Canon 20D Kit Lens 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6II USM vs 50mm f/1.4; noise question

Hello all,

I have recently purchased my 20D with the kit lens 18-55mm to start. I am now ready to put down some money on 50mm f/1.4. My question is regarding noise. If I were to take a picture with everything being equal and just the different lenses (kit vs 50mm), will there be any difference in amount of noise showing up the picture? Will 50mm produce less noise because it is a superior lens comparing to the kit lens? Or it depends on the camera? Anyone has any comparison photos? Any help is appreciated. Thank you.

I think noise is a function of the camera, ISO setting, and the brightness in the scene -- even at ISO 100 you can see some noise in underexposed areas.

Regarding noise, if you want to take a picture at 50mm with the kit lens your minimum aperture is around f/4.5. With the 50 f/1.4 you can probably use f/2 with excellent results which is > 2 stops difference. In that case you can use a lower ISO and therefore you'll get much less noise. E.g. ISO 400 vs 1600. If you can stay ISO 400 or below then the noise is pretty minor and can easily be cleaned up using noise reduction software (I use noise ninja).

Besides aperture the 50 f/1.4 is a better lens and can pick up more detail for sharper images. I also think the 50 f/1.4 has more accurate auto focus compared to the kit and the 50 f/1.8.

The 50 f/1.4 is my favourite lens at the moment in case you didn't pick that up

Malcolm