50 mm lens question

[Hipgrncln]

Is there any BIG difference between the 1.4 and 1.8 lens. Will be using it infrequenly for mostly indoor flash where I need something fast.

Bob J

[Todd Jacobsen]

I believe you mean 50mm. You'd be looking at nose hair with the help of a crane with a 500mm 1.8...

[Hipgrncln]

Sorry...... an extra 0000000 I DO mean a 50 mm 1.8 vs a 1.4.

Bob J

[GyRob]

the 1.4 is better built, as for flash if you were to up your iso a little then you would have the same light gathering power anyway.
Rob

[FlyingPete]

Hmmm 500mm f/1.4.....

[defordphoto]

Sorry...... an extra 0000000 I DO mean a 50 mm 1.8 vs a 1.4.

Bob J

Fixed title. ;)

[tim]

Copied from a post I just made.

The 50mm F1.4 is much better than the 1.8, it has a more accurate focus USM motor, and is better at everything. I sold my 1.8 because I wasn't happy with it, even after Canon calibrated it, the 1.4 is a keeper.

[ddelallata]

I have an excellent copy of the f/1.8. Sure, the AF is noisy and I've seen my nephews build better stuff out of LEGOs, but this thing is super sharp. I can only imagine how good the f/1.4 must be.

[tim]

I have an excellent copy of the f/1.8. Sure, the AF is noisy and I've seen my nephews build better stuff out of LEGOs, but this thing is super sharp. I can only imagine how good the f/1.4 must be.

Try it at F1.8, it its minimum focus distance from a focus test chart (http://www.canon-dslr.com/Canon_Jan05/Canon_SLR_Focus_Test.htm). That's not a real world test, but it shows what mine did to a lesser extent quite often.

[dmstraton]

Do a search. There are so many comparisons around on the web. I ended up buying the 1.4, here's why: I saw and played with the 1.8, and was able to compare with a 1.4 (my friend's) in terms of fit and finish, and I couldn't come to terms with what really feels like a disposable lens. If you already know that you NEED a 50mm, and it will be a keeper (assuming no bad copies), spend the extra money to get that unmistakable quality feel. If you really need the extra $250, then well, you really need the extra $250.;) There is really no doubt they are both performers, but I still want mine to perform in a few years.

Beyond that, from the comparisons I have seen, contrast and color better on 1.4, as is resistance to flair...some reviews say that barrel distortion is a little worse on the 1.4, but I can't see it in my photos. My copy is very, very sharp.:cool: My favorite lens so far (Canon lens, that is, and as I am rebuilding since my old Minolta days).

[grego]

If you have the money get the 1.4, if you are on a strict budget, get the 1.8.

[Andy_T]

Also take a look at this thread:
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=84183

Best regards,
Andy