50 1.4 VS 50 1.8?

[hugodrax]

Is the optical quality at comparible 1.8 better with the 50 1.4? The 1.4 has more blades for smoother bokeh but will I notice a difference in sharpness/contrast on the 1.4(300) vs 1.8(70) and construction I hear the new 1.8s are cheap but so cheap that they will fall apart under normal use. Anyone have comparison shots or shots with either lens. thanks

[D30Photo]

I don't have the 50mm f1.8, but do have the f1.4 version. If I was doing it over, I would proably buy the f1.8 (the older metal mount).
The DOF is so shallow that I normally don't shoot under f2.0. As for build quality, both lens are small and light so I doubt there will be much different.

Both are also fixed prime with less moving parts so they are less susceptible to wears and tears.

If you can afford the f1.4 go for it, but if you have other lens you want to spend money on, buy the f1.8 and use the money on other lens.

[50/1.4]

I agree with D30Photo's advice. I have the 1.4 and it is definitely a better lens. But if you can use the money on another lens, get the 1.8. As far as it falling apart, let's pretend it does in 2 years. So, you are out $70, about what the depreciation would be on your 1.4 and you can just go out and buy another 1.8 for $70. Good luck.

[justme_dc]

I have the 50mm 1.8 II. It's the "cheapie" Plastic mount one. I have been using the heck out of it for about ten years. I haven't had any problems with the construction or durability. Were it that I needed to buy another 50mm lens I would buy the 1.8 again. The 1.4 *is* nicer I guess, but I don't think it is 200 dollars nicer. I get great images with my 50mm 1.8. I guess if you have the money to burn you could get the 1.4. For me 200 bucks will buy BG-E3 or acouple of batteries or most of the price of a 550EX.


Good Luck to ya.

[droosan]

I like my 50/1.4. It might be a better optically, especially at f/1.8 - f/2.8. It is faster focusing and that is important to me. It gives a brighter viewfinder. It's filter size is 58mm, which is the same as most of my other lenses.

These things made it worth it to me, but I can certainly see why most would choose the 50/1.8. A lens you aren't too worried about losing, breaking or scratching would be nice in some situations, like a sandstorm for example.

I agree with people above that Durability is not a $200 issue - The 50/1.4 is not going to last 4 times longer than a 50/1.8.