What is the difference between

[Jared S]

What is the difference between the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Autofocus Lens and the EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Autofocus Lens? f'1.8 II is a lot less in price but is on the same line with the f/1.4 usm in voting for the top 10 lenses. Thanks

[rent]

the 1.4 is 1/3 stop faster, has better, more solid build quality, and has USM which means slightly faster and more silent AF motor. the 1.4 also reportedly produces better bokeh. -alex

[ddelallata]

the 50mm f/1.4 also has a metal mount. If you are on a budget, don't stress over the 1.4....they both are capable of producing excellent results.

[Titus213]

What is the difference between the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Autofocus Lens and the EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Autofocus Lens? f'1.8 II is a lot less in price but is on the same line with the f/1.4 usm in voting for the top 10 lenses. Thanks

About $230.

[robertwgross]

the 1.4 is 1/3 stop faster

I believe that f/1.4 is closer to 2/3 of a stop faster.

A whole stop faster than f/1.8 would be about f/1.3

---Bob Gross---

[rent]

oh yeah.. you are right bob. fraction math always gets me. :p -alex

I believe that f/1.4 is closer to 2/3 of a stop faster.

A whole stop faster than f/1.8 would be about f/1.3

---Bob Gross---

[yerevantsi]

In addition to the above mentioned, I want to add that the f/1.4 has eight aperture blades and the f/1.8 has five.
In practice, this is translated with more natural looking bokeh especially when there are highlights in the bokeh area...
I'd recommend the 1.4 where $230 was not a big issue... Was it? ;)

Garo

[muscleflex]

what's a bokeh? i thought this was just a typo but it's been mentioned a lot...

[AjP]

I agree, if you can afford, get 1.4, great lense for portraits with great bokeh (blury background)

[johnlo]

what's a bokeh? i thought this was just a typo but it's been mentioned a lot...

read here....
http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/bokeh.htm