Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM

[Full-Frame]

I have been umming and aaaring over this lens for weeks and yesterday I finally took the plunge and ordered one.

It arrived this morning and I must say... I'm not disappointed!

The build is absolutely beautiful. It's solid, but well balanced on my 5D. The focus ring is slightly stiffer than I'm used to, but I think this is a good thing. With such a wide maximum aperture, focus is critical and I find the added friction makes accurate manual focusing easier.

I'm also very impressed with the auto-focus. With such heavy elements to shift, I was expecting the USM to be very sluggish. Ok, it might not be lightning fast but I think it does well!

As for performance, so far so good. I've tried almost everything I can think of to re-create a focus issue, but I'm convinced (with this copy at least) that there isn't one.

Thanks everyone for you reviews so far! You helped me to make a good decision :-)

And finally an image...


http://martinneep.zenfolio.com/img/v1/p1049267243-5.jpg

EOS 5D - 50mm - 1/200's - f/1.2 - ISO 1000

[Full-Frame]

Sorry, I couldn't resist. Here's another...


http://martinneep.zenfolio.com/img/v1/p931481826-4.jpg

[aridan]

Thanks :)

I love the window shopping shot! :D

aridan, very clean and simple. I like the serenity!

I went to Vegas/Alamo this past weekend & took only my 5D + 50L! No regrets!





http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3121/2736629668_9e2cdfb3af.jpg?v=0

[Full-Frame]

Oh dear, maybe I spoke to soon....? (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=548879)

[Canonised]

Hi All

Pardon if this is a shill that is not permitted but just wanted to ask 85L & 50L owners to take a poll I posted HERE (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=550136) - about ownership and usage. Thanks!

Cheers

[Ironforge]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3137/2727306954_d4ab6db794.jpg

[Nordly]

Ironforge, absolutely stunning image! Spectacular choice of lighting.

[Ironforge]

Ironforge, absolutely stunning image! Spectacular choice of lighting.

Thank you, Nordly.

[stenchcroft]

Just got back from the Lake Tahoe Concours d'Elegance, here are a few wide open. The only other lens I brought with me was my new 180mm 3.5L and man, that thing is sharp. I wish I could get the hit/miss ratio of the 180L on this 50mm 1.2L wide open! For me nothing compares to the weird frozen quality of this lens at 1.2 though. I can put up with all the weirdness and hassle if I get one of these shots once in a while.

http://www.stenchcroft.com/images/_MG_7857.jpg

http://www.stenchcroft.com/images/_MG_7839.jpg

http://www.stenchcroft.com/images/_MG_7764.jpg

[nicksan]

I know what you mean. It just has that certain magical pop to it.
This is what's keeping me from getting rid of mine!

Just got back from the Lake Tahoe Concours d'Elegance, here are a few wide open. The only other lens I brought with me was my new 180mm 3.5L and man, that thing is sharp. I wish I could get the hit/miss ratio of the 180L on this 50mm 1.2L wide open! For me nothing compares to the weird frozen quality of this lens at 1.2 though. I can put up with all the weirdness and hassle if I get one of these shots once in a while.

http://www.stenchcroft.com/images/_MG_7857.jpg

http://www.stenchcroft.com/images/_MG_7839.jpg

http://www.stenchcroft.com/images/_MG_7764.jpg

[tiktaalik]

I had a Canon 50 f/1.4 but wasn't happy with the build or focus speed. I tried the Sigma 50 f/1.4 but my copy at least had very poor image quality (lovely build, though). So after worrying and debating I got the 50 1.2L. And I love it.

The only thing wrong with it is that I'm really liking f/1.2 and I'm starting to look at the 85 f/1.2....

http://www.pbase.com/image/100807619/large.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/image/101463753.jpg

[WillK]

Hi,

I am thinking about getting this lens, just wondering if anyone use this lens for close up portrait work?

[TheGreatDivorce]

I use it close-up pretty frequently, and I'm sure a lot of other people do, too. How close are you talking?

[wimg]

Hi,

I am thinking about getting this lens, just wondering if anyone use this lens for close up portrait work?
I do. It is the main purpose of this lens for me, low light close up shooting, IOW, in the so-called danger zone of this lens. This is why I did test 5 copies in total of this lens, and just had my 50L calibrated by Canon.

All is well by now, except under fluorescent lighting at 50Hz. I'll do some more testing, but other than the fluorescent lighting problem, which I think is an AF rather than a lens problem, so far so good.

Kind regards, Wim

[thatkatmat]

Yup, me too, use it for close up work all the time, that's where you find the silky bokeh. Isolating subjects is this lens' strong point.

[WillK]

thanks for your replies!

had another question...what date codes exhibited the whole focus shift thing? thinking of picking up a used one, just want to make sure about everything before i buy.

