Is 2/3rds of a stop generally worth it?

Maybe it is to general a question. But do you find that the differences between an f1.8 prime and its normally "way more expensive and bigger" f1.4 brother are worth both the money and the effort?

Not to me.

The difference is more than aperture.

Ever wonder why some 2.8 lenses are worth thousands more?

Kanye wrote in post #16654624
The difference is more than aperture.

Ever wonder why some 2.8 lenses are worth thousands more?

I don't care for the mechanics that have to be in a faster lens, I just care about how my photos look. I know the generally faster more expensive lenses have better glass and special glass. As a package, are these primes worth it to you? It is not scientific, so just looking for opinions and reasoning behind them. I do know people who have "downgraded" to slower lenses for convenience and to pocket some money. Just thought it may be an interesting topic

Kanye wrote in post #16654624
The difference is more than aperture.

Exactly.

Using 50 1.8 & 1.4 as an example, optics used, number of aperture blades, build quality, AF speed and accuracy, sharpness and rendering ability at same aperture are all favoring the 1.4 lens.

So yes, it's definitely worth it imo.

Worth is such a subjective thing. One mans trash is another mans treasure

For me yes!
I have done the step from EF 50/1.4 to Minolta Rokkor 58/1.2, and the resulting images are way better.
For me it opens up new ways. But this is likely not the case for EF 50/1.4 instead of 50/1.8.

I don't think I've ever wanted less than 1.8.

However 2/3rds of a stop better than 2.8 or 4 is wanted often.

It's worth it only if you absolutely need 1.4.

What kind of photos do you take?
The op asked about aperture differences only. So build etc is pointless to discuss in this instance. He's asking about aperture difference in a general sense.
I my opinion a wider aperture is always good to have. Is it worth it, is another question.

OP could ask them-self:
Is it a limitation of needing more light at the current shutter speed with my 1.8 lens?
Am I seeking a thinner DOF or more bokeh in my images?

If your answer is yes, then that extra light and 2 /3 stop MAY be worth it to you.

It depends on the lenses. If all things were basically equal optically, but one lens had f1.8 and was smaller/lighter and the other was f1.4 and was bigger/heavier... I'd take the 1.8 easily.

This is why I'm really hoping the rumored EF 50/1.8 IS becomes a reality soon and I hope it's just as good as their other IS primes (I see no reason it wouldn't be).

for me yes. But you have to take into considerations your shooting styles, how often your light is going to be low, and in my case I got a deal on my 50mm f1.4 when Henry's was doing their "back to school sale"

Interesting answers. To those who ask what the OP shoots etc, sorry this was meant as a general topic. For the most part I have a reasonable idea of the lens I wasnt and balance that on my use and what it is worth to me. I do often ask a user comparison between lenses to help me decide. I may ask a comparison for example between a siggy 85 f1.4 vs the canon 85 f1.8 to get feedback and help make decisions on similar lenses. I do also know that f stop isn't everything and that the build, speed,renderin bokeh and a few other important factors play a part. Thanks