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

I've had mine for over a year and had no problems with the build quality. Soon after I bought it I accidentally dropped it onto a cement floor from about 3 feet and it didn't crack or scratch or anything. Still works perfectly and is wonderfully sharp.

There's no doubt it feels kinda cheap and plasticy but it is absolutely worth the $80 or $90.

I love this lens I found a metal mount with a bunch of other old film gear for dirt cheap, great lens creates more magical portraits than either of my zooms.
My sweet spot is stopped down to 2.2, for a lens this fast and cheap, show me another one that can compete on the price vs speed level.
As long as you like the magical look of low light outdoor portraits you will love this lens!
It is however a bit long on a crop body for indoor group shots, its more of in your face lens indoors with decent light. That being said it also does beautiful macro on a 25mm extension tube.

will this lens give you pics of amazing quality ?probably not but its so inexpensive that every canon user should by one and try it out

Mines fallen on soft grounds & it's still quite nifty

No. The build quality isn't really a problem. Considering you can buy it for $50 used lol. Mine has fallen onto the floor many times (carpet only mind you) from a few feet up and is fine.

What is a problem is the horrible horrible auto-focus that is often off by so much as to be laughable lol. However, it is a very sharp lens when stopped down. For $50, who's counting anyway? I've got live view for critical focus kthxla~.

"will this lens give you pics of amazing quality ?probably not but its so inexpensive that every canon user should by one and try it out"

Hmm, I don't think the picture quality you get with this lens (when in focus lol) has ever been the problem--image quality is shockingly good for the price.

Even if it breaks you can buy another few copies of it to replace it before it equals the cost of the 1.4

woos wrote in post #8544893
Considering you can buy it for $50 used lol.

Where can you find 'em for $50 used?

Stereodude wrote in post #8545800
Where can you find 'em for $50 used?

exactly...the same place probably where they are 80 brand new...

i don't think these deals exist anymore like people think...although it is still the cheapest lens around...you can't really get it brand new under a 100...and even used only goes down to probably 75 or so

DreDaze wrote in post #8546949
exactly...the same place probably where they are 80 brand new...

i don't think these deals exist anymore like people think...although it is still the cheapest lens around...you can't really get it brand new under a 100...and even used only goes down to probably 75 or so

we really need a stickied announcement that tells people this.

The generally held belief is the metal mount Mk1 version is superior in build quality and image quality compared to the all plastic Mk2. I've got a Mk1 which took a long time and a lot of cash to secure but the results I've just achieved with it on a friend's wedding was well worth it. I've never owned a Mk2 though, so can't comment on how it measures up.

Graham

chalkie wrote in post #8550727
The generally held belief is the metal mount Mk1 version is superior in build quality and image quality compared to the all plastic Mk2. I've got a Mk1 which took a long time and a lot of cash to secure but the results I've just achieved with it on a friend's wedding was well worth it. I've never owned a Mk2 though, so can't comment on how it measures up.

Graham

I've never heard anyone say that the mk1 has better IQ, only build.

chalkie wrote in post #8550727
The generally held belief is the metal mount Mk1 version is superior in build quality and image quality compared to the all plastic Mk2. I've got a Mk1 which took a long time and a lot of cash to secure but the results I've just achieved with it on a friend's wedding was well worth it. I've never owned a Mk2 though, so can't comment on how it measures up.

Graham

the image quality on the two is the same...