50mm 1.8 question

I am looking at buying a canon 50mm 1.8 lense. I know canon makes two versions of this lense, the mark I and mark II. After reading the reviews on fredmiranda.com it seems that the reviews for the mark I are a bit higher than the mark II, is there a reason for this or is it just because the mark II has less reviews and is a bit newer. Both of these lenses have high marks and the price is right, but just curious about which one would be better. If anyone has experience with both of these, your feedback would be appreciated. Thanks

The only real difference is the mark1 is metal,and the mark 2 is plastic.I have the mark 2 and I wished I wouldve spent the extra $40 and gotten the metal version.

are you sure the differences aren't in the f/1.4 vs f/1.8 versions? The only similarities with those is the focal length and the fact that they're made by Canon.

If you're sure they're both the 1.8, you may as well go with the newer. You can buy it new cheaper than the Mark I used, and the optics are identical.

GrendelZ wrote in post #2249615
The only real difference is the mark1 is metal,and the mark 2 is plastic.I have the mark 2 and I wished I wouldve spent the extra $40 and gotten the metal version.

I thought the Mark I had a plastic mount.... Does the Mark II have a plastic mount as well??

Mark I has metal, Mark II is plastic. Neither is optically spectacular and neither has USM so IMHO it's smarter to save the money and get the cheaper one brand new.

They are both f1.8 and yes the Mark l sells for more used than the Mark ll does new. The built of the old one is better, optically they are said to be the same. I have the Mark ll and I am quite happy with it although there are lots who would disagree.

I think it gives the best bang for the buck

Gerhard

The Mk1 also has a distance scale.

For the price of the Mark II you cant beat it to have in your bag...

Like others said, mark I=metal mount, mark II=plastic mount.

I bought the mark I because I heard of some mark II's just falling apart and I thought if I break a mark II and have to replace, I am up to the cost of a mark I.

Mark I also has a focusing ring and a distance scale, neither of which the mark II has (you can still MF on the II by turning the front face, much like you do on the kit lens). The focus ring on the MK I is very nice in that when AF is on, the ring is disengaged from the focusing mechanism, so you can't do damage to the AF motor. Beware, though, that the Mark I has a very loud autofocus motor - sounds like a mid-high pitched squealing. That's compounded by its tendency to hunt in low light. Don't know if the Mark II's AF is quieter - could someone give their opinion on that?? If desired, I could post some sound samples.

I believe both are still available new, correct me if im wrong. And I think both are available for 50-75 bucks.

The 1.8 Mark I is not available new, and certainly not for that price. They go for over $100 USED on sites like eBay.

cdi-ink.com wrote in post #2250324
The 1.8 Mark I is not available new, and certainly not for that price. They go for over $100 USED on sites like eBay.

Ok, i wasnt sure, so I guess its the mark II i am seeing for 75 bucks than

Yeah that's the Mark II. The only other 50 in production right now is the 50mm f/1/4 which I have and like. There's also an L with f/1.2 aperture out now...but I don't think it's actually available yet. Someone will come along and trounce me if I'm wrong about that. lol.

Get the markII. It has the best IQ for this money.
Just be extra careful with it, because the build quality is so bad that it seems like it can fall apart if you sneeze on it. I have my 3rd copy already.
I do a lot of low-light no-flash shots and I love this litle lense for it's sharpness and 1.8. and the price

cdi-ink.com wrote in post #2250372
Yeah that's the Mark II. The only other 50 in production right now is the 50mm f/1/4 which I have and like. There's also an L with f/1.2 aperture out now...but I don't think it's actually available yet. Someone will come along and trounce me if I'm wrong about that. lol.

TROUNCE!

Shop here in Oz has allready reduced the price once. It'll have to come down a fair bit more before I'd consider.

Interesting to look at Canons MTF charts - 50 1.8 chart looks better than 50 1.4. My copies seem to match the charts.