Tips for the 50mm 1.4?

mike_311 wrote in post #14987169
dont focus and recompose at or near wide open.

^^^

I second getting a lens hood. Learned my lesson and like JRET, I just leave it on facing forward, even when storing.

Heres a few I took in the last month. I definitely recommend a hood as well.

mike_311 wrote in post #14987169
dont focus and recompose at or near wide open.

Ok stupid question. If you can't focus and recompose,how would you get the focus if someones eye isn't dead center?

toolman21 wrote in post #14988881
Ok stupid question. If you can't focus and recompose,how would you get the focus if someones eye isn't dead center?

Assuming you have a T1i...

If you're not using LiveView AFQuick mode, select one of your 9 AF points for autofocusing (pg. 66 in your manual) or put any one of the 9 AF points over your subject and it will flash red when correct focus is achieved manually (pg. 67 in your manual).

If you are using LiveView AFQuick mode, select one of your 9 AF points for autofocusing (pg. 116 in your manual) or move the magnifying frame using your directional key buttons on the back of the body for manual focusing (pg. 118 in your manual).

Great advice, thank you! I will invest in a hood too then!

^^
The best thing you can do for the lens. It will protect the front element, protect the AF system, and at the same time improve the IQ.