50mm f1.2 L - Is it worth it?

Was planning to get the 50mm f1.4 USM. Now the 50mm 1.2 L is out, should I go the extra distance and get L? Is it worth the significant amount of extra money?

no

the only reason to get it really is the weathersealing, but you dont have a 1 series so your camera isnt weathersealed anyway

if it can deliver sharp pictures w/o the ca that happens with the f/1.4, why not? especially if you're a portrait photography and will use the f/1.2 aperture.

if not then, i guess most of us don't *need* it.
just like the 85L.

zacwolf wrote in post #2096116
the only reason to get it really is the weathersealing, but you dont have a 1 series so your camera isnt weathersealed anyway

Way to assure yourself it's ok. That's a joke.

Here's some things that make it better than the 1.4-

-f/1.2 aperture. Yeah...it's that big. Also, that it's bound to be noticeably sharper wide open than the 1.4 (in my opinion)
-It's built like a tank, as all L's are.
-It has ring USM, which is more accurate and potentially faster than the 1.4.
-It has more, higher quality glass, which will result in even less flare, ghosting, and CA.
-Comes with a hood and lens case (not a biggie, but you can't discount it
-Weathersealing- this is nice no matter what body you have. Less of a chance of getting your lens ruined.
-More things to come when we see some real reviews!

Sure, to some people (stubborn people, those that can't afford it, those that need validation for their past purchases, etc.), it won't be worth a penny more. Those that appreciate quality, build, and a lasting investment, will say it is. So far, I say it is.

Ronald - When are you selling your f1.4 and buying a f1.2?

mdr wrote in post #2096097
Is it worth the significant amount of extra money?

Most lenses of this caliber have a diminishing bang for the buck factor. In other words it won't technically be 5 times better than th 50 1.4 as the price suggests but will no doubt beat the 50 1.4 in probably all departments except weight and price If you want a better lens than to 50 1.4 this is going to be it. Should focus faster and be sharper at more apertures with more color contrast, etc. And throw in build quality, hood, weather sealing to boot.

Yep it's worth it..get one now!

mdr wrote in post #2096261
Ronald - When are you selling your f1.4 and buying a f1.2?

As soon as I see a couple of professionally done rave reviews.

Depends what specialization it is to you with regard to what you do AND but not least......if you can afford to splurge/sping for one.

Is it really weather sealed? Dang, did you have to tell me that?

Boy, that 1.2L has to be at least 20 times better than my 50mm f1.8 II

Now seriously - questions like "50mm f1.2 L - Is it worth it?" can be only answered by the same person who is asking them. Other people can only refer to themselves and share their experiences. I, for example, love my 50mm f1.8 II and would never pay ~1.5K more to get the 1.2 version - mainly because I don't see myself spending this kind of money for a 50mm prime. The 1.4 version surely looks tempting, but for now I'm satisfied with my 1.8 MkII lens ...

morehtml wrote in post #2096264
Should focus faster

I don't think so. At best it is as fast as the 50/1.4. At least, that is the impression I got at the Photokina.

Here is the real question. Do you really think you will use a 50mm prime that much? Maybe before spending a small fortune on this lens you should buy the f1.4 version or even the respectable 1.8 version and see how much you shoot with it. If you shoot all the time and like its range, then spend the money. If not, stick to the lesser (better on the wallet) versions and spend your money elsewhere.

I did a poll a few months ago asking how many people really use thier 50mm lens and 45% of the people said, "Rarely ever". I'd hate to hear about someone buying a 50 f1.2 L and rarely ever using it.

That might be the best advice you'll ge but you do have one thing going, you have a FF camera so at least a 50mm f1.2 wont be wasted on that as it would on a crop camera. Because 50 is 50 on that camera.

You can buy the "lesser" lenses used on FM all the time for a good price. Nothing to loose and everything to gain. Best of luck.

cjm wrote in post #2097008
Here is the real question. Do you really think you will use a 50mm prime that much? Maybe before spending a small fortune on this lens you should buy the f1.4 version or even the respectable 1.8 version and see how much you shoot with it. If you shoot all the time and like its range, then spend the money. If not, stick to the lesser (better on the wallet) versions and spend your money elsewhere.

I did a poll a few months ago asking how many people really use thier 50mm lens and 45% of the people said, "Rarely ever". I'd hate to hear about someone buying a 50 f1.2 L and rarely ever using it.

That might be the best advice you'll ge but you do have one thing going, you have a FF camera so at least a 50mm f1.2 wont be wasted on that as it would on a crop camera. Because 50 is 50 on that camera.

You can buy the "lesser" lenses used on FM all the time for a good price. Nothing to loose and everything to gain. Best of luck.

That's some good advice....and for the cost of the 50/1.2 you can pick up a 50/1.4 and a 100/2 and have a real nice dinner or two.

I think I'd wait for the reviews to see if the extra cost is worth it. Sure it has a better build and maybe better optics, but I'm not sure if it's worht $1200 or so more than the excellent f1.4 version.