canon 50mm f1.4???!!!

[johnlo]

I noticed many of you guys have the Canon 50m f1.4. i normally dont use (most like never use) standard lense, but more on zoom lense.... anyway, now that I am getting into wedding photography more and more... I'm just wondering if I really need it. I do know that have a f-stop at 1.4 is awesome.... any tips, option will help. thaks

[tim]

The 50mm F1.4's a great lens, excellent for available light shots at a reception or in a dark church if you're up close. Even at F1.4 at the reception for the wedding I recently did (my first) I was getting shutter speeds of 1/20th, which made for quite a few photos with motion blur. Next time i'll do my main reception shots with flash, then maybe switch to the 1.4 for random candids.

[ddelallata]

You should be able to get fast shutter speeds if you use one of those external flashes that you have in your sig. I shot some wedding photos with my 50mm f/1.8 and 420EX and none of my shots came out with motion blur.

[johnlo]

thanks guys.

beside the price, whats the different between 50mm f1.4 & 50mm f1.8??

[AXENA]

Quality.

[johnlo]

I have read the boards about these two lense. I even did a google search as well. It is so hard to pick which one I should get. I like f1.8 because of the price. One of the main reason why I am looking for another lense with that f-stop is because I have been doing alot of weddings and indoor events. and in some situation, flash might not be allow to be use...... so far after reading it, its a mix review. almost 50-50. But i have noticed many of you guys do have the f1.4. I do have a wedding on Sunday, and would be to get one today.

[d'homme]

If you got the money, get the 1.4. Its a life saver in available light and nite time.

[d'homme]

"beside the price, whats the different between 50mm f1.4 & 50mm f1.8??" Blur.

[lomond]

I don't use 50mm all that much, that's why I bought the 1.8.
If it was a lens I used frequently I would definitely choose the 1.4.

[AjP]

I never had chance to compare 1.8 and 1.4, I do like my 1.4 for build quality and picture quality, but I'm about to get 70-200 2.8 L, and wide angle L which is best for wedding, 1.4 is great for portrait if you can get close, my personal opinion

[jbradc]

When I shoot weddings I have a 24-70 2.8L and 580EX on a 1D mkII and a 50 F1.4 on a 10D for available light shots. It is a great combination, during the ceremony flash is usually not allowed so the 50 f1.4 allows you to really isolate the subject and not have to bump the ISO up so high. Get the lens, you will love it.

[Andy_T]

Johnlo,

IMO, the main difference for me between the 50/1.4 and the 50/1.8 is the quality of the bokeh. It might not be important for many, but I assume for wedding photography and portraiture it *might* just be the deciding factor.
Check out this thread (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=69785)!

Here's another comparison (http://www.photo.net/equipment/canon/ef50/) about the 2 lenses.

Very similar to the 50/1.4 is the 85/1.8. Those 2 lenses are next on my wish list for upgrade from my 50/1.8 MKI.

Best regards,
Andy

[Longwatcher]

The #1 reason I got the 50/1.4, is when there is low light I need all the advantage I can get when I can't use flash and the 50/1.4 is way cheaper then the 85/1.2 (or the 50/1.0, which I didn't know existed when I got the 50/1.4)

Other reasons I lke the 50/1.4 over 50/1.8
Better quality build, slightly better bokeh, and from what I understand slightly faster focusing (not that I have been able to notice when I have had both available).

So the 50/1.4 is the one to get if you can afford it. If not, at least get 50/1.8 for low light - no flash situations.

Just my opinion,

[johnlo]

hmmm, so really what it comes down to is do I want to spend $300 or save $200 and have money for drinks :-D.

After reading and reading... I am so thinkin about the f1.4. just the fact that I know the boken is much better then F1.8. I did noticed from looking at the pic that if I want to manual focus f1.8, the Ring grip is almost on the front of the lense, and not in the middle like f1.4.

I got about less then 2 hours before I decided to go and buy....... think! Think!! Oh, and I cant tell my gf. she will KILL me. LOL!


and Thank YOU everyone for your opinion. It TRUELY helps.

[Adam Hicks]

I've had both, and I'll tell you why you should get the 1.4. If you get the 1.8 you'll always wish you had gotten the 1.4, then you'll find out how useful the focal length is (even with our crop) and you'll sell it at a loss and buy the 1.4.

So just get the 1.4 and be done with it :)

[johnlo]

I hate you ppl... making me spend money. :-P ok, off to the B&H now..... be back in an hour.

[lkorell]

On a related subject, how can you tell if you have a good copy of the 50 1.4? My shots seem a bit soft but I'm not sure if it is just settings that need to be adjusted.

I have the 50 1.8 and do not experience that, but maybe it's just a question of more refinement in the 1.4 lens? Using with 20D BTW.

Lou

[tim]

beside the price, whats the different between 50mm f1.4 & 50mm f1.8??

The 1.4 focuses correctly.

[johnlo]

I just purchased the 50mm f1.4. time to testing it out. Thanks for everyone's input.

[Radioham]

Hi

I don’t think you will be disappointed, I know I Was’ ant,

Best of luck Steve

[bolantej]

get some photos up! thinking of getting it too, due to the heftier feel.

[Jon Foster]

I love my 50mm 1.4 lens. I can get some awesome shots with it... Who needs a flash when you have a good lens...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v601/jfoster48386/Canon%20300D/People%20Shots/BedTime.jpg

Jon.

