5D Mark II 50mm lens or NOT .

[onebikeonehorseone5D]

Hi, I have a brand new 5D Mark II and I'm considering getting a 50mm 1.4 lens for it. However, I already have a 24-70 L lens that is superb.....do you think the prime will add to my aresenal or be redundant with the 24-70. :cool:

I apologize if this is covered somewhere, but I didn't see it. If so, flame me and maybe I'll learn a lesson :p

I look forward to good sound advice.

Will

[fly my pretties]

People will probably disagree with me on this, but I think a camera such as a 5d should only be graced with the finest glass.

A 50mm prime certainly wouldn't be redundant, but I don't think it has a place on a 5D2. You're as weak as your weakest piece of equipment, and the last thing you want to skimp on is a lens. I'd rather have a 50L and a 50D than a 5D2 and a 50mm

[Subimatt]

I dont think ive touched my 24-70 in months, however my 50 is on my camera 80% of the time.

[shomat]

A 50mm prime certainly wouldn't be redundant, but I don't think it has a place on a 5D2. You're as weak as your weakest piece of equipment, and the last thing you want to skimp on is a lens.

The 50/1.4 is small in size, light in weight, fast, and not least of all, has amazing image quality. Doesn't sound very weak to me. A lens does not need a red ring around the end in order to be outstanding.

[H20boy]

I really loved the 50/1.4 on the 5d when I had It. I missed it after selling it, so going back to another one (the siggy). Dropping below f2.8 makes some great images. Definitely not redundant.

[mike_d]

The 50/1.4 is small in size, light in weight, fast, and not least of all, has amazing image quality. Doesn't sound very weak to me. A lens does not need a red ring around the end in order to be outstanding.

I have one on my 5D. It's a nice lens and it's so small it makes my camera feel like a compact P&S when it's on.

[egordon99]

If you like the 50mm focal length and wish to shoot in the f/1.2-2 range, then buy a 50mm prime :)

If you find f/2.8 fast enough, then stick with the 24-70L

[RDKirk]

Depends on what you're prepared to do if you ever drop the zoom.

[awo425]

50/1.4 is a great lens, it's the only non L lens in my bag, but it is sharp and contrasty and there's a big difference between 2.8 and 1.4.
It is just $325 new and can be sold easily in the used market

[fly my pretties]

The 50/1.4 is small in size, light in weight, fast, and not least of all, has amazing image quality. Doesn't sound very weak to me. A lens does not need a red ring around the end in order to be outstanding.

In order to be "outstanding" it does.

[DStanic]

You may want to consider the 85mm as well. Many of the best pictures in this thread are with the lens used on FF.
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=140371

A photographer that I assist occationally just got a 135mm which looks outstanding but i don't know how much those cost..

[shomat]

In order to be "outstanding" it does.

Wow. No comment.

[The Moose]

In order to be "outstanding" it does.

No it doesn't...

Go ahead and get the 50/1.4, or find someone you can borrow it off to try it out, and see how you like it. The IQ will be great. The size will be great. But will you like it and feel it's worth keeping at the same time as your 24-70? Only you can decide by trying.

[onebikeonehorseone5D]

I think the masses have spoken and I will purchase the 50mm 1.4. I saw an article in Pop Photo and it talked about the current crop of 50mm lenses....It looks like the Sigma and Canon rule the street for the 5D Mark II. Is there a 50mm 1.4 with the L designation? If not, this is the lens I plan on springing for. B and H had it for $399.....and Dell of all places has it for $329. I like B and H, but why not save $70?

I remember there are some types of Canon lenses that don't fit the 5D Mark II... USM's fit....correct?

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?sku=A0405621&cs=19&c=us&l=en&dgc=SS&cid=27530&lid=627063

[wickerprints]

I think the masses have spoken and I will purchase the 50mm 1.4. I saw an article in Pop Photo and it talked about the current crop of 50mm lenses....It looks like the Sigma and Canon rule the street for the 5D Mark II.

Photo mags are 95% advertisements and 5% articles written to sell products reviewed. Not much in the way of honest advice.

Is there a 50mm 1.4 with the L designation?

No. The only 50mm L lens currently in production is the EF 50/1.2L, about $1300 retail. Canon also produced an EF 50/1.0L, but it is discontinued, rare, and extremely expensive used.

If not, this is the lens I plan on springing for. B and H had it for $399.....and Dell of all places has it for $329. I like B and H, but why not save $70?

I don't have experience buying lenses from Dell. But I don't see any reason why not?

I remember there are some types of Canon lenses that don't fit the 5D Mark II... USM's fit....correct?

If it is manufactured by Canon and is labeled EF, then it is compatible with the 5D Mark II. Other compatible labels include MP-E and TS-E, but these are specialty lenses. If it is Canon-made but labeled FL, FD, or EF-S, it is NOT compatible with your camera.

