50mm 1.8 who is still using it?

Who is still using it and how long have you had it?
I took mine out today because I'm deciding between the new Stm for better bokeh and noise. The lens is definitely noisy. But I have to say, I have a really good copy that takes sharp pictures even wide open. Mine is almost four years old and it takes unbelievable photos. I'm thinking of keeping it even if I get the stm version. I'm almost worried the stm won't be as sharp as my particular copy. It also renders colors and contrast in an excellent fashion. So how long have you had yours? Have you upgraded to an stm, and have you kept your version II as well?

I've had mine for about 6 years but I have upgraded to the stm a few months ago. The stm is sharper and nicer to use so I've given the mk II to my daughter and she's using it happily now as it's her first fast prime.

Nothing wrong with this lens at all. Being using for the past 10+ years. Great value for the money. I have both the mkI and the mkII versions.

Heya,

Had 3 different 50 F1.8's over the years. Got rid of them all. Great lens for the money. Razor sharp, accurate in good light, good color & contrast, acceptable quality bokeh for cost. But, I very much disliked how noisy it was, didn't like how well it focused in low light, and wanted a better lens hood option (the II version; I didn't have the MKI). The STM version to me was worth the trade up, if nothing more than just to get quiet autofocus and get a lens hood back on the barrel instead of the element (like the MKI). I don't use it for video, ever. Even if I had the MKI, I'd have still moved to the STM, again, for nothing more than just to have quieter autofocus. Grinding gears just make me crazy.

Very best,

I hear you on the noise. Its really noisy. Especially when it hunts. I'm not debating that the stm is not a better lens. Just seeing if people have kept their old plastic fantastics after the upgrade. I would have to say that I have an exceptional copy of the II. Its sharp wide open and gets better and better stopped down. I'm really debating the stm vs the tamron 35 at this point. Huge price difference. I'm also debating whether to keep the plastic fantastic. Its such a good lens and I've taken some great photos with it.

I ended up giving mine away to a friend. Similar to MalVeaux, I hated the auto focus hunting and noise of the grinding gears. I still need to try out the new STM version, as I wouldn't mind trading down from my 50L, which I only seem to use around the holidays for family events.

I don't use it much, but (coincidentally) I did use it just last week for some copy work...

Since it stays in my gear cabinet most of the time, I doubt I'll get the STM unless I have a new use for the focal length.
I think I purchased it new around 2007.

upgraded to the STM and really didn't notice a huge upgrade. Both are fine lenses

I'm still using my mk1. Keep flirting with the STM just for more aperture blades but the mk1 has been great for me.

Not bad for a "modern" lens in its 30's

gremlin75 wrote in post #17890653
I'm still using my mk1. Keep flirting with the STM just for more aperture blades but the mk1 has been great for me.

Not bad for a "modern" lens in its 30's

same here....i returned a gift to best buy, and now have a $100 gift card there...so i'm starting to think of putting it towards the STM

I'm a newbie to the "Plastic Fantastic" club. I picked up a used II for a great price last spring right around the time the STM came out. I figured that for the price, it would be good for those times that I wanted the wide aperture for whatever reason.

Over the summer I bought a used EOS 100 (Elan) in a fit of nostalgia, and the 50mm 1.8 II is the only full-frame normal lens I have for it. I don't use the 100 that often though. The cost of 2-3 rolls of film plus processing is more than I paid for the 100 and 50mm together!

Mike

I have the mk I and the mk II; can't say as I've ever noticed any substantive differences between them. I mainly grabbed a mk I because of the build quality and focus scale. Both serve me well for the occasional portrait shoot or product image.

I might switch away if someone came out with a 50mm with IS, but I don't expect to see one any time soon.

I love this little inexpensive lens.

I am on my second mark II. Which I just broke trying to take apart to clean out some gunk on the inside of the lens. The first one was dropped. I also have a mark I (just because) and the new STM version. I will be getting a second copy of the STM to keep on my spare camera body fill time. Which funny enough I used more that my new bodies since it's always in the car.

Update: The STM is near $200Cnd after taxes (if purchased locally). Ouch. No second copy for me.

I still have mine, even after getting the 50mm 1.4. It's not worth selling, as it is so cheap, so I'd much rather just keep it, in case, as it has always worked as it should.

I'm traveling overseas with the II and usually put it on once the sun goes down. Fun lens and it was right for the budget and the expected usage conditions.