Is focus issue with 50mm 1,2 a real problem ?

OK, I have found the problem in a "real-life" scenario - bit of a bummer.

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Yep,
It missed bad. Looks like your distance was about 1m?

Just what I want... A $1,200 lens that I have to think about when shooting, whether or not I have the right aperture and/or right distance, or even AF point. Not. I'll take a pass until the Mark II comes out. Canon should've included a floating element and this wouldn't be an issue. Certainly none of my other lenses make me think first before shooting.

Double Negative wrote in post #4338166
Just what I want... A $1,200 lens that I have to think about when shooting, whether or not I have the right aperture and/or right distance, or even AF point. Not. I'll take a pass until the Mark II comes out. Canon should've included a floating element and this wouldn't be an issue. Certainly none of my other lenses make me think first before shooting.

Yeah, well, I can't afford the 5D so the 85L doesn't work for me and I was happy with the 1.4, but am happier with the 50L. So, as my only option in this focal length with the contrast and bokeh of an L, it will have to do. And I'm going to make it work for me. This is a key focal length for some of us with crop bodies, so to dismiss this lens altogether won't work for me. The 35L and 85L are not the right fit for me right now.

Mum2J&M wrote in post #4338183
Yeah, well, I can't afford the 5D so the 85L doesn't work for me and I was happy with the 1.4, but am happier with the 50L. So, as my only option in this focal length with the contrast and bokeh of an L, it will have to do. And I'm going to make it work for me. This is a key focal length for some of us with crop bodies, so to dismiss this lens altogether won't work for me. The 35L and 85L are not the right fit for me right now.

Completely understandable... For me I guess it's easier to do so; I rarely use the 50mm focal length for what I shoot.

Double Negative wrote in post #4338166
Just what I want... A $1,200 lens that I have to think about when shooting, whether or not I have the right aperture and/or right distance, or even AF point. Not. I'll take a pass until the Mark II comes out. Canon should've included a floating element and this wouldn't be an issue. Certainly none of my other lenses make me think first before shooting.

i see the 50L as a defective product and that's a shame because the 50mm prime is the one that i use the most with my 5d. the good news is the 50 1.4 is excellent on the 5d.

ed rader

mebailey wrote in post #4338116
Yep,
It missed bad. Looks like your distance was about 1m?

Yep. I have had better success with the more outer AF points though and at greater subject distances and lower f-numbers.

I don't know what to think. I love the way it draws an image when it works, but this is a serious design flaw.

cwphoto wrote in post #4340282
Yep. I have had better success with the more outer AF points though and at greater subject distances and lower f-numbers.

I don't know what to think. I love the way it draws an image when it works, but this is a serious design flaw.

How many did you get like the one above?

I get that result with my 50 1.4 and 85 1.8 on my 5d, but not always, have tried it with a tripod and keeps giving me 50/50 results, dont know if its my camera or lenses......I hate it!

mebailey wrote in post #4242043
I actually have the lens and am quite happy with it. My lens has the focus issue but it does not affect shots much beyond 3 feet. I have read of some having the issue out to 6 feet or so. In my case the problem rarely affects real world shots. If you shoot it wide open or nearly wide open the focus shift is a non-issue at any distance.
If you think you might want the lens, I would purchase from a good merchant with generous return/exchange period. That way if you find focus shift is a big problem for you, you can return the lens.

Here are a couple of snaps with the lens...

Like those shots very much, Mike. Excellent !

mebailey wrote in post #4340605
How many did you get like the one above?

Good question. It could be just a missed focus if it doesn't occur often. I've read about that in a review or two. If it occurs all of the time then it is the clasic focus shift though this seems to be a bit more on the extreme side.

cwphoto wrote in post #4337977
OK, I have found the problem in a "real-life" scenario - bit of a bummer.

Looks like operator error or NFG camera to me.

cwphoto wrote in post #4340282
Yep. I have had better success with the more outer AF points though and at greater subject distances and lower f-numbers.

I don't know what to think. I love the way it draws an image when it works, but this is a serious design flaw.

Just about my review on Fred Miranda's site. Lens draws beautifully, and it even draws what I want fairly often.

That's the balance.

I eventually decided it was worth going to a manual focus digital system with lenses that have wonderful drawing. Too bad they are so expensive.

Interesting theory from many of u guys - but - and forgive me if i am wrong - looks like it is difficult too decide if the 50 1,2 L really have this "focus shift problem" ?
It goes from - "ok " -to- "defective" -or- " we really dont know if it really is a problem"

Those who own this lens - do u find it a problem in your " everyday" shooting ?
I mean does it make u think -- *arghh now i have too use that -- 50mm* ?

But thanx too all who are giving their contribution to this discussion.

I am still not shure what to do - i would like very much to have 50mm - i have tried the 50mm 1,4 - and found it not up too what i want - ( sharpness- color- contrast)

PetKal wrote in post #4341299
Like those shots very much, Mike. Excellent !

Thank you much!