EF stands for "Electronic Focus." It is the type of mount for the lens and it is presently compatible with all Canon EOS bodies in production. EF-S, the other type of mount commonly seen, is a modified EF mount (S stands for "short back focus") that is only compatible on EOS bodies that use an APS-C size imaging sensor.

USM simply stands for "Ultrasonic Motor" and indicates that the motor used to focus operates on an ultrasonic vibration technology for fast focus acquisition. It has nothing to do with the compatibility of the lens mount.

[The Moose]

The only 50mm L is the f/1.2 but the f/1.4L is a great lens. USM is the AF motor that the lens has, you're looking for the mount type. The 50mm f/1.4 is an EF mount which will fit fine. The ones you don't want are the EF-S lenses, which are only for crop cameras such as the 1000D, 500D, 50D and the new 7D.

[fly my pretties]

No it doesn't...

Go ahead and get the 50/1.4, or find someone you can borrow it off to try it out, and see how you like it. The IQ will be great. The size will be great. But will you like it and feel it's worth keeping at the same time as your 24-70? Only you can decide by trying.

Yes it does. IQ and size are not the only determining factors when judging a lens. There's more than enough flaws in the 50mm to stop it from being "outstanding".

Strong word, perhaps you mean "very good".

[DStanic]

How come nobody has recommended the Sigma 50mm f/1.4? From what I've read it's a better lens (sharper wide open etc).. it cost slightly more but is [aparently] closer to the "L" lens then the Canon 1.4.

Might wanna do some searching on Canon vs Sigma 50mm f/1.4 before purchasing..

[onebikeonehorseone5D]

Photo mags are 95% advertisements and 5% articles written to sell products reviewed. Not much in the way of honest advice.



No. The only 50mm L lens currently in production is the EF 50/1.2L, about $1300 retail. Canon also produced an EF 50/1.0L, but it is discontinued, rare, and extremely expensive used.



I don't have experience buying lenses from Dell. But I don't see any reason why not?



If it is manufactured by Canon and is labeled EF, then it is compatible with the 5D Mark II. Other compatible labels include MP-E and TS-E, but these are specialty lenses. If it is Canon-made but labeled FL, FD, or EF-S, it is NOT compatible with your camera.

EF stands for "Electronic Focus." It is the type of mount for the lens and it is presently compatible with all Canon EOS bodies in production. EF-S, the other type of mount commonly seen, is a modified EF mount (S stands for "short back focus") that is only compatible on EOS bodies that use an APS-C size imaging sensor.

USM simply stands for "Ultrasonic Motor" and indicates that the motor used to focus operates on an ultrasonic vibration technology for fast focus acquisition. It has nothing to do with the compatibility of the lens mount.

Wow......Are you Yoda? :D Your post was exceptionally well thought out, and very informative. Thanks. I went to purchase the lens on Dell and wouldn't you know it....it's on backorder. This appears to be a very very popular lens in that it is rarely on Ebay for less than $379, and if it is less, there is an issue such as a ding or scratch etc etc.....If it's remarkably less, it ships from China, which I'm not willing to risk. Not to mention I need it for my trip to South Africa on October 15th.

So I guess I'm going to pay full MSRP on B and H......oh well. I figure I'd probably blow $70 bucks on other crap anyway...:eyes

[awo425]

Wow......Are you Yoda? :D Your post was exceptionally well thought out, and very informative. Thanks. I went to purchase the lens on Dell and wouldn't you know it....it's on backorder. This appears to be a very very popular lens in that it is rarely on Ebay for less than $379, and if it is less, there is an issue such as a ding or scratch etc etc.....If it's remarkably less, it ships from China, which I'm not willing to risk. Not to mention I need it for my trip to South Africa on October 15th.

So I guess I'm going to pay full MSRP on B and H......oh well. I figure I'd probably blow $70 bucks on other crap anyway...:eyes

I got it from http://www.robertsimaging.com 2 weeks ago for $325, itn is still @ stock according to robertsimaging website

[bjyoder]

Yes it does. IQ and size are not the only determining factors when judging a lens. There's more than enough flaws in the 50mm to stop it from being "outstanding".

Strong word, perhaps you mean "very good".

There are plenty of "outstanding" lenses that don't have the little red ring or "L" in the designation. I could go on and on with examples, but I'll only need to mention one name to make the point: Leica.

[DreDaze]

The only 50mm L is the f/1.2


there is also that f1.0...but it's ridiculously expensive...

http://cgi.ebay.com/Canon-EF-50mm-1-1-0-L-superfast_W0QQitemZ120463133860QQcmdZViewItemQQptZ Camera_Lenses?hash=item1c0c298ca4&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

[narlus]

if you need two more stops it's a good lens to have. that said, ISO 6400 is very good on the 5D2. it all depends on how you'd use it.

