Quality control on the Canon 50mm f/1.8

curiousgeorge wrote in post #2110400
Yeah, I'm thinking about that.

It's £63 including p+p from the States and £73 from a shop in London. But I don't know if I can be bothered to get on the stinky tube to get it!

That makes no sense to import then. Don't you realize P&P would be more than that $10 difference? (PS I just don't know how to make that symbol. I know it's not US dollars. lol.)

tim wrote in post #2110210
If you don't own one of those it's best not to comment. This forum has too many people repeating what they've read.

A friend of mine has one he loves it and gets good sharp pics from it.

I've only owned the the 1.8 ( mark 2 ), 1.4 and 2.5 macro but I don't belive anything I've said about the mark 1 to be incorrect.

No, it's £63 including p+p.

If I buy from London I'll pay £10 extra plus I'll spend another £5 on a train ticket!

Anyway, I'm starting to bet a bit too pedantic!

I would buy local....A lot of these lenses have backfocus issues I've been told.

when I bought mine the salesman told me if I was getting backfocus, just bring it back and they will replace it because its very common with that lens.

I bought this lens bout a week or so ago and I must say its the best $70 ive spent. Its my 1st lens purchase (kit lens doesnt count ) and it takes incredible pics with ease. I don't get too far in depth into photography more than just a hobby/capturing the moment, but the pics I took @ a decent lighting indoor auto show the other day are clearer/nicer than ANYTHING I can acheive on my kit.

Check out my thread over here for pics I took at the show. I left my kit lens at home by accident, so I had to make use of just 50mm prime and the results were pretty pleasing (for me at least)
https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=225996

VERY well worth the $70 USD if you want a good portrait lens!

curiousgeorge wrote in post #2110455
No, it's £63 including p+p.

If I buy from London I'll pay £10 extra plus I'll spend another £5 on a train ticket!

Anyway, I'm starting to bet a bit too pedantic!

OOPS sorry I misread that (obviously!)

curiousgeorge wrote in post #2110400
Yeah, I'm thinking about that.

It's £63 including p+p from the States and £73 from a shop in London. But I don't know if I can be bothered to get on the stinky tube to get it!

Order online, I wouldnt go on the tube just to pick up a lens either, too much hassle!

I can't believe this lens is almost half the price in the US!

They're not even made there.

it's 120cdn in Canada...dirt cheap in the states! that's about 80$ in canadian currency + $20 to ship it...still cheaper...add 12$ for customs and it's still cheaper! like wtfbbq...

Nick_C wrote in post #2110100
I would be very cautious about buying from the states, its fine if it all works ok, but if it doesnt it will end up costing you more than buying one from the UK, also you might get stung on import duties which will make it worse!

I would buy it from somewhere like www.bristolcameras.co.​uk

Nick

it a bit cheaper from ebay. there is a shop on scotland which sells cheap lenses and doesnt charge tax. I ordered a 50mm f1.8 II yesterday for 67 pounds with special delivery, so it should be here tomorow. Most of their listings starts e.g "50mm f1.8 IN SCOTLAND*. I think its worth a look.

curiousgeorge wrote in post #2110845
I can't believe this lens is almost half the price in the US!

They're not even made there.

I know its totally ridiculous!! arnt they made in Japan? so I dont know why the US has them so much cheaper, the difference in price gets even greater on the expensive lenses.

The US has all the nice places to visit, loads of sunshine & cheap prices, we get a grotty London, pi**ing down all the time & high prices!!! lol..

Nick

I might have to save up money for my next trip to the states and buy all my lenses there ;D

I was very dissapointed with this lens, mainly the focusing and the fact wide open it was really not great. I'm not expecting it to be razor sharp wide open, but I think it was pretty bad. I've seen 85 1.8 shots at 1.8 and 2.0 that look pretty damn good though. I'm returning my 50 1.8 to say the least.

From the test results on slrgear its very VERY soft wide open at the edges, its only sharp in the dead centre, which is ok for portraits but rubbish for anything else.

I think you have to remember that it is a REAL cheapy! its a shame Sigma doesnt make a 50mm 1.8, im sure they would do it better than Canon, as I have found unless you buy L lenses, the standard Canon lenses are not great in terms of build quality, Sigma lenses have a feel about them, they feel sturdy & have a nice finish.

Nick

I think it's a great lens for the money...

yes, a touch soft...and the focus on it is really slow. but seriously...the price is great.

I wouldn't mind having canon's Canon EF 28mm f1.8 USM either for a bit more of a wide shot...I find the 50mm is too zoomed.