50-50 - What's the Difference?

Probably something that's been asked before (but I can't find it).

What's the pulling power of the f/1.4 over the f/1.8? Anyone done a side-by-side comparison?

"pulling power"... its a new term for me. What does it mean in terms of a lens?

Thanks, Dennis

Sorry, "pulling power" as in why I should spend the extra money in getting the 1.4 over the 1.8...

check the bottom of this page and see 'similar threads', there's a comparison there.

You have to decide if the build, quality and extra money are worth it. Some people like having the Nifty because it's inexpensive and quite capable. Others who own the 1.4 are happy because that lens is sharp and amazing on brokeh. The cost of the 1.4 is 3x's or more of the 1.8. I opted for the 1.4 because I read the threads here. I haven't regretted it. But I had Nifty for a while and think it's a great purchase.

Pete-30D,
Here is a site that does a side by side comparison of the two:
"Canon EF 50mm – F1.4 vs F1.8 MK II by Wee Keng Hor"

Build quality and Bokeh are enough to warrant the cost (to me).

This subject get's discussed alot on this forum .Try searching past threads for tons of interesting info

The very basics are that the 50/1.4 gives less depth of field ,can be used in (slightly ) lower light levels, has more accurate autofocus, faster autofocus, is built much better and has better background blur (slightly)

The tricky thing is that the 50/1.8 is so good that it is indeed difficult to decide if one should spend the huge amount extra on a 1.4 version.
However there are some strategies that may help one decide-
If you can afford the 50/1.4 but also want the 85/1.8 , then a 50/1.8 + 85/1.8 combo looks a whole lot more appealing than just the 50/1.4 alone
Similarly ,if there are other lenses you want/need you should consider going for the 50/1.8 insteadof the 50/1.4 (which seriously compromises spending elsewhere)

Great link John, shame the owner of that website compressed the test shots way down so they're more or less useless.

I hang my head in shame at the ease at which the info is obtainable....

I sense another addition to my wish-list...

Here is a direct comparo between the two.
http://photo.net/equip​ment/canon/ef50/

ron chappel wrote in post #2070707
TThe very basics are that the 50/1.4 gives less depth of field ,can be used in (slightly ) lower light levels, has more accurate autofocus, faster autofocus, is built much better and has better background blur (slightly)

two things to note:

1 - the 1.4 lens is almost a full stop faster than the 1.8 lens (7/10ths, to be precise)


2 - the bokeh of the 1.4 is a lot better due to the number and design of the aperture blades

the 1.8 is a very cheap entry into the world of primes, but the 1.4 is a better lens in every category. that said, if you don't do a lot of low-light photography, the 1.8 could very well meet or exceed yr needs.