Broken 50mm f1.4. Which alternative would you choose?

After 7+ years, my 50mm 1.4 has (likely) fallen prey to a common focus ring problem. My primary use for it is studio newborn shoots, artistic wedding detail shots, low light situations, etc. with a focus on newborn shoots. I do a fair mix of newborns, weddings, families, and seniors, along with an alter-ego of wide-angle, often HDR landscape shots. The alternatives I already own are the 17-40 f4 (landscapes or bust), the 70-200 f2.8 non-IS (favorite lens in the whole wide world), 24-105 f4 (why oh why can't it be 2.8?), and the sigma 105 f2.8 macro (perfect for portaits with lots of space, not so great for tight quarters).

I highly value and respect opinions on POTN, and although I don't post much, I learn daily from you guys!! What I would love to know is:

Is it worth it to upgrade to the 50mm 1.2?

Is it SO not worth it that the 50mm 1.8 would be sufficient?

Should I just get over my hankering for new glass and get the old glass repaired to the tune of probably less than $100?

Does it matter so little that my 24-105 f4 would be good enough?

I am leaning toward the 1.2 just because I am a junkie for new gear and I think it would be awesome, but DANG there is a price jump. Is it worth it?

For $100 to repair it seems a no brainer to repair even if you sold it immediately afterword. As for the rest, only you know your style.

Repair is about $135, I've paid twice for it. The third time it broke, just recently, I was able to talk Canon into fixing it for free.

If you use the 50mm a lot the Sigma f/1.4 ART seems to be the best replacement out there.

if size not an issue, I'de try out the new siggy 50 A. Optics look so damn clean. Otherwise, the 50L is good as well. Compact, AF is good, though it suffers from focus shift near MFD. IQ is sufficient, and better contrast than the 50 1.4. Build is MUCH better as well.

I would say the 50mm f/1.2L was a dreamy, gorgeous look. The colors are gorgeous, the tonality bright. A really different look aesthetically over the 50mm f/1.8, which I felt had a flatter contrast. Expensive, but worth it. I originally obtained this lens as a "companion" to the 85mm f/1.2L, expecting that it had a similar "look." It does and doesn't, both; hard to describe.

If you're in for this much money though, you might consider renting the 50mm f/1.2L and the 50mm/Art -- to see which rendering you prefer. The 50mm/Art was not available when I purchased my 85mm & 50mm.

I will say go for the EF 50mm f1.2 L. There is just nothing like it.
I had the EF 50mm f1.8 (junk), EF 50mm f1.4 and the Sigma 50mm f1.4 Art. All pale to the mighty 50mm f1.2 L.

A warning beforehand, it has a learning curve so try it before you take it on a job. BTW, I sold all the other 50's after getting the f1.2. Cause they would never get used around here anymore.

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II = $ 105 - (Disposable lens)
Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM = $ 399 or repair = $ 135 (Good to Very Good lens)
Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM (non Art older model) = $ 399 (Good to Very Good lens)
Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art = $ 949 (Excellent lens)
Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM = $ 1549 (Excellent Lens)

After exhaustive research between the Canon L and the Sigma Art, I decided to try the Canon out first and go from there. Thanks for all the input!!

I will also be sending the 1.4 off for repair, so that at least I will have it for backup and/or to sell.

Nice! Would love to see your test fotos!

I usually buy up broken 50mm lenses for around $180 just to play with them to see what I can do with them. This gives members around $300 or so to play with toward a new lens, better than if they send it in, and sell it later. That is provided it comes with the box and papers and caps. I love my Sigma 50 1.4, but I had to send it in to be calibrated like many, and but would love the ART version.

I upgraded from the 1.4 to the 1.2L this summer and have never looked back since. Its an amazing lens and all versions Ive used, never has any issues with focus shifting wide open. I shoot it 90% wide open and always love the results. Its a special lens that cant be justified by everybody (why would I spend $1K more just for a soft lens!) but for those that have the lens, know just how special it is. Been hearing great things about the new Sigma 50 Art, and even played with it just after I bought my L, but despite being very sharp wide open, I would never trade my L for it. To be honest, the 50L would be the last lens Id ever sell. Its been practically glued to my camera all summer long.

After a few practice runs at home, I got to use the new 50mm 1.2 on a brand new subject, 3 day old baby S. I am IN LOVE with that beautiful bokeh. Pretty sure it's worth every penny.

Awww! Beautiful! And what that lens is for .

Insanely awesome image!

I just got the S50A and I definitely have to adjust color more in Photoshop than I do with my L lenses. But sharp!!! It will get a workout over the next few weeks with two family members having babies--this will decide if I keep it or swap it for something else.

That is tremendously beautiful. I know people rave about the Sigma Art, but the bokeh is actually too noisy. The 1.2 is so smooth. I really like the bokeh on the sony 55 and planar lenses (85 + 50) as well.
Great shot!