[wimg]

thanks for your replies!

had another question...what date codes exhibited the whole focus shift thing? thinking of picking up a used one, just want to make sure about everything before i buy.
Prior to UV07, the focus shift did show up a fair amount, actually on all copies I tested personally with codes prior to UV07 (3 out of 5). Several people did report they had good specimens, though, with either no focus shift, or to such a degree that it wasn't a problem.

However, people have also indicated that Canon can fix those when you send them in. It does seem that there is some occurrence of "regular" back focus now, however. Not by a lot generally speaking, but you have to watch it carefully. Both specimens I tried with newer codes had it, one slightly more than the other, but if you have enough time, you can easily work around it. I had one instance, one shoot, where I couldn't, so I decided to sent it in for calibration. It looks like it is fixed now, save for the fluorescent light problem I mentioned already, which seems to be an AF problem more than a lens problem.

Anyway, both in daylight and in tungsten lighting there seems to be a slight residual of focus shift at F/2 and F/2.8 in the "danger zone", but it is so small, that it falls within DoF, even at those apertures. Note that at F/2 and F/2.8 "traditionally" the largest focus shifts occurred within the "danger zone".

Kind regards, Wim

[Nordly]

Interesting mention, Wim - I've found a very slight backfocus on my brand new copy indeed. Nothing I'm terribly bothered about it, but it's there.

I clearly failed spectacularly at capturing any of the meteors from the shower tonight on frame, however still an evening well spent.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3020/2755768825_890185a570.jpg?v=0

And one from sin city!
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3155/2755766917_eb3dc8f694.jpg?v=0

[davo_robbo]

i just talked to my parents and they agreed to buy the 50L for me as a christmas/18th bday pressie!!!

i'll have it in less than 4 months!!!!!!

(big moment for me :])

its going to pOOn on the 5D too :D

[WillK]

how fast is the AF on this lens. Would it be close to the other L primes? or as slow at the 85L?

[TheGreatDivorce]

nice Dave!

Will, it's noticeably faster than the 85. Maybe a little slower than some of the other L primes. But AF speed isn't a limiting factor with it, IMO.

[WillK]

nice Dave!

Will, it's noticeably faster than the 85. Maybe a little slower than some of the other L primes. But AF speed isn't a limiting factor with it, IMO.



whoa, that was quick! thanks for reply! I will probably end up ordering one sometime this week seeing that B&H just got some in:D

[wimg]

whoa, that was quick! thanks for reply! I will probably end up ordering one sometime this week seeing that B&H just got some in:D
It is a similar construction to the 85L, USM-wise, minus the floating element, and with a lot less glass, weight wise. Hence a lot faster than the 85L.

It is slower than the F/4L zooms, faster than the AFD and most, if not all, micro-USM lenses, with very good repeatable AF, and very accurate AF, when calibrated properly :D.

Kind regards, Wim

[Nordly]

Eurgh, I love this lens more with everyday! True love!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3156/2766894150_445b013dd3.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3133/2766894720_e7157ec4a3.jpg?v=0

[TheGreatDivorce]

that first one is really nice, Nordly. i like the warmth.

[Phiberglass]

Wow! These shots are so great and sharp! Bokeh makes me droooool.

[Nordly]

Many thanks, gents. The sharpness is wonderful stopped down even just a touch. But the bokeh always superb. ;)

[joshbehan]

I just got my 50L a couple days ago...do you guys shoot it wide open mostly? I'm pretty excited to use it for today's wedding.

[fumanchewable]

canonised, you answered your own question. you don't use the focal length, so why bother with the 50?

[wimg]

I just got my 50L a couple days ago...do you guys shoot it wide open mostly? I'm pretty excited to use it for today's wedding.
Personally, I use it mostly from F/1.4 to F/2, in low light. occasionally at F/1.2, but DoF is generally too shallow at F/1.2, and it is very hard to nail a subject within DoF at F/1.2.

However, you can use it any aperture, no problem. It just has that typical L-look to it, colour, contrast, sharpness, and pop, and it has incredible bokeh as well.

Kind regards, Wim

[deci]

CC welcome
http://www.black-cat-gfx.co.uk/potn/potn-3382.jpg

[joshbehan]

Personally, I use it mostly from F/1.4 to F/2, in low light. occasionally at F/1.2, but DoF is generally too shallow at F/1.2, and it is very hard to nail a subject within DoF at F/1.2.

However, you can use it any aperture, no problem. It just has that typical L-look to it, colour, contrast, sharpness, and pop, and it has incredible bokeh as well.

Kind regards, Wim

Thanks, I used it at tonight's wedding, mostly between 1.4 and 2.0, and it was incredible, I'm in love. Thanks for the advice

[WillK]

So the big brown truck came and dropped off my 50L....can't wait to shoot with this lens over the weekend!:D

[Harleypugs]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3204/2757319839_3c2f855aa3.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3277/2757319617_cc3c328b66.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3003/2758153546_7116abfcca.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3237/2757317519_b3d0fe9955.jpg

[thatkatmat]

Wow Jon, you're putting out some outstanding images with your new toy...That first one is right up my alley..;)

[WillK]

ok, my photos don't really look as sharp as my 85L. Is that normal? Just trying to make sure.;) Maybe I have been spoiled by the 85L =P

[thatkatmat]

No, the 50L will not be as sharp as the 85L, in fact, I don't think any high aperture prime under 200mm will be as sharp as your 85L.

