EF 50mm f/1.4 question

hi all sorry for the basicness of my question, just got this lens, can you tell me it strenghts and weaknesses, wanted something I could use with small aperture to increase depth of field for nudes, wanting sharp pictures, am using a 20D but in future may go to FF sensor TIA

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mogearnotalent wrote in post #2731289
hi all sorry for the basicness of my question, just got this lens, can you tell me it strenghts and weaknesses, wanted something I could use with small aperture to increase depth of field for nudes, wanting sharp pictures, am using a 20D but in future may go to FF sensor TIA

Well, I think you mean "large aperture." F1.4 is a large maximum aperture. It's strengths can only be discussed in comparison to its poorer cousin, the 50 f1.8. In that regard the strengths are:

1. Larger maximum aperture
2. Better build and optics
3. Better bokeh (more aperture blades)
4. Metal mount (instead of plastic mount)

There are no weaknesses I can think of, but it is little more than 4X the cost of the 50 f1.8.

Mark

mogearnotalent wrote in post #2731289
hi all sorry for the basicness of my question, just got this lens, can you tell me it strenghts and weaknesses, wanted something I could use with small aperture to increase depth of field for nudes, wanting sharp pictures, am using a 20D but in future may go to FF sensor TIA

It is a great lense at a great price. Quick, sharp and reliable. If you need a more blurred background, the 85 1.8 is all of the above and the bokeh is much better. Both are sharp as tacks and nice and light too! Enjoy.

i can't think of any weaknesses. it's extremely sharp around f/8, contrast and color are fantastic. i've never had any problems with focus either. somewhere in here i saw a shot with this lens on a FF (5d i believe) and was quite surprised by how much vignetting there was. i believe that was wide open f/1.4 though.

It's a good lens. It doesn't compare as well to the f/1.2 in veil when wide open, but otherwise, it's delighting. Sharp. has nice drawing.

The f/1.8 is known for rendering out-of-focus areas somewhat more roughly (if that bothers you) no to mention the $230 worth of build quality you get with the f/1.4 vs. the f/1.8.

Though folks say that the f/1.8 is a great buy, I think the f/1.4, though more expensive, is the better buy for the money.

Yes it is sharp. You do have to understand that any fast lens will not be as sharp wide open as it is closed however. That applies to all fast lenses.

It's really easy to use. You don't even need to zoom it!
When you go full frame, it will still be a great lens, but with a wider field of view.
I recommend buying a hood for it though.

I love my 50mm f1.4, but I need to buy a hood for it.