Want to buy a nifty fifty f/1.8...should I really be concerned with its build quality

I want to purchase a decent *fast* lens and it seems like the nifty fifty is by far the best bargain out there at ~$100. However, I also don't want a lens that will crap out on me simply because it's build quality is lacking. It seems like it's a 50/50 split from the posts I've read on here about the lens breaking. So, while $100 is really cheap, I also don't want to buy something that will inevitably break on me.

I am very careful and protective of my equipment--will I be able to enjoy this lens for a long time?

Thanks

they arn't the most robust lens around but if you treat it well i dont think there will be a problem

Some people have complained that it falls apart. Mine has taken quite a tumble with no consequences.

My daughter-in-law has had one for years (which we bought her) and it has held up well. It won't impress you with its build, but you get what you pay for. For the price, it's a great lens. If you want something that may last longer, get the 1.4.

My f/1.8 is still going strong after 5 years...

EcoRick wrote in post #8535960
If you want something that may last longer, get the 1.4.

I dunno, it seems like the AF motor on the Canon 1.4's has a short lifespan as well.

I would say if you want a very durable one, get the Sigma 50 1.4. But then you are going to have to roll the dice for AF problems. It seems like every other one bought by a forum member needs at least one trip to Sigma for adjustment.

I owned one for a while and I think the quality is quite fine, particularly for the price. If it had the focus ring in a more usable place I'd probably still own one

just got a used one from this forum, i'd say the build quality is fine as long as you treat it like a lens. most of the breakage stories i've read start with something ridiculous like "i dropped it and then..."

and at $100, i think you'll get your money's worth in pictures and experience well before it breaks.

I still have mine -- it was my first prime and it has served me well. It is sharp and for the price a bargain. My only complaint with it is its plastic mount.

snowlarbear wrote in post #8536061
just got a used one from this forum, i'd say the build quality is fine as long as you treat it like a lens. most of the breakage stories i've read start with something ridiculous like "i dropped it and then..."

and at $100, i think you'll get your money's worth in pictures and experience well before it breaks.

Yeap, Is the best 90$ your spend for a life time of pictures and learning experience
Just dont drop it , the lens is fine

i love mine, i dropped it once on concrete and didnt hurt a thing. also its cheap enough that if you do break it, it wont break your pocket.

for less than 100 bucks and 1.8 aperture.. yah... get it

The build is decent (Feels somewhat firmer than the 18-55 kit), but I HATED the focusing. It would hunt so much in low light, more so than my 24-70L. And its not amazingly sharp until f2.8, soft at f1.8.

But I would get the lens as you don't lose much when you sell it and get a nicer lens. (Due to the price increase of the nifty I actually broke even.)

i would buy one and try it out just to see if you like having a 50 prime. if you love it you will find yourself upgrading to the 1.4. thats were i am. i started with the 1.8 and now i have the 1.4. the 1.4 has a noisy AF but build is way better. next is the 1.2. but i dont feel i need it just yet

I recently (2 days ago) upgraded to the 1.4, used for $300. I don't even know why, I think I just wanted USM which turned out to not be as good as the USM on my 100/f2.

The build quality certainly is better, the problem is I dont think the 1.8 really lacked build quality when it comes to normal usage.

The focus ring on the 1.8 is terrible, however I never manually focus.

To answer your question, I'd get the 1.8.

Perhaps you can try for the metal mount mk1. It sells for under $200US though. But I've seen some for less when they're attached to a slr body. Also, with the mk1 version, there is a distance scale.