[WillK]

No, the 50L will not be as sharp as the 85L, in fact, I don't think any high aperture prime under 200mm will be as sharp as your 85L.

thanks for your reply, I just want to make sure my 50L is performing the way it is supposed to...does this look okay?
normal? soft? etc....

[thatkatmat]

Can't tell, too small, eyes have a nice shine in them...... super cute. let me guess....4 yrs old?

[WillK]

Can't tell, too small, eyes have a nice shine in them...... super cute. let me guess....4 yrs old?


thank you, she IS 4!

added bigger pic

[wimg]

thanks for your reply, I just want to make sure my 50L is performing the way it is supposed to...does this look okay?
normal? soft? etc....

Looks fine to me for F/1.2 and the shallow DoF that comes with that. Look at her lips, eyes, hand and sandwich. Very sharp, within DoF that is.

And cute :D.

Kind regards, Wim

[WillK]

Looks fine to me for F/1.2 and the shallow DoF that comes with that. Look at her lips, eyes, hand and sandwich. Very sharp, within DoF that is.

And cute :D.

Kind regards, Wim


whew! i was a little worried, still not sharp as my 85L, but just wanted to make sure that it was acceptable. The learning curve on the 50L seems harder than the 85L.

Here is another pic I took today

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3294/2791178980_11df2a606d_b.jpg

cropped :
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3036/2791178990_40cb26cf81_b.jpg

sorry for the big pics

[Harleypugs]

Wow Jon, you're putting out some outstanding images with your new toy...That first one is right up my alley..;)


Thanks...;)

[nicksan]

If this is wide open, then I would say this is typical of this lens.

And yes, the 50L will have more of a learning curve than the 85L...you can get closer to the subject hence the DoF will be that much narrower...

I can get tack sharp images on my 85L on a regular basis. Not so difficult. But at times I struggle with the 50L.


whew! i was a little worried, still not sharp as my 85L, but just wanted to make sure that it was acceptable. The learning curve on the 50L seems harder than the 85L.

Here is another pic I took today

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3294/2791178980_11df2a606d_b.jpg

cropped :
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3036/2791178990_40cb26cf81_b.jpg

sorry for the big pics

[TheGreatDivorce]

omgfilm - Fuji 400H
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v680/ixoye/cordells-fuji400h-0018lrz.jpg

for once i couldn't decide between b+w or color.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v680/ixoye/cordell-discoverypark-0114lrz.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v680/ixoye/cordell-discoverypark-0114bwlrz.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v680/ixoye/cordell-discoverypark-0122lrz.jpg

[Nordly]

Excellent shots, Ryan! I absolutely do love the colour there!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3080/2834809535_13151835ed.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3203/2834807377_d643f0eaf6.jpg

[TheGreatDivorce]

thanks! that 2nd shot is sweeeet. love the star trails.

[Luminodio]

Excellent shots, Ryan! I absolutely do love the colour there!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3080/2834809535_13151835ed.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3203/2834807377_d643f0eaf6.jpg
now this is a new approach to using this lens that many don't see often. personally, the first does it for me. however, the second is no slouch and is just as nice.

i just happen to like the composition of the first just a bit more. :)

thanks for contributing!

[SoaringUSAEagle]

Dylan is my mom and dad’s newest addition to the family - an 11 week old Australian Shepherd / Border Collie mix. He’s pretty much the coolest pup I have seen in a while. He is very energetic and loving.

http://blog.jeffreyallred.com/images/dylan.jpg

http://blog.jeffreyallred.com/images/dylan2.jpg

It was nearly dark when I shot this last night so I had to bump up the ISO on my Canon EOS 1D Mark III and it definitely handles noise very well! These were shot with my 50mm f/1.2 at f/1.8, 1/85 and 1/100 at ISO 2500. I’ll get some more shots soon!

[BenJammin]

for once i couldn't decide between b+w or color.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v680/ixoye/cordell-discoverypark-0114lrz.jpg

I like the color:D

[Harleypugs]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3260/2645952515_41b944fc9b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3105/2668905736_d273410d74.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3091/2696216646_d26ee82c65.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3185/2709810651_459d9608d4.jpg

[thatkatmat]

Great shots Jon, the color in #2 is spectacular, love those deep blue's.... I'm also partial to the belly button in #3:p
Look at you, so close to the trinity, any plans for the 24 or 35L's?

[Harleypugs]

Thanks.

Trying to get a 85L...but it will cost me one or two of the others....

