50 1.4 vs. 50 1.8

[Chris G]

Just wondering about the 1.4 vs the 1.8. Is the only differnece between these 2 lenses the 1/2 stop or is there more?

PS. Got my 20D on Friday. I just have one word to say....AWESOME :D

By the way what's the best way to post pictures on this site?

[021411]

Build quality (1.4 is better) and the addition of USM on the f/1.4. Also IIRC, the 1.4 has a metal mount.

[CyberDyneSystems]

For me the most convincing argument for the f/1.4 is the focus motor. The focus motor on the 1.8 is dreadfull, slow and unless you are shooting in AIservo and have pateince,. it is 75% inaccurate.

The f/1.4's USM focus motor fixes all of the above.

[Chris G]

Thanks!

[defordphoto]

1.4 also has better bokeh.

[markubig]

Have a looksee at this comparison

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

[cdhender]

This should answer your question pretty well:

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=73212

[bauerman]

Dollar for dollar the 1.8 is probably the best deal in the entire EOS line...............yeah the 1.4 probably outperforms it in a lot (not all) areas - but hey - I got my 1.8 brand new for about $60.00. Show me an even $150 lens that is this sharp and this fast - you can't.

[DaveG]

Just wondering about the 1.4 vs the 1.8. Is the only differnece between these 2 lenses the 1/2 stop or is there more?

PS. Got my 20D on Friday. I just have one word to say....AWESOME :D

By the way what's the best way to post pictures on this site?

First off f1.4 is a full stop faster than f2, and a 1.8 is f2 no matter what anyone tells you. The 1.4 is better made than the plastic mount 1.8, has faster AF, and on-demand manual focus as well.

[Dante King]

Sorry but this has been bugging me, what does IIRC mean.

[defordphoto]

Dollar for dollar the 1.8 is probably the best deal in the entire EOS line...............yeah the 1.4 probably outperforms it in a lot (not all) areas - but hey - I got my 1.8 brand new for about $60.00. Show me an even $150 lens that is this sharp and this fast - you can't.

Very good points. For most people the 1.8 will be the cat's meow and will serve them just fine. It's an extremely sharp lens and yes, I agree that it's a killer deal. I recommend the lens on a regular basis.

However, the 1.4 is world's ahead of the 1.8 in build quality. Add that it actually has Canon's renowned USM focusing motor, makes it The Lens for more discerned.

I can safely say that because I have both lenses. ;)

[Tom W]

Sorry but this has been bugging me, what does IIRC mean.

IIRC = "If I recall correctly".

[tim]

I have both. The 1.4 is much better built, and the manaul focus is usable unlike the 1.8. The focus motor's more accurate on the USM lens, though neither seem to focus correctly according to my tests (http://www.mrwild.co.nz/ExperimentalGallery/Tests/FocusTests/Set2/index.html), even though the 1.8 has been calibrated by Canon. The 1.4 will be going away for calibration next week, though i'd be scared to use it because if it doesn't focus right there's no point.

[RbrtPtikLeoSeny]

I just bought the f/1.8 today and it's pretty good! I think the bokeh it produces is just fine, it's AF is fast enough, and it's a great compact light weight carry around in your pocket type lens. To me, it's just a backup, but to you maybe this is a serious purchase. I have no experience with the 50mm f/1.4, and know nothing about it, but if your going to put the lens to serious use, then maybe you should get the better quality lens. But if this is just a purchase for the heck of it, an extra lens to the collection, think strongly about the 50 f/1.8. For the price, it most definately cannot be beat.

[schmoelzel]

I had the 50F.1.8II until last week and I am convinced that my newly acquired 501.4 is sharper than the 50F1.8II. Also the colour, contrast, and bokeh is a lot more pleasing to my eye. The build quality it obviously better and this convinces many photogs to use it more often than the cheaply-built 50F1.8II

[lkorell]

Absolutely the 50 1.4 is a better choice for a good solid lens, but for the price the 1.8 lens is a must have backup. I mean for that price it should be a given as a utility lens. $60 is the price of one dinner for two at an "almost" nice restaurant. (YMMV)