[toxic]

Yes it does. IQ and size are not the only determining factors when judging a lens. There's more than enough flaws in the 50mm to stop it from being "outstanding".

Strong word, perhaps you mean "very good".

Because none of those flaws apply to the 24-70?

Honestly, I don't think the Canon 50/1.4 is "outstanding." But frankly, it's the same or better than the 24-70 in every way except bokeh.

[perfarny]

I've never had the chance to shoot a 50L, but I have the 50 1.4 (and a 5D2). I love it, absolutely love it.

[cdifoto]

Yes it does. IQ and size are not the only determining factors when judging a lens. There's more than enough flaws in the 50mm to stop it from being "outstanding".

Strong word, perhaps you mean "very good".
Flaws keep something from being perfect. They don't keep it from being outstanding.

[robbym]

I have the 5D MkII and a 50 1.4 and can tell you from experience the first thing I noticed when I upgraded from a 40D to the MkII were "new" flaws that suddenly appeared in what were previously my favorite lenses.

Considering the time and expense involved, this disappointed me a great deal, so after a lot of reading, the best explanation I could find was that the MkII is so powerful it actually outresolves some lenses.

I don't know if this is true, but at the end of the day my eyes tell me I'm getting a really nice shot from my 50 1.4 on a 40D and a decent but not as nice shot from the same lens on my MkII.

Finally, while I don't shoot with it much anymore, I have found that the 50 1.4 is fantastic for low light video on the MkII especially with the upgrade firmware 1.10.

I hope this helps. Good luck with whatever you decide!

[Digital_zen]

Yes it does. IQ and size are not the only determining factors when judging a lens. There's more than enough flaws in the 50mm to stop it from being "outstanding".

Strong word, perhaps you mean "very good".


You've said twice that the lens can not be outstanding, but you have yet to state why you think that. I see build quality and IQ as being the two deciding factors, and these have been stated has being extremely high. Not trying to ruffle your feathers but just wondering what it is that could keep this lens from being an outstanding lens, other than the fact that it lacks a red ring.

[wickerprints]

You've said twice that the lens can not be outstanding, but you have yet to state why you think that. I see build quality and IQ as being the two deciding factors, and these have been stated has being extremely high. Not trying to ruffle your feathers but just wondering what it is that could keep this lens from being an outstanding lens, other than the fact that it lacks a red ring.

Personally, I avoided purchasing the 50/1.4 because I noticed it is one of the few EF primes that lacks ring USM. I find ring USM to be theoretically more reliable than the micro USM alternative. Whether that bears itself out in real-world performance is a different discussion, but that's one reason why I didn't go for it.

Another reason is that its performance simply didn't impress me compared to the 85/1.8 which I think is a much better lens for the money. They are different focal lengths, of course, but the build quality seems much better with the 85.

Also, I seem to recall LensRentals doing an analysis on repair rates on their lenses, and heard that the 50/1.4 had a significantly higher repair rate than other lenses.

All that said, however, I don't necessarily discourage others from the 50/1.4. A good lens is a good lens. People occasionally have problems with all kinds of equipment regardless of how well it is built.

[onebikeonehorseone5D]

How come nobody has recommended the Sigma 50mm f/1.4? From what I've read it's a better lens (sharper wide open etc).. it cost slightly more but is [aparently] closer to the "L" lens then the Canon 1.4.

Might wanna do some searching on Canon vs Sigma 50mm f/1.4 before purchasing..

You see, I'm one of those folks that does some research, usually the summation of a long conversation, and then I go for the gold. I've already went and paid FULL price (usually against my genetics) but Dell was on backorder, so I paid full at B and H....and then I got suckered into a hood and a small filter kit.....I'm so gullible.

With the $5g's I just spent on this camera system, I had to go with the Canon.

For my entry level skills, it should be a great addition (my first prime)

Thanks for the advice though.....

[onebikeonehorseone5D]

I've never had the chance to shoot a 50L, but I have the 50 1.4 (and a 5D2). I love it, absolutely love it.


These are the types of comments that make me hit "add to your cart" and then type in a bunch of numbers and an expiration date.

[onebikeonehorseone5D]

I got it from http://www.robertsimaging.com 2 weeks ago for $325, itn is still @ stock according to robertsimaging website

CRAP..........I missed that boat didn't I. I really have to be more patient.

[awo425]

CRAP..........I missed that boat didn't I. I really have to be more patient.
nope, they still list it in stock:
http://robertsimaging.com/stock/Camera%20Lenses/Primes%20(Standard)/Canon/EF%2050mm%20f-1.4%20USM%20(2515A003).jsp

[fly my pretties]

Because none of those flaws apply to the 24-70?

Honestly, I don't think the Canon 50/1.4 is "outstanding." But frankly, it's the same or better than the 24-70 in every way except bokeh.

In every way except Bokeh? Is it better than the 24-70 at shooting 24mm?