50mm 1.4 vs 1.8

talk me out of exchanging my 50mm F1.8 and dishing out an additional 300$ for 50mm F1.4 USM lens

I would really like the extra half stop for my indoor clikmbing pics (my gym is mad dim) and the USM would be very nice...is the glass much sharper over the 1.8 when wide open?

NEVER! lose that 1.8 and go 1.4 all the way! Bask in the glory that is FTMF, better build, AF that is on, Metal mount....

Here's what I found http://www.pbase.com/l​ightrules/50v50

LOL

thanks for the vote of confidence.

FTMF = full time manual focus?

I do feel that the 1.8 feels a touch fragile in my hands for some reason. and it takes forever to focus...does the USM on the 1.4 help with speedier focus? (I want it for climbing shoots and a fast focus would help capture some nice moments)

is there a sig. diff. between the picture quality of the 2?

lightrules: thanks, I think that made up my mind. that 1.4 is stellar!

There really is a big difference between the two in my opinion. If you like the focal length the 1.4 is more than worth it's price.

I'd actually prefer something in the 30-35mm range because of my crop body, but the 50mm is still very nice

If you stay with the 1.6 cropped cameras, Sigma's 30 f/1.4 is the way to go then.

i just save the 300 and use it elsewhere. if you need more ( i didnt see that big of a difference) just pp it and be done

Check this out and judge for yourself whether there is or isn't a difference between the two.

Hint: Do yourself a favor and spend the extra cash for the better glass.

If you are looking for an inexpensive wider angle lens... give the ef 35mm f/2 lens a looksie. Its old and kinda clunky, but has great optics. Same 5 blade aperture problem though... I got mine for 140 bucks!! Feeling more spendy, the sigma 30mm f/1.4 is a nice alternative.... better build but similar optics.

My 50/1.8 was so terrible at 1.8 I couldn't really use it at that setting. The 50/1.4 is useable.

how is the sigma in terms of build quality?? does it have any issues such as backfocusing, soft edges, etc??

blam wrote in post #2115229
how is the sigma in terms of build quality?? does it have any issues such as backfocusing, soft edges, etc??

The Sigma 30 is one of my best lenses, bar none. Here are a few test crops versus some of my other lenses I've had:

Versus 35f2 http://www.pbase.com/l​ightrules/30v35

Versus 2470L http://www.pbase.com/l​ightrules/2470lv30ex

Versus 50f1.4 http://www.pbase.com/l​ightrules/5030

Versus 2875Di http://www.pbase.com …s/image/6835235​7/original

Versus 35L http://www.pbase.com …s/image/5502987​1/original

When this lens is properly functioning (there are some focus issues with some copies out there; mine had to be sent in for an AF adjustment), it's unbelievable. It will be one of the last lenses I ever sell for my crop bodies, probably the last.

If you view DPR, there is a bi-monthly thread on this lens with images from all sorts of users. Here is one from a few months back http://forums.dpreview​.com …rum=1029&messag​e=18979399

blah, I can't access pbase from work.

I'll check out the DPR review. the 30mm would be way more handy for indoor shots than a 50mm...