Breaking the f/1.2 mark.....

So, ever since I bought by EF 50mm f/1.8, I discovered large-aperture usefulness and ultimately picked up my Sigma 50mm f/1.4 for just that and am now looking for an even faster lens... I know Canon makes the 50mm f/1.2L, but I'm wondering what others might be using out there....

I've seen Rodenstock, Noktor, etc... but am wondering if anyone is using something that doesn't break the bank like Leica's $10k+ 50mm f/0.95. Noktor's 50mm f/0.95 is sub-$1000 but they don't make Canon mount (though, there's a survey for who they should produce for next - you should go vote!) http://noktor.com/inde​x.php .

Anyone using anything faster than the f/1.2 out there?

Look for Canon 50mm L 1.0

85mm f/1.2L is not faster than 50mm f/1.2, but is obviously better...

Titi

Other than the 50 1.0 there arent that many options. You rapidly reach a point of diminishing returns because depth of field is so shallow and the fact that it becomes more practical to raise ISO than make faster lenses.

titi_67207 wrote in post #14133275
85mm f/1.2L is not faster than 50mm f/1.2, but is obviously better...

Titi

If you need an 85 yes.

Logicus wrote in post #14133250
So, ever since I bought by EF 50mm f/1.8, I discovered large-aperture usefulness and ultimately picked up my Sigma 50mm f/1.4 for just that and am now looking for an even faster lens... I know Canon makes the 50mm f/1.2L, but I'm wondering what others might be using out there....

There are other ways to achieve the goals of why you might want a faster lens. Do you want better low light ability? Do you want shallower DOF? Or do you want 'coolness' factor? At a certain point, the DOF is actually too shallow and not very useful anymore other than for 'coolness' and unique looks. I think most people are more than happy with f/1.2. There are sometimes practical implications in the optics to be the reason why they are not made.

I think the 50mm f/1.0 is more a collectors item (coolness factor) rather than being an more incredibly awesome lens over the 50mm f/1.2.

Its like having the wish for zoom lenses faster than f/2.8. Sure it would be nice, but price would be ridiculous and the size might be too much for the small gain in f-stop speed.

Talley wrote in post #14133259
Look for Canon 50mm L 1.0

gonzogolf wrote in post #14133277
Other than the 50 1.0 there arent that many options. You rapidly reach a point of diminishing returns because depth of field is so shallow and the fact that it becomes more practical to raise ISO than make faster lenses.

Yeah, the Canon is there, but like the Leica's it's waaay to much for my hobby. Found some "cheaper" ones on ebay for about $5000.

Again, I've found several other brands, some more economical and some less, and am just wondering if there was anyone with some real-world experience with them. Weighing things like, could I do without AF?, etc...

And I understand the difficulty of catching focus and keeping it as sharp as possible at such shallow dof.. I had to work on that even with the f/1.4, I can deal with that.

Logicus wrote in post #14133317
Yeah, the Canon is there, but like the Leica's it's waaay to much for my hobby. Found some "cheaper" ones on ebay for about $5000.

Again, I've found several other brands, some more economical and some less, and am just wondering if there was anyone with some real-world experience with them. Weighing things like, could I do without AF?, etc...

And I understand the difficulty of catching focus and keeping it as sharp as possible at such shallow dof.. I had to work on that even with the f/1.4, I can deal with that.

As a hobbyist what are you hoping to do with something faster than 1.2? I'm trying to wrap my head around why anyone really need this other than a few technical exercises.

gonzogolf wrote in post #14133365
As a hobbyist what are you hoping to do with something faster than 1.2? I'm trying to wrap my head around why anyone really need this other than a few technical exercises.

I know there'd be more missed shots due to soft images, etc... but concerts, some of the band photography I do, etc... more artistic than technical as far as desired results. Looking for the even shallower dof and a little more ability to use natural/ambient/lackin​g light than to just "bump the ISO".

I'm really just wanting to know if anyone's using any of the other more affordable brands - I want one, somewhere between 24 and 50mm, but being that it's not something I'll use a ton, I also don't want to spend $5k or more on. Just looking to see what other options are out there.

I may end up renting a 50mm f/1.0 for an upcoming band shoot, but I feel like I'm not going to want to give it back!

Logicus wrote in post #14133250
but am wondering if anyone is using something that doesn't break the bank ?

yes, a FLASH.

haha, just kidding....well. no, not kidding actually.

KrakenWakes wrote in post #14133463
yes, a FLASH.

haha, just kidding....well. no, not kidding actually.

I've actually been just starting to work with a flash, and can't get the results I'm really looking for. If I could find a way to get the same dof using a flash, I'd go that route for sure.

Actually, you'd probably get the biggest bang for the buck by getting a 5DIII - from all indications it will have great high-ISO performance, which would handle the dark venue part of the equation without breaking the bank for a sub-f/1.2 lens.

stsva wrote in post #14133498
Actually, you'd probably get the biggest bang for the buck by getting a 5DIII - from all indications it will have great high-ISO performance, which would handle the dark venue part of the equation without breaking the bank for a sub-f/1.2 lens.

I know, that fund envelop is still being filled for that one. It's really tempting to pick up another 5d2 body though, as cheap as they've gotten.. but that's another story, haha...

Logicus wrote in post #14133436
I know there'd be more missed shots due to soft images, etc... but concerts, some of the band photography I do, etc... more artistic than technical as far as desired results. Looking for the even shallower dof and a little more ability to use natural/ambient/lackin​g light than to just "bump the ISO".

I'm really just wanting to know if anyone's using any of the other more affordable brands - I want one, somewhere between 24 and 50mm, but being that it's not something I'll use a ton, I also don't want to spend $5k or more on. Just looking to see what other options are out there.

I may end up renting a 50mm f/1.0 for an upcoming band shoot, but I feel like I'm not going to want to give it back!

I cant imagine you will notice any significant difference. It's only a half stop faster and you can see the DOF at various distances by looking here.
http://www.dofmaster.c​om/dofjs.html I'm still thinking your efforts to get whatever it is you are seeking are probably better spent elsewhere.

gonzogolf wrote in post #14133532
I cant imagine you will notice any significant difference. It's only a half stop faster and you can see the DOF at various distances by looking here.
http://www.dofmaster.c​om/dofjs.html I'm still thinking your efforts to get whatever it is you are seeking are probably better spent elsewhere.

Yeah, I've figured, and this calculator confirms, that you "shallow" the dof by about the same amount going from f/1.4 > f/1.0 as you do by going from f/1.8 > f/1.4, which, to me, is noticeable enough. Thanks for the link, though.. some good info on there.

Keep in mind, talking me out of a faster lens is going to be like telling the kid at the store that he can't have the toy because he's got all those toys at home. It's just a matter of finding out what's out there.