Having a bad day...

Amongst other things, I dropped my camera today It would appear - after intensive testing - that the camera has survived, but my nifty fifty refuses to work on AF, although seems fine on MF. The questions are:

1. Is it at all fixable? I don't suppose it's worth taking it into a shop as the repair will probably cost more than the lens.
2. If a new lens is required - as I suspect - is it worth spending the extra £100+ for the 50mm f/1.4 USM? I think I know the answer to that (if you've got the dosh, do it) but would like to hear your opinions.

Thanks

you answered both of your questions already...

Cheers Blonde. As I expected, but hoped for some brilliant response that would save me a few quid.

Oh well, on the bright side I'll be upgrading to a better lens... even if the kids go hungry for a couple of weeks!

Are ye after the Sigma 30mm or 50mm?

That is the beauty of the Nifty, it breaks, it is not very hard to replace. Is it worth to upgrade? Is it worth it to pay 3x for almost the same IQ? No. It is also harder to replace it if it breaks. I have both, I have to admit, the 1.4 is a nice lens, but hindsight is 20/20, I could have easily put that $200 towards something else, though.

Thanks mate. I'll look into this a bit more before splashing the cash. I loved the nifty!

If you were more than happy with the 50mm f/1.8 lens then I would say replace it for another ~$70. Why not?

If there was anything about it that bugged you or you had issues like others did with build, the manual focus ring, speed of AF, better bokeh, then you already know the answer.

The 50mm f/1.4 is more money but for many, including myself, it was a really nice upgrade from the 50mm f/1.8, and one I don't regret at all.

I don't really regret buying the 50 1.4, it is a good lens, but truthfully, I could have spent the $300 on something else given the fact I get almost the same IQ on the nifty, with that said, I've already bought the 1.4, I never really sell anything, so I'm happy with it as well. For the OP though, I reaffirm what TMR has stated, if you were happy with the 1.8, just splash down the dough and spend the 35# on another one. Instead of blowing #150 on a 1.4, since that money can be used on a 85f1.8 for instance?

Decisions, decisions... It's a bit of a dilema because I'm so happy with the portraits I'm getting with the 1.8 that maybe I should just go for another one. On the other hand, I'm taking a LOT of portraits and I suspect I may want to upgrade to the (even better!) 1.4 before too long. I'm only about 2 months into the dslr scene and this is where I'm found wanting with my lack of experience.

Thanks for the advice guys, some good points.

blonde wrote in post #3903115
you answered both of your questions already...

yup

If you use it a lot, I might splurge on the 1.4. I purchased mine used and save a few $$. I like the build quality, extremely happy with mine. If your prone to dropping things, you may want to go the cheaper route

Sp00ks wrote in post #3905973
If your prone to dropping things, you may want to go the cheaper route

oh my aching sides!

Are you THE Jimmy McRae? If so, I was a big fan even before your boys started driving. If not, Yeah just buy the 50 1.4 you know you really want to.

Question:

Did you have a lens hood on the nifty fifty?

If the lens took the brunt of the fall you may want to invest in lens hoods they are a lot cheaper than lenses.

Also, if you are replacing the lens, you may as well find out what you broke.

There is a complete disassembly of the nifty fifty here:

Nifty 50 disassembly

What's the worst you can do? Break it?

Good one Spooks! The real ego-buster is, I deal with a lot of expensive/important gear and always have, so thought I had learned how to look after such kit... apparently not!
Phil - no relation to my namesake, other than descended from the same heathen clan! You're right on the second point tho' - I WANT it!
Daduls - would you believe I have 4 lenses, 3 of which have lens hoods. You guessed it, never got around to buying one for the nifty. Glad it wasn't my 100-400L that plummeted to earth tho - that would've been very painful. Thanks for the link.
Cheers guys!