50/1.4 Noisy Focusing

Just received a used 50/1.4 from a fellow POTNer yesterday and am loving it; my first ever 1.4

The only (little) irritation I have with it is that its a little noisy in the focusing department and I could actually hear the lens body clicking and clacking inside the housing. It was quiet loud when I stood in front of the aquarium trying to snap fish; some of that may have been because of the reflections from the glass housing, but I could also feel physical motion inside the lens.

Is that a common occurrence, or I just got a bad motor, dampening, or something else? Its no biggie, but my 85/1.8 which is a similar build is very quiet. I'll experiment some more tonight.

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com/​photos/kykhans/7777099​680/

Mine has done it since day one and it's already been to Canon Irvine for front focus as well. I just chalk it up to the lens.

alphamalex wrote in post #14858361
but my 85/1.8 which is a similar build is very quiet.

The 85mm 1.8 may look similar but it is actually very different construction. The 85 1.8 has Ring-Type USM (the good kind of USM) while the 50mm 1.4 has Micro Motor USM (the not so good kind of USM)

35L which has USM does same when used on 5dmk2. On 5dmk3 no problems. I did this test as someone here on POTN was saying that lens was hunting when using outer AF points. I will check my 50mm f1.4 tonight if I get some time.

It will not focus anything like the 85 and the noise is normal. Just enjoy it for what it is..

bobbyz wrote in post #14858651
35L which has USM does same when used on 5dmk2. On 5dmk3 no problems. I did this test as someone here on POTN was saying that lens was hunting when using outer AF points. I will check my 50mm f1.4 tonight if I get some time.

I got mine set on center FP. The thing is, whether hunting or not, I expected it to be quieter. My only comparison is the 50/1.8 II which I've had for more than a year and come to think of it, it is quieter I guess I've been reading so much about the better construction quality of the 1.4 (and it looks more like the 85/1.8), that I thought it would be quieter too.

Like I said, its no biggie, but the seller was kind enough to send the Amazon receipt from Feb-2012 along with it so I can send it for 'repairs' if need be, right?

alphamalex wrote in post #14858899
I got mine set on center FP. The thing is, whether hunting or not, I expected it to be quieter. My only comparison is the 50/1.8 II which I've had for more than a year and come to think of it, it is quieter I guess I've been reading so much about the better construction quality of the 1.4 (and it looks more like the 85/1.8), that I thought it would be quieter too.

Like I said, its no biggie, but the seller was kind enough to send the Amazon receipt from Feb-2012 along with it so I can send it for 'repairs' if need be, right?

I guess I don't quite follow all the "hype" of the 50 1.4. Don't get me wrong, I have gotten some nice, shallow DOF shots, being that it's my fastest lens. However, when it comes to AF motor, noisiness, and sharpness at anything bigger than f2.0, I'm very unimpressed. But I wanted better quality than the 50 1.8 and don't use 50mm enough to justify the L, so it's just a trade-off.

I guess I'll have to take my 8 year old son's advice; "Hey Dad, lower your expectations!"

I do plan on using it more since its a nice fast lens and can bring forth some magic shots; DOF wise .. "L' is not for me either; not a pro and not a crazy fan of this length (yet).

BTW, 50mm has never been my go to length and I found myself looking around for compo yesterday. I LOVE the 85 for portraits and I was having to re-adjust a lot; ending up a bunch of distorted images of the wife I haven't read up on composing with a 50, but I'm guessing I'm going to have to stand back a little and crop?

Laramie, where is your sweet spot? 2.8? 4.0?

haha you should hear the 50 1.8 - sounds like there is a little robotic man inside the lens, turning the focus ring.

alphamalex wrote in post #14858959
I guess I'll have to take my 8 year old son's advice; "Hey Dad, lower your expectations!"

I do plan on using it more since its a nice fast lens and can bring forth some magic shots; DOF wise .. "L' is not for me either; not a pro and not a crazy fan of this length (yet).

BTW, 50mm has never been my go to length and I found myself looking around for compo yesterday. I LOVE the 85 for portraits and I was having to re-adjust a lot; ending up a bunch of distorted images of the wife I haven't read up on composing with a 50, but I'm guessing I'm going to have to stand back a little and crop?

Laramie, where is your sweet spot? 2.8? 4.0?

I don't want to take any flak here because I know the lens has lots of fans so I should say that my opinions are SOLELY based on my experience.

For me, f2.8 does seem to be extremely sharp and a spot I find myself in a lot, however, sharpness (depending on subject distance) is still acceptable at 1.4-2.0, but again, IME it requires nailing exposure/focus.

Christina.DazzleByDesi​gn wrote in post #14858964
haha you should hear the 50 1.8 - sounds like there is a little robotic man inside the lens, turning the focus ring.

You should hear a tamron

Could always go manual.

Just checked mine on 5dmk3. It is little noisy but not too much. Focus seems quite quick. Sharpness I am quite happy at f2.0. Quick grab shot from some weeks ago.

Christina.DazzleByDesi​gn wrote in post #14858964
haha you should hear the 50 1.8 - sounds like there is a little robotic man inside the lens, turning the focus ring.

A slow little robotic man!

The 50mm f/1.4 doesn't use the newer USM. It is still with the micro motor, that's why it make a little more noise.