50mm quality question

So I am going to start getting into portraits...

I have the 100 buck 50mm 1.8 right now. I know its not the best quality, but is it worth me spending more and getting the 300 or so buck 50mm (or 85mm but prob too zoomed I would imagine on my cropped body). Am I lacking in mostly build quality (in the sense thats its from like ikea) over image quality by having the cheaper 50mm?

The 50mm f/1.8 you have is a VERY sharp lens for the price. Stopped down to about f/2.8 or so, it can be just as sharp as the f/1.4 version. The main things you gain with the f/1.4 however, is USM (w/FTM), and better build quality.

I opted for the f/1.4 version; 1.8 was too much like a plastic toy for me. Sigma 1.4 has better overall performance vs Canon

In addition to build quality, the colors and bokeh from the 50 1.4 are much better, generally speaking.

Spend the extra on the Sigma. It's definitely worth it, assuming you get a good copy.

David, there is nothing wrong with the image quality produced by Canon's 50 f/1.8 lens. Have fun!

The Sigma 50 is a very good option. The build is very good and IQ it rivals the 50L.

DLitton wrote in post #12821153
So I am going to start getting into portraits...

I have the 100 buck 50mm 1.8 right now. I know its not the best quality, but is it worth me spending more and getting the 300 or so buck 50mm (or 85mm but prob too zoomed I would imagine on my cropped body). Am I lacking in mostly build quality (in the sense thats its from like ikea) over image quality by having the cheaper 50mm?

I think you would be more pleased to keep 50mm 1.8 and invest in 85mm 1.8.
In terms of build quality, focus speed, bokeh, 85mm 1.8 > 50mm 1.4. I dislike 50mm 1.4's ring focus, it is not that much better than a 50mm 1.8.
With 85mm, you get longer FL, thinner DoF and good sharpness. As long as you use 85mm outdoor (With enough room to foot zoom because you are on crop.), it will work like a charm.

calvinjhfeng wrote in post #12821453
I think you would be more pleased to keep 50mm 1.8 and invest in 85mm 1.8.

Sounds like a winner.
Yes the 50 feels like a toy, but I've never cared too much about it since I'm not rough with my lenses anyway. I say step up to the 85mm.

Depends how much you use it!

I had the 50/1.8 for about 6 years worked fine, but wanted better bokeh so bought the sigma 50.

i think you guys are forgetting some of the major elements of the 1.4 vs the 1.8

focus ring: first off it is a hell of a lot easier to get at on the 1.4
none rotating front element: extremely important when using C.PL. filters and other filters.
USM, yeah, seriously, you can't beat some USM, so damn quiet, which is extremely helpful when doing video.
faster focus on the 1.4: From using a friends 1.8 to my 1.4 I notice that mine just jumps so much faster to focus than the 1.8 does.

Plus that extra bit of faster f/ makes shooting indoors a larger pleasure as you can really bring up the light in the room without issue, it's funny how 2/3rds of a stop of light can truly change an image.

Canons 50/1.4 is micro motor USM though and frankly frail.

RobDickinson wrote in post #12821805
Canons 50/1.4 is micro motor USM though and frankly frail.

mine works like a charm....

BoneJj wrote in post #12821795
none rotating front element: extremely important when using C.PL. filters and other filters.

The 50mm 1.8 and 50mm 1.8 II both have non-rotating front elements. The II has a spinning focus ring during AF, and because it is right at the front, that might confuse some people.

Here are some videos that shows it spinning:

http://www.youtube.com​/watch?v=Egg-6PEnAoo

http://www.youtube.com​/watch?v=uoqJW7cTTk0

http://www.youtube.com​/watch?v=8qTMAAl79Rg

BoneJj wrote in post #12821817
mine works like a charm....

Yes, until it breaks.