I love this combo...but want to play with the 85....

[thatkatmat]

Tell you what, i've had both versions of the 85L, If you don't want to spend 16-1700 just get the version 1, it is everybit of lens the 85mk2 is (IQ wise).....Anyways, keep em comming with the 50L, looking great, as per usual

[chmod]

1Ds Mark 3, f/1.2 for both shots.

MacCallum House, Mendocino celebrating our 30th anniversary.

<poof> the time flies folks, so we document its passage with this gear!

regards,
chmod

http://www.idyll.com/linkage/mendo2_1024.JPG


http://www.idyll.com/linkage/mendo_1024.JPG

[cwphoto]

EOS-1D Mark III, 50/1.2, ISO 100, 1/500s @ f/2:
http://www.dcresource.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=40477&stc=1&d=1222699536

EOS-1D Mark III, 50/1.2, ISO 200, 1/1,000s @ f/2:
http://www.dcresource.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=40481&stc=1&d=1222700461

[thatkatmat]

Nice shots, great looking couple, really like the lines and cobblestones in #2

[davo_robbo]

this thread is killing me!
she will be mine! (less than 2 months to go :D)

[whoisvolos]

My one. 5D, f1.2

[tomhide]

Just got my 50mm f1.2 today~ wohoo~ :cool:
After lurking around this thread and 85mm f1.2 for a while, I decided to go with this lens instead of 85mm. Something about 50mm focal length that grabs me.
Anywas I took few random shots after picking it up from the shop. I have the f1.4 but this out peforms it easy on both the image quality and build.
To be honest when i was researching this lens, I was not able to spot that much of difference in image quality from the sample images on the web but the difference is pretty clear on my monitor. I still take crappy photos but they are now in higher image quality :lol:
I have feeling this will not leave the 5D for some time :)

http://img442.imageshack.us/img442/4259/mg2788copyat8.jpg

http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/4585/mg2816smlrevxv9.jpg

http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/6334/mg2823smel5.jpg

http://img505.imageshack.us/img505/83/mg2837smlhr2.jpg

[ErikM]

Better update that sig :D

[tomhide]

Done! :)

[frostyIntrepid]

http://spencertan.com/others/SEASA_20080920_0039.jpg

[GMCPhotographics]

Hmmmm when ever I see shots from this lens, It makes me think that this lens is greater than the sum of it's parts. Some lenses produce a charector beyond their paper specs, and I'm convinced that this lens is in that league. These images make me think that it's a wider version of the 85mm f1.2 II L, it has the same charector. I think I'll invest in one of these for next year's wedding season.

[single_track]

No question it is a great lens, I wish I had it. I, however, believe that most of the 'more than the sum of parts' magic comes from the operator rather than the lens itself. I believe the greatest reason that L's outperform the others is because they tend to get used by the most experienced photographers.The avergae L shot is better because the average L user is better. They know how to best control focus, flare, contrast, composition and DOF.Just my opinion.
Edited: To be clear, I may own a L (70-200f4 IS) but I am not one of the better photographers.

[x2x3x4x5x]

While L shooters are typically at least above average, photography is so technology driven I do believe the f/1.2L primes aid in producing surreal images.

[JAcosta]

I just got some film scanned from a impromptu shoot with my girlfreind. I used the 50L between f/1.2 - f/1.6. Mostly f/1.2.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3164/2929967077_c89249b1b6_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3061/2930824650_777d0c4353_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3235/2930824922_8b3befab4a_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3291/2929967967_f6ea72b74c_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3062/2930825546_aa48016507_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3031/2929968527_237d3dd1a0_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3020/2930826064_b7831453ce_b.jpg

Provia 100f pushed to 200. I got the scanning professionally done and they were plenty underexposed when I got them back. The actual prints I have from these are phenomenal, and seeing them online doesnt do it justice.

[davo_robbo]

wow, 5th shot surely does it for me!
beautiful pose and light and the grain is just so organic!

[tomhide]

Wonderful shots JACosta!
I loove the look of film as well.

[JAcosta]

Thanks guys :)

[The Ghost of FM]

Some great pictures here! Nice work, everybody! ;)

I just got my 50L on Saturday and found that this lens is also good for guitar portraits too! :D

Cheers! :)



http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h250/thefontmeister/IMG_5484Custom.jpg

[thatkatmat]

Nice shot, loved my old SG

[The Ghost of FM]

Nice shot, loved my old SG
Thanks! :D

Mine's a 74'. What year was yours and why did you get rid of it?

Cheers!

[thatkatmat]

Thanks! :D

Mine's a 74'. What year was yours and why did you get rid of it?

Cheers!

Had a 70' many years ago (15-20) I switched to a Les Paul Custom and a Strat. Sold the Strat for Camera gear last year and will hold onto my 80' Les Paul forever. still miss my Walnut SG though:)

[paddycook]

My first post!

