50mm 1.8 mk1

I just picked up a 50mm mk1 on keh for $89 in ex condition. I'm pretty excited, I've heard amazing things and I see them go on ebay all the time for $130-$180, so I think I got a good deal. My "nifty" has served me well but I'd like the nextbest thing, so I'm hoping this one's more rugged. Does anyone own this lens and have any experience with it? I'm pretty happy right now, I cant afford the 1.4 and I think if i sell my mk2 for ~$60 then for $30 i've got a much nicer lens!!!

i'd love to hear other's experiences

You got a GREAT deal on a fine lens.

I have had one for a long time and it is an impressive lens.

The only real drawback is the focus is a little slow and a little noisy compared to a USM. It compares in picture taking ability to many much more expensive lenses.

You got it for a good price, which is the main thing. It certainly has a much better build quality than the mark II version. People say that optically it is better but I have to admit I have doubts - the specs are identical.

Given that you got it for a good price, I'd say you have done extremely well. I certainly wouldn't pay the going rate for this lens mainly because I have an issue with 50mm on a crop camera - it just doesn't suit me. Hell, I won't even buy a 50 1.4.....

I believe it is optically the same, but physically nicer.

Optics are exact. Only the build quality and AF is different.

corterlifecrisis wrote in post #2067068
I just picked up a 50mm mk1 on keh for $89 in ex condition. I'm pretty excited, I've heard amazing things and I see them go on ebay all the time for $130-$180, so I think I got a good deal. My "nifty" has served me well but I'd like the nextbest thing, so I'm hoping this one's more rugged. Does anyone own this lens and have any experience with it? I'm pretty happy right now, I cant afford the 1.4 and I think if i sell my mk2 for ~$60 then for $30 i've got a much nicer lens!!!

i'd love to hear other's experiences

i had a mint copy. that's one lens i wish i never sold .

ed rader

even if optically it's the same, a nicer build would be great because i always feel like i'm going to break mine.