50mm 1.8 lens question (mk I ??)

[Chazs]

Okay, I used "search" but didn't find much to help me. I've decided on getting the 50mm 1.4 over the 1.8 just because I don't like plastic (to go on a 20D). However, I just saw a used 50mm 1.8 with a metal mount (so I assume it's an older model) and tried a few test shots with it. It seems awefully sharp and fast focusing. Are the optics in this so old that the plastic 1.8 is actually optically better, or would it be on par with the current 1.4, just a little slower? I can't even find enough info (on ebay) to know what a respectable offer would be.

Anybody have any thoghtful words on this matter? Thanks. CHUCK

[Henry Low]

I have had the mki and mkII verison of the F1.8 50mm. They were both pretty slow actuatually. Opcially i could not tell the difference. Both were quite sharp stoped down at F3. good buy... I would suggest getting the F1.4 only if you need more evenly smoothed background, cause the F1.8 seems to be quite harash.

[eosster]

No difference in quality of optics, only thing difference is MK I is metal mount and MK II is plastic mount.

[thomasrhee]

Optically, Mk.1 and Mk.2 are identical. Mk.1 however has better build quality with a metal mount, better focus ring (although still pretty bad), and DOF window. Typically, the Mk.1's are selling on eBay for around $150 give or take a few dollars which IMO is overpriced. If you can afford the the 1.4, go for it. Better bokeh, faster and overall better image quality.

tyr

[skyphix]

I just got a 50mm 1.8 Mk1 and I love it... althought I can't really compare it to the Mk2, it is the best built lens I own (not saying much - I only own 3 lenses)... Test photos to be in my own thread :D

[MediaMagic]

I have the mk1 as well. Make sure the metal mount you are looking at is the EF mount.

The 50mm f1.4 is a better lens. It has 8 blades opposed to 5 on either version of the f1.8 giving it nice smooth bokeh comparable to the beloved 85mm f1.8.

If you have the money for the 1.4, go ahead and get it, you won't be disappointed that you did. That being said, the 1.8's won't let you down either. I like the mkI better than the mkII simply because the focus ring is where you expect it to be and the size is easier to work with. Don't let the plastic fool you on the mkII, at that price, if you break one every few years, it certainly won't bankrupt you to replace them.

[Kennymc]

I have the MKII f/1.8 and the f/1.4... The f/1.4 is sharper and the USM snaps in to focus quicker and the extra diapragm blades does give better bokeh so if you can afford to wait till you have the extra money I would go for the f/1.4... In fact I did...LOL... Canon made the MKII with a plastic body as a cheaper kit lens but as far as I am aware the glass is the same as the MKI...

[Chazs]

Thanks all. Just hit the "purchase" button on the 50mm 1.4. Looks like a fun weekend coming up (as long as the wife doens't find out. It'll cost me $600 instead of $300!)

[Dante King]

How much are you paying for a 1.4?

[Loekito]

Maybe this is too late... anyway just check it... it gives detail comparation between f1.4 and f1.8.

http://www.photo.net/equipment/canon/ef50/

regards,

Loekito

[michael.luczkow]

How much are you paying for a 1.4?
i think he's talking about paying his wife

[Chazs]

How much are you paying for a 1.4?

$309 at B&H. I know it's quite a bit, but I really don't like plastic. Probably an immature reason, but it's one that moved me to a 20D from the DRebel as well. All my Olympus lenses are metal, and they're 23 years old and going strong. Everybody remarks that at $80 if the plastic f1.8 lens breaks, by another. But I just HATE this disposable world we live in. You just gotta treat yourself to something better every now and then. :)

[Chazs]

Maybe this is too late... anyway just check it... it gives detail comparation between f1.4 and f1.8.


Not too late at all. That site is one of the reasons why I didn't go with the 1.8. My two options were the f1.4, or an older f1.8 MK I, but the seller of the MK I didn't want to sell it separately from his camera. My gain in the long run.