This is my wife and youngest son at Half Moon Bay

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3296/2942761877_342c40e925_o.jpg

[thatkatmat]

That's a nice shot, just doin' their thing, enjoying the company and the scenery

[paddycook]

Thanks!

[thatkatmat]

Welcome to POTN, lets see more:)

[TheGreatDivorce]

took a trip to sunriver and san diego, and only used the 50L. love it! all wide open except maybe 1 or 2 at f/1.4.

LOADS more with only the 50L on this post (http://ryanflynnphoto.blogspot.com/2008/10/seattle-sunriver-san-diego.html)!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v680/ixoye/_MG_2077-210lrz.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v680/ixoye/_MG_1989-196lrz.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v680/ixoye/_MG_1603-99lrz.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v680/ixoye/_MG_1779-137lrz.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v680/ixoye/_MG_1836-158lrz.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v680/ixoye/_MG_1867-167lrz.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v680/ixoye/_MG_1127-1lrz.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v680/ixoye/_MG_1164-10lrz.jpg

[The Ghost of FM]

Beautiful series, Ryan!

VERY inspirational! ;)

Cheers!

[TheGreatDivorce]

cheers Casper ;)

[tomhide]

Yeah great looking shots, Ryan!

[MichSt]

A few shots from the fall wonderland in Michgan...

1.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3233/2948439560_5ec1388747_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/marioq/2948439560/in/pool-canon5d)

2.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3241/2947583833_22e4c30fc8_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/marioq/2947583833/)

3.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3072/2948439462_62646e1d4d_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/marioq/2948439462/)

[nicksan]

Wow. Some incredible shots here.
When the 50L's Af behaves correctly, it's such a sweet lens.

[The Ghost of FM]

Nice work, Mario! ;)

Cheers!

[sboerup]

New favorite lens!

One of my very first shots with this. Superb bokeh, contrast and shapness. It has now passed my 85L in favorite-ness.

http://www.spencerboerup.com/blog/images/posts/10.16.08/Amber.Snake-001.jpg

[x2x3x4x5x]

Excellent shot.

[SoaringUSAEagle]

A few shots from the fall wonderland in Michgan...

1.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3233/2948439560_5ec1388747_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/marioq/2948439560/in/pool-canon5d)

2.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3241/2947583833_22e4c30fc8_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/marioq/2947583833/)

3.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3072/2948439462_62646e1d4d_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/marioq/2948439462/)

That'd make for a great place to do an engagement shoot, or a senior shoot... :D Beautiful colors!

[MichSt]

Nice work, Mario! ;)

Cheers!

Thanks!

That'd make for a great place to do an engagement shoot, or a senior shoot... :D Beautiful colors!

Thanks....if I got paid to shoot, I'd use it!

[Nordly]

A few just recently while shooting with a freind..

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2219/2958747855_17f65f08cc_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3239/2950561421_8d9da7f3f8_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3033/2959780240_cce8e89a93_o.jpg

[ORION]

Here's my contribution.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3057/2937730564_e0c23e4574_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3249/2960344099_1bed5fb9aa_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3007/2961186002_ab4f1ccba4_o.jpg

[MichSt]

Great shots, SAMURAI_N. The second one with the back-lit leaf is awesome. Nice work!

[jacobsen1]

damn it, I don't want to like this lens (I took it in trade). It's big, it's heavy, it's expensive, it might have focus shift issues, but damn, low light around the house sure makes it shine... :lol:

#1
http://gear.benjacobsenphoto.com/wp-content/gallery/canon-50l/img_1880.jpg

#2
http://gear.benjacobsenphoto.com/wp-content/gallery/canon-50l/img_1886.jpg

#3
http://gear.benjacobsenphoto.com/wp-content/gallery/canon-50l/img_1932.jpg

#4
http://gear.benjacobsenphoto.com/wp-content/gallery/canon-50l/img_1944.jpg

#5
http://gear.benjacobsenphoto.com/wp-content/gallery/canon-50l/img_1954.jpg

[roentarre]

http://www.pbase.com/roentarre/image/104965008.jpg

[roentarre]

http://www.pbase.com/roentarre/image/104965015.jpg

[S.Horton]

http://midnightblue.smugmug.com/photos/399155267_CLd46-L-1.jpg

[x2x3x4x5x]

http://www.pbase.com/roentarre/image/104965015.jpg
Amazing.

[The Ghost of FM]

A product portrait of sorts...

Cheers!



.

[ekie]

lol i must not look at this thread .. dang these L primes!!! :D

[MichSt]

A few more photos with the 50L taken on a photo/lunch break from work. All @ f/1.2.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3290/2982582321_233bf3f8f1_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/marioq/2982582321/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3001/2983429166_5a06dec751_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/marioq/2983429166/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3212/2983439550_6fe4d0f9b9_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/marioq/2983439550/)

[The Ghost of FM]

Nice bridge shot, Mario! ;)

Cheers! :)

[MichSt]

Nice bridge shot, Mario! ;)

Cheers! :)

Thanks! I use this lens quite a bit for family photography stuff around the house and such. But, I'm increasingly getting addicted to shooting landscape scenes with this lens @ f/1.2. The images have a certain look, which I’m digging right now.

[S.Horton]

I just got some film scanned from a impromptu shoot with my girlfreind. I used the 50L between f/1.2 - f/1.6. Mostly f/1.2.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3164/2929967077_c89249b1b6_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3061/2930824650_777d0c4353_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3235/2930824922_8b3befab4a_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3291/2929967967_f6ea72b74c_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3062/2930825546_aa48016507_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3031/2929968527_237d3dd1a0_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3020/2930826064_b7831453ce_b.jpg

Provia 100f pushed to 200. I got the scanning professionally done and they were plenty underexposed when I got them back. The actual prints I have from these are phenomenal, and seeing them online doesnt do it justice.

Ha! I knew it when I saw it; real PROVIA -- I have add-ins for PROVIA and this is FAR better, in particular the grain, so before I read the whole thing I was going to ask you about your post-process, but, nevermind.

Really a great series.

[datadump]

i hate you people with your 50L's.

i really want one now

[bunyarra]

A few from recent Bali trip. Amazing place :)

http://photosignals.smugmug.com/photos/409247657_S6S3A-XL-1.jpg

http://photosignals.smugmug.com/photos/409248019_VCijm-XL-1.jpg

http://photosignals.smugmug.com/photos/409265533_z8bYD-XL.jpg


I will admit that this lens is proving to have fewer keepers than my 85mm 1.2 ... perhaps it needs looking at (or I do!). From the Monkey Forest, less then 1/3 were usable. I'm not a novice shooter with such lenses but I am feeling challenged by it.

[S.Horton]

^^ Nice composition and contrast.

[LLL]

bunyarra: careful, those monkeys do steal. don't let them steal yer lens! haha...

if you've a choice of getting 50mm and 85mm, which would you prefer? why?

[bunyarra]

bunyarra: careful, those monkeys do steal. don't let them steal yer lens! haha...

if you've a choice of getting 50mm and 85mm, which would you prefer? why?

The 85mm every time ; the 50mm is just not reliable enough on the 5D. I did read somewhere a trial on the new 5DII where the tester was astonished to find the lens finally turned into a keeper so I hold out hope :)

Sadly, there are times where the 85mm is just too long and 50mm ideal. And when it gets the shot right, the result is amazing and subjectively better than the 1.4. Both can suffer horrible CA though I swear the 50mm is worse despite other's finding differently.

I don't regret buying it but it was not the WOW experience of the 85mm. Odd really as is should be a landmark lens for Canon.

[S.Horton]

http://midnightblue.smugmug.com/photos/409954086_JmEPp-XL.jpg

[TheGreatDivorce]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v680/ixoye/forrest-erin-wedding-0007lrz.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v680/ixoye/forrest-erin-wedding-0029lrz.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v680/ixoye/forrest-erin-wedding-0052lrz.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v680/ixoye/forrest-erin-wedding-0048lrz.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v680/ixoye/forrest-erin-wedding-0062lrz.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v680/ixoye/forrest-erin-wedding-0102lrz.jpg

[Harleypugs]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3201/3025441934_a82afb54e2.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3027/3025352860_c137069d06.jpg

Crop of the above...
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3288/3025370784_5f794e55c3.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3021/3024525713_a56a97ed6c.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3281/3019214541_e79b0271b9.jpg

[paddycook]

My son Adam walking in the woods.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3021/3017150763_3cc6680875_o.jpg

[MichSt]

Here's a little landscape work with the 50L. Just got it back from Canon for calibration and have been putting it through some paces.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3293/3035538903_972131476f_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/marioq/3035538903/)

[bunyarra]

Here's a little landscape work with the 50L. Just got it back from Canon for calibration and have been putting it through some paces.

Did it help? I am seriously considering asking them to look at my copy. I don't consider myself a novice but am having a dreadfully low keep count compared to the 85L

[MichSt]

It did help. I was noticing that my images were consistently soft shooting in close quarters indoors. I thought maybe it was my fault shooting with the wide aperture. But, after using it outdoors a few times and shooting some longer focusing distances, it was obvious there was a bad backfocus on my lens. I sent it in to Canon (Irvine, CA). They tuned it up, with door-to-door service only taking 7-days, and its working great now with no noticeable backfocus. It’s a touch soft wide open, but stopped even just to f/1.4 and it’s a razor.

