50L still worth the premium?

In the near future I plan on buying a 50L f/1.2. There are a number of things I prefer about it. Size, weight, f/1.2 vs f/1.4, "dreamy" bokeh, "magical" characteristic fall-off. These things just really sell me on this lens.

The big downside is the price. I don't mind paying it, IF it's actually worth it. Sharpness isn't everything, and by all accounts the 50L is plenty sharp. But do the things I like about the 50L live up to the hype? I've seen sample images and I think it renders gorgeously...

This isn't really a 50L vs. 50 Art question, I have no intention of buying the 50 Art. I guess what I'm asking is for those of you who forked over the dough for it, are you happy with your decision? If I can't overcome justifying the steep price in my mind, I'll likely put my money toward other glass (probably a 85 f/1.8). This also isn't about my current gear and what FL lenses I need, I already know what I like to shoot with, and I love having a 50.

I've gotta say that the 50L is one of my favourite lenses, it's on my camera more than any of my other lenses. Sure I adore the 85L but the 50L is so much more versatile, well for me anyway.

I had the Nifty which was good & for the price you can't beat it, but the L is in a totally different league especially wide open! I love the 1.2 glass!

Sounds like your already sold but FWIW I love it for many of the reasons you stated. ( size, build, autofocus accuracy and of course the way it renders ) 50L and 135L are just a magical combo for me.

Yeah, I have pretty much sold myself on it. I'm in the process of making gear changes and I'm being really picky about what I want. Sounds silly, but I'm after the "magical" lenses lol. Ya' know, the one's that have those special characteristics to them. You mentioned the 135L, and that's another one I'm interested in, but a 50 takes priority for me.

I had the 24-70II, and subject separation and colors and contrast were pretty magical, I just didn't care for the bulk, and I also don't care much for zooms. Good lens, not for me.

I'm looking at 50L, 135L, maybe the 100L? I'd love the 85L but holy crap I don't want to spend that much!

Never regretted it. Yes, its definitely worth the premium

Yeah, way happy with mine. Gorgeous lens. I also had the 50mm f/1.4, but was not happy with it. I thought it rendered rather bland, and my copy also just fell apart at one point, and not even from frequent use.

I was looking at a new 50 as well, i have the 1.8, but i want something nicer. I waited and waited for the Sigma 50 art, but now that its out and I've seen the comparisons, i can't help but drool over that creamy look of the 50L.
I've seen a lot of good deals on used ones on here, so think thats what I'm doing. Much better than buying new.

I pre-ordered the Sigma 50mm 1.4 in April and was anxiously awaiting receipt of that lens. As I waited I avidly read every article I could find about it. When the early reviews started including sample pics, I found that at least for me, the 50 Art bokeh was overly harsh and busy. The combination of Sigma's slow deliveries and my own feelings about the sample pics changed my mind. A few weeks ago I canceled my pre-order from my camera vendor and ordered a LN- Canon 50mm 1.2 from KEH. It arrived two days later and I have never looked back. Love the softly lit bokeh.

One thing: Give yourself time to learn how to master using the Canon wide open. At first I thought that the lens had issues with focusing. It didn't, it just took me about 20 - 30 shots to learn how to focus at that so thin area of 1.2 focus. After taking that time and reviewing the photos, I was in love with what that lens can do. I am something of a 50mm junkie. I started with the aptly named nifty fifty, acquired the compact 50 macro and life size extender and also own the Sigmalux original 50mm. For now I don't plan to part with the Sigmalux or compact macro even though I now have the 1.2. No regrets here. The Canon 50mm has great build, is a comfortable size and weight and has that elusive 1.2. Best of luck whatever you decide.

it's what you make of it. I was initially pretty meh about the 50L when I first bought it. I kept using it, and it grew on me. Now it's my daily use lens. One of my most enjoyable lenses, if not the most. Out of my higher end lenses, it's the least sharp, but in practice, still plenty good.

need wider for groups?, sure, lemme take a few steps back/arrange folks.
need bokeh?, got plenty.
low light?, got plenty of light.
portraits? not the greatest, but I can make due.
harsh weather? no problem, weather sealed.

super flexible IMO. The thing that it doesn't excel at are landscapes, but for those occasions, I have zooms.

Wow, you guys are certainly confirming my notions about this lens! Glad to hear so many are enjoying it. I have read about the focus "weirdness." It seems many overcome it in time. Some have done MFA, others adjusted their technique. I understand the "focus shift" near MFD, but I typically manually focus near MFD anyway. I don't suspect I'll have issues after getting used to it.

I loved my 50L, just be careful...rumor has it there may be a 50L II just around the corner.

Bakewell wrote in post #16925548
I loved my 50L, just be careful...rumor has it there may be a 50L II just around the corner.

Darn you! I've heard the rumors too. Not sure how much I believe that one, at least the "right around the corner" part I doubt. But I personally never thought a 50L II was needed, it's the f/1.8 and f/1.4 varieties that need an update, badly. My guess is they'll bring out a nice 50 f/1.8 with IS, similar in IQ to the 35 f/2 IS. An f/1.4 with IS would be tempting though... but it'd have a price tag to match I'm sure. But then again I'm not after clincial perormance, I want magic!

The 50L is my least used lens, but I love its characteristics and it often is just the right focal length.

Absolutely a great lens

My 50 L is now six years old and I still love the lens. I initially had some resevations but once I got used to it and the extremely shallow depth of field at F/1.2, it became a keeper. I have a very sharp copy (thankfully) and Bokeh is wonderful. I recommend it!

The 50L is the only 50mm prime for EOS that I have been happy with. For me the combination of features that make it are:

The maximum aperture
Focus speed and accuracy
Flare resistance
Rendering of OOF areas

The lens is also reasonably sharp. It just isn't really any sharper than a lot of other options like the Canon 50/1.4 and the Sigma 50/1.4. But those two lenses are not as good as the 50L in the areas I list above (IMO).