[steibeldj]

Thanks Jon for your last picture post. I am into low light photography ever since the 80's when friend took a shot at midnight using a tripod of a guy standing on a bridge. Wild! This picture shows off what is possible. Notice that at the distance you were at, depth of field was not a problem for this shot. What apeture did you have it set at? (f1.4?)

[Jon Foster]

Thanks. This shot was taken at:
Shutter speed: 1/8
F-stop: 2.8
ISO speed: 800

I also took a few at f/1.4 and ISO 400 but this one turned out to be a good shot because of the way my son and buddy were sitting... The other shots turned out just as nice but had less noise.

I love to take pictures in the dark or in low light conditions... I don't like using a flash at all if I can help it.

Jon.

[schmoelzel]

I think that I have mentioned this a few times but the 50f1.4 is sharper, faster focusing and generally has better colour and contrast than the f1.8 II version. It feels like a real lens whereas the 50F1.8 II seems like a toy. For me that translates into more use of the lens as I always felt (rightly or wrongly) that the 50F1.8II couldn't be relied upon to get the shot that I wanted. This is totally subjective on my part but I am just relaying how I feel about using the lens. Since I have the 1.4 version, I am more inclined to use the focal length than before..........here's a favourite shot of mine of my daughter Julia using this lens.


http://theteahaus.netfirms.com/Canon/nfpicturepro/albums/userpics/10001/50f1.4-1D-B.jpg

[steibeldj]

Schmoelzel, that is a perfect balance of light, dof, background blur etc. You got to be happy with that one. Out of every 50-100 shots I get one 'keeper' that works both as color and black and white.

[buze]

(Hi guys, first post here)

I also had the 50mm f1.8 for some time, and I really liked it so I "upgraded" to the f1.4 and I haven't used the 1.8 since!

Here is a portrait at f1.4 I did last night... The DoF is amazing, a pleasure to play with!
http://galleries.oomz.net/pub/mat/S/IMG_3084.JPG

[l bo]

I have been kicking this back and forth for a while too, can't decide if I will use it enough to justify the extra $200. I do enjoy low light photography, especially since I haven't invested in a flash. I am thinking the 1.4, based on everyone's opinions, is worth the extra cash. However I have read elsewhere they are both the same at 2.8 and up and only benefit is sharpness when wide open.



http://theteahaus.netfirms.com/Canon/nfpicturepro/albums/userpics/10001/50f1.4-1D-B.jpg

Wow! Got bokeh? That's really a great shot.

[Andy_T]

I Bo,

they might be the same at f/2.8, as far as sharpness is concerned ...

but ... I noticed the small word 'bokeh' in your reply.

If that is important for you, you should look at this thread here:
50/1.8 ugly bokeh (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=69785)


Best regards,
Andy

[kwsanders]

here's a favourite shot of mine of my daughter Julia using this lens.


http://theteahaus.netfirms.com/Canon/nfpicturepro/albums/userpics/10001/50f1.4-1D-B.jpg


That shot is fantastic! It looks like she is right here ready to leap off my computer screen!

[l bo]

Well, I have the B+H Photo browser open, the lens in my shopping cart. 2 questions; What is the difference between the USA model and Imported? Also, how important or non imortant the lens hood? Hoods can with both my other lenses, not sure if it's needed.

Thanks

[Andy_T]

All canon lenses are made in Japan and imported to the US, 'Imported' vs. 'US' means that it was not imported by Canon USA but by a parallel importer, warranty work will have to be done via B+H instead of via Canon USA

The lens hood might not be necessary on this lens (according to some here on the forum). I got it nevertheless.

Best regards,
Andy

[l bo]

All canon lenses are made in Japan and imported to the US, 'Imported' vs. 'US' means that it was not imported by Canon USA but by a parallel importer, warranty work will have to be done via B+H instead of via Canon USA

The lens hood might not be necessary on this lens (according to some here on the forum). I got it nevertheless.

Best regards,
Andy

Thanks Andy. Yeah I got the USA version, only $10 difference and opted for the hood too. I am excited to get it, just hope I can get use a prime lens. I plan on taking many indoor shots too so this, based on many reviews, was the one I decided on. Thanks for everyone's feedback.

-Donny

[Tribug]

Andy, last spring, that thread forced me to return my 50mm f1.8 and get the f1.4, it does make a huge difference :)

[buckwheat]

The 50 1.4 is a superb lens. On a 1.6 conversion camera it is often a bit tight for me...even outside I have to keep stepping backwards (once fell into an open man-hole...you wouldn't believe what is down there -just joking!). The f/1.4 is totally missed if you ever had it...its like an addiction. This lens on the new 5D will be awesome. My last purchase will be a 35 1.4 (huge bucks) solely due to the 1.6 factor on the 300D and 20D. But if you need 'tight' ie 80mm equivalent, then the 50 1.4 can.t be beat! See sample.
Church pix: 300D, Canon 50mm 1.4, 100 ISO, 1/320s, f/10

[HrcRacing]

You probably actually saved yourself money by getting what you really wanted to begin with. That $300 f/1.4 becomes $350 or so when you loose money selling the f/1.8.
The f/1.4 will be the next lens I buy. I'll be a totally Ultrasonic kinda' guy then. :lol:
Congrats on the new lens! :grin: