Canon 50mm F1.4????

[Tom Barnett]

I currently have a 16-35 and a 70-200, but I'm looking to get something that's
1) cheap
2) In between these too lenses for lentgh

I also love the size of this lense and the f1.4
Could everyone please share their experiences with this lense, anything would be helpful, just want to know how good or bad it is.

[Mike Panic]

in my eyes - there is no bad in this lens - it performs all day everyday and should be a must have for serious photographers

if you are looking to pinch pennies, get the f/1.8 version - it is plastic and feels cheap, but also performs WAY better then any other $80 lens you'll ever buy

[neil_r]

How Good = Very very good

Tack sharp, v fast focus, solid construction.

All in all a fabulous lens that you will not regret buying.

N

[Tom Barnett]

Are you guys talking about the $120 one or the $400 one?

btw I'm in Canada so both prices may seem high to you

[neil_r]

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM
$309.95 @ B&H

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?ci=1&sb=ps&pn=1&sq=desc&InitialSearch=yes&O=SearchBar&A=search&Q=*&shs=Canon+EF+50mm+f%2F1.4+USM

N

[Longwatcher]

Although I tend to use my zooms more, when I need the extra aperture, the 50/1.4 is a wonderful lens. And as mentioned it focuses really really fast (as if it didn't go from blurry to sharp I would not have noticed the change - actually the first couple times I had to do it a couple of times before I believed)

I hate using higher ISOs and this lens has kept it down on more then one occasion as evening wore on.

Just my experience,

[pierrot]

The f/1.4 is not precisely what I'd call a cheap lens... :?

[neil_r]

The f/1.4 is not precisely what I'd call a cheap lens... :?

I guess it's all relative ?

N

[KevC]

Hey, think about buying from the US, it may be cheaper in the end (even after taxes and duty and shipping).

The 50/1.4 is an awesome lens, or so I've heard. I have the 1.8 version, plastiky but it's still tack sharp and performs very well.

[Fills]

I'm in Toronto and saved quite a bit of money ordering the 50 1.4 in from B&H a few months ago. Our options here were a little too expensive. I think the general consensus is the 1.8 is a great lens, the 1.4 even better. If you have the money buy the 1.4, if not the 1.8 will still make you very happy.

[iwatkins]

You want one, oh yes you do. I love this lens, sharp as a sharp thing, focuses very fast and also gives lovely bokeh. Downside is that it is coated, so no good for IR, you get a bright spot.

Ian

http://www.asrv84.dsl.pipex.com/Studio/20050223_1916_0074.jpg

[neil_r]

Ian, If that is from the new studio, then I am impressed!!!!!!


N

[eosster]

I love mine, 50mm f/1.4 EF, not cheap as 1.8.

[RJSorensen]

The 50mm, 1.4 is my reference lens . . . most likely the sharpest lens I own. In low light it rules. You will love it. The USM is better on the 1.4 also.

[mbze430]

Here is a shot I just took last week with the 50mm f/1.4 + EF12 II. Provia 100F shot at 1/60 @ f/6.3 (http://johnny.mybioz.com/Nature/Animals%20&%20Insects/slides/grasshopper.html)

[HKFEVER]

Go for it. See all the Canon's adv has it on their camera.

[roanjohn]

This lens is awesome...........not so sharp at 1.4...........but it gets nice and sharp from 1.8 and on..........go get it!!! At f5.6, this lens will cut you.

Ro1

[HKFEVER]

It has the power for capture image in low light yet maintain the colour and sharpeness.

The attached are both hand held without flash with very little (1.5P USM in PS). The 2nd one is a drive by shooting.

[Maureen Souza]

I love it...chose it over the 1.8 for a little superior quality and I've not regretted it. It is one of my favorite lenses.

[wintoid]

I almost didn't reply, as my experience is so different to most people's, but that's why you asked so I'll stick my neck out.

Colour: Good
Contrast: Good
Bokeh: Wonderful
Sharpness: Good (Tamron 28-75 is as good though)

With my 300d:

Focus speed: fast-ish
Focus accuracy in good light: OK
Focus accuracy in poor light + wide aperture: Poor + hunts

With my 20d:

Focus speed: fast-ish when it doesn't hunt
Focus accuracy in good light: Poor + hunts
Focus accuracy in poor light + wide aperture: Poor + hunts

Some have suggested that my lens or one of my cameras is faulty, which I don't believe to be true. It's more like a "combination" issue. I sold the lens some time ago. The purchaser is very happy with it.

[iwatkins]

Ian, If that is from the new studio, then I am impressed!!!!!!

N

Hi Neil,

Yes, one of the first shots to come out of my new studio. I was very happy with this. :)

Cheers

Ian

[scottbergerphoto]

http://www.pbase.com/scottbergerphoto/image/25457142.jpg
Jake likes it. He's just not one to get excited about it.
Scott

[Nicky D]

I love mine, it is amazingly crisp. Here is a shot of my little girl, not the best shot but it is sharp. I did run it through DPP & PS.

http://images.ofoto.com/photos1133/2/2/30/79/24/3/324793002205_0_ALB.jpg