50 1.4 vs 1.2

I use 50 mm 1.4 for my portrait work...mostly because of space limitations vs the 85.

Can I justify the price difference to go to the 1.2L? Is there really that much difference?

Thanks for your honest opinions......I know how easy it is to spend someone else's money!!!!

sigma 50 1.4 superior to the canon 1.4, iq good as 1.2 (but without f1.2.)

I just bought one (sigmalux). Lucked out and got one with spot-on AF.

I don't have 50L so I cannot answer your question. But I do have 35L and 85L. I can tell you that @ wide open, my copy of sigmalux is not as clear as 35L or 85L (ie hazy), but the bokeh is very nice, bettering 35L but trailing 85L.

warrior6901 wrote in post #10001586
I use 50 mm 1.4 for my portrait work...mostly because of space limitations vs the 85.

Can I justify the price difference to go to the 1.2L? Is there really that much difference?

Thanks for your honest opinions......I know how easy it is to spend someone else's money!!!!

That reminds me of a joke I read somewhere... what's the difference between a 50mm f/1.4 and a 50mm f/1.2? 0.2 and $1000.

I never cared for the canon 1.4, the sigma is a nice lens, aside from the random focus issues its worth checking out. but all that said, I love my 50L.

Another vote for sigma

Sigma is an awesome lens. I would wait for the Canon revision of the 50 f/1.4 which is due to get a better motor and glass, if you need it now, hands down, Sigma.

The 50L has superb flare control.
It's a low light street shooter who's low light AF performance is better mostly due to it's flaring control. It will get AF lock ons with heavy back lighted subject when the other fail.
It's very tough with an excellent build Q, and good weather sealing.

Even the cheaper Canon 50's are way too sharp with excellent contrast...

blackhawk wrote in post #10002063
Even the cheaper Canon 50's are way too sharp with excellent contrast...

the 50 f1.4 is NOT sharp with apeture bigger than f2

kimnmarc wrote in post #10002005
Sigma is an awesome lens. I would wait for the Canon revision of the 50 f/1.4 which is due to get a better motor and glass, if you need it now, hands down, Sigma.

the new canon is only a rumor

New 50, all I know is what I was told, I don't work for Canon. If you do, I will defer to your knowledge.

I would like to demo a 50 to see if it is worth it before I buy one.

banpreso wrote in post #10002197
the 50 f1.4 is NOT sharp with apeture bigger than f2

The 50L isn't much sharper on a FF...
Come on, at that price and that wide, it's not bad and at f/5.6 it's contrast and resolution are very good.
http://www.slrgear.com​/reviews/showcat.php/c​at/10
Most L lens are used stop down most times with a few acceptations.


Would I get the 50L instead of it? Well, yes... I did.

Look through samples and such, and just keep the photographer's skill in mind. Those who own the 50L are likely more experienced than those with the 50/1.4, but looking at the images will show you how the lens "draws" a scene.

I much prefer the Sigma 50 over the Canon 50/1.4, but I still much prefer the 50L over the Sigma. Not because it's sharper or has better color or bokeh or something, but because I like the way it draws. If anything, the 50L is optically worse than the Sigma in just about every category except flare resistance.

But I can't afford a 50L, so I have a Sigma.

toxic wrote in post #10002823
Look through samples and such, and just keep the photographer's skill in mind. Those who own the 50L are likely more experienced than those with the 50/1.4, but looking at the images will show you how the lens "draws" a scene.

I much prefer the Sigma 50 over the Canon 50/1.4, but I still much prefer the 50L over the Sigma. Not because it's sharper or has better color or bokeh or something, but because I like the way it draws. If anything, the 50L is optically worse than the Sigma in just about every category except flare resistance.

But I can't afford a 50L, so I have a Sigma.

The 50L is a strange critter, but nothing but fun to shoot with.