[pixel_junkie]

A few from recent Bali trip. Amazing place :)

http://photosignals.smugmug.com/photos/409247657_S6S3A-XL-1.jpg

http://photosignals.smugmug.com/photos/409248019_VCijm-XL-1.jpg

http://photosignals.smugmug.com/photos/409265533_z8bYD-XL.jpg


I will admit that this lens is proving to have fewer keepers than my 85mm 1.2 ... perhaps it needs looking at (or I do!). From the Monkey Forest, less then 1/3 were usable. I'm not a novice shooter with such lenses but I am feeling challenged by it.

I love these, Mike!! Colors, composition, contrast, ... fantastic! I looked through your SmugMug as well, there are some amazing images in there.

[Mum2J&M]

Um, I've had this lens at least twice (lost track) and would still kill to have it back. The L's are the reason I returned to Canon. They are just too hard for me to resist. It's killing me I can't afford one at the moment. I went with a 5D instead.

[nicksan]

Well look who's friggin' back?:D

Um, I've had this lens at least twice (lost track) and would still kill to have it back. The L's are the reason I returned to Canon. They are just too hard for me to resist. It's killing me I can't afford one at the moment. I went with a 5D instead.

[MichSt]

Here’s a little gear porn. Taken at f/1.2 on my 30D.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3241/3050274129_a5503ee72f_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/marioq/3050274129/)

[Nordly]

A few on the 5D!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3056/3015290946_acab996169.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3014/2965882255_368d9b7b84.jpg?v=0

[wimg]

From a Sunday walk, 5D, 50L, F/3.2, 1/800s, 200 iso, some levels, and a little sharpening for the Web added:

[droopy1592]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3201/3025441934_a82afb54e2.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3027/3025352860_c137069d06.jpg

Crop of the above...
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3288/3025370784_5f794e55c3.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3021/3024525713_a56a97ed6c.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3281/3019214541_e79b0271b9.jpg


Ahh, fellow APGer.

Monkey Balls on flickr, I am, lol. I was hanging with Trent that night.

[Jannie]

This is stunning, I keep going back to look at the bottom photo with the umbrellas, so different with the composition, pushing the balance to a place of - well - different and I absolutely love it. I've been looking at the photos of the old greats in Photo Journalism and they would do this type of composition, very unconventional in artistic golden means/thirds etc. yet more powerful in expression. Very hard to get and when you do it's a huge WOW - lovely work.
Jannie:D


A few from recent Bali trip. Amazing place :)

http://photosignals.smugmug.com/photos/409247657_S6S3A-XL-1.jpg

http://photosignals.smugmug.com/photos/409248019_VCijm-XL-1.jpg

http://photosignals.smugmug.com/photos/409265533_z8bYD-XL.jpg


I will admit that this lens is proving to have fewer keepers than my 85mm 1.2 ... perhaps it needs looking at (or I do!). From the Monkey Forest, less then 1/3 were usable. I'm not a novice shooter with such lenses but I am feeling challenged by it.

[The Ghost of FM]

Not sure if we have any examples of this lens at f/16, but here one for fun with very minimal lighting.

Cheers!



.

[SoaringUSAEagle]

^ That's nice - if only there was another light on the other side so it'd give it a nice edge :) Looks good!

[The Ghost of FM]

^ That's nice - if only there was another light on the other side so it'd give it a nice edge :) Looks good!
Thanks! ;)

I ran out of micro lights to light it with. ...picked up those little LED goose-neck pen lights they sell at Office Depot for less then the price of the batteries that go inside of it.

They come in handy for lighting smaller objects.

Cheers!

[b.d.bop]

EOS 50D
EF50mm f/1.2L
ISO 800
1/100th sec @ f/1.2

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y28/b_d_bop/BocceBWportraitfltd.jpg

[iplayazi]

Went to the game last night with the 5d mkii and brought the 50mm so I dont get kicked out with having a long lens.

I am very impressed with the resolution power of the camera and sharpness of this lens!

About 2/3 - 3/4 cropped away

http://www.pbase.com/iplayazi/image/107004503/original.jpg

[inthedeck]

Nice shot! Timing was just right...imo! Love the action dude...and nice exposure, too.

[iplayazi]

Nice shot! Timing was just right...imo! Love the action dude...and nice exposure, too.

Thanks!

Just another one to show, starting to really like this lens for its focal length and size

F/1.6

http://www.pbase.com/iplayazi/image/107060535/original.jpg

[The Ghost of FM]

A couple of pictures from my Christmas Eve festivities!

All at f/1.2, available lighting only...

Cheers! :)




.

[tomhide]

Out with a few buddies in the city last night.

5D and 50L, no tripod. Love walking around light :)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3076/3136536654_97bd92dc3b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/tomhide/3136536654)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3209/3136537876_a0aef8ae7d.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/tomhide/3136537876)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3079/3136536952_cc6bfaaec0.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/tomhide/3136536952/in/set-72157611587975973/)

[Karl Johnston]

DAMN. I'm starting to think of adding this to my wishlist.

[sml]

DAMN. I'm starting to think of adding this to my wishlist.

Me, too!
But I've been spooked by the scary strories about backfocusing, etc. So, I'm kinda waiting for a newer version--though I have no indication that one is coming!! (Anyone heard anything??)
It's funny---I never liked my 50mm back in the film days, but now I have all sorts of uses for it in my mind. Especially the low light capability. The fastest lenses I own now are 2.8 and I'd like faster. And I don't really want the 85 length.

[iplayazi]

The more I use it the more I love it! Imo that the focus shift is blown out of proportion. I get more user errors then the shift. I was able to reproduce shift under "testing" once but not in real world. Maybe I am just lucky :)

http://www.pbase.com/iplayazi/image/107432396/original.jpg

[nicksan]

Because we all know "real world" shooting means exactly the same thing for everyone...:idea::lol:

The more I use it the more I love it! Imo that the focus shift is blown out of proportion. I get more user errors then the shift. I was able to reproduce shift under "testing" once but not in real world. Maybe I am just lucky :)

[Double Negative]

Because we all know &quot;real world&quot; shooting means exactly the same thing for everyone...:idea::lol:

Well... Compared to the rulers, batteries, brick walls and other sh!t people shoot when complaining about this lens... ;)

[nicksan]

DN, I agree.

So I usually stick with shooting Canon boxes! Much fun. Muuuuuuuch fun!

Seriously though, I am one of those people who had issues with this lens and while I pretty much agree that the shift rarely shows up in "real world" shooting, it occasionally rears its ugly head...often enough that it gets frustrating. But it all depends on what "real world" shooting you are doing.

I took the 50L to my latest trip to Chicago. Took a bunch of pics of my nephews and though I have yet to review my pics, all indications are that it did its job. No rulers. No Charts, No brick walls!

I'll post some pics if I find any that are worthy! (My standards are pretty low so likely to be some!:lol:;))


Well... Compared to the rulers, batteries, brick walls and other sh!t people shoot when complaining about this lens... ;)

[nicksan]

f1.8
http://nicksan.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p304574274-5.jpg

f1.8
http://nicksan.zenfolio.com/img/v4/p240119016-4.jpg

f8
http://nicksan.zenfolio.com/img/v5/p315515040-4.jpg

[joeyjoeyjoey]

f/5.6

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3101/3164619358_a61bb4b5bb.jpg?v=0 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/joey_joey_joey/3164619358/)

[DJLiquid]

Having had viewed all these fifty pages of posted images from the 50L I see absolutely no discernible difference between the 50L and either version of the 85L in IQ. None.

[nicksan]

Here are some f1.4 shots around the house.

http://nicksan.zenfolio.com/img/v6/p7015509-4.jpg

http://nicksan.zenfolio.com/img/v3/p148133373-5.jpg

http://nicksan.zenfolio.com/img/v3/p373851612-4.jpg

http://nicksan.zenfolio.com/img/v5/p358463736-4.jpg

http://nicksan.zenfolio.com/img/v3/p31198084-4.jpg

[TheHoff]

Finally! ...the cats come out.

I like the one in the duffel bag. That is where I'd keep mine, too.

[nicksan]

Hey it's winter time and that means one thing.
Shooting the cats!

Thanks for your "support" as usual Hoff! :D;)

Finally! ...the cats come out.

I like the one in the duffel bag. That is where I'd keep mine, too.

[joeyjoeyjoey]

f/1.2

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3243/3153903437_83796b01a6.jpg?v=0 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/joey_joey_joey/3153903437/)

I really like this lens a lot esp wide open. With the DOF so thin it really makes you think on how to compose a shot.

[cwphoto]

Having had viewed all these fifty pages of posted images from the 50L I see absolutely no discernible difference between the 50L and either version of the 85L in IQ. None.

Same here. But having viewed my own personal images taken with both lenses the 85/1.2 owns the 50/1.2 from an IQ perpective.

[Double Negative]

^ Considering it costs twice as much, it should. :D

[Perry Ge]

I just got some film scanned from a impromptu shoot with my girlfreind. I used the 50L between f/1.2 - f/1.6. Mostly f/1.2.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3164/2929967077_c89249b1b6_b.jpg

Provia 100f pushed to 200. I got the scanning professionally done and they were plenty underexposed when I got them back. The actual prints I have from these are phenomenal, and seeing them online doesnt do it justice.

OMG that's gorgeous. Why did I click on this thread? I miss provia :(.

[sml]

Thanks to this topic...and others....I went ahead and ordered one today!
Thanks for all the input (photos) and inspiration!
Keep 'em coming....

[Perry Ge]

This is a GREAT lens. I played with it for the first time today when I was returning my 35L at the store, and I was wowed by it. Whaddya mean slow AF? This thing felt smoother and just as fast as my 35L was.

Focus shift, sadly, was quite noticeable :(. I took a whole bunch of test shots. If it didn't have that this would be hands down a no-brainer for my bag, I'd buy it without hesitation (heck, I almost DID).