to it. Build quality is better than the 1.8 and the 1.4 has USM so faster and quieter focusing.

Chris, I wouldn't say the f/1.4's Micro-USM is any faster than the AFD's motor on the f/1.8, but is is quieter and has FT-M..!

-hza

[Bruce Hamilton]

Thank you for your input. . . . the 1.4 it is. :D
Out of curiosity... You sig says you have the 1.8... Do you need the 1.4 too? :wink:

[CyberDyneSystems]

....And it's the "Thrifty Fifty" :)

[dtsang831]

Just received my 50mm f1.4 a couple of days ago and I like this lens a lot. It's sharp! But I quickly discovered that the built quality is not as solid as my other lenses (17-40L, 100 Macro USM & 70-200L f4).... Well, the foucusing ring is not as smooth and tight. Overall, a great lens!

[Whaler]

A member of this board did me a HUGE favor. So, I gave him the "Nifty Fifty" as a thank you gift. I just have not updated my profile. :) Profile updated. 8)

[evilenglishman]

if your priority is quality why don't you go mad and buy the 50mm f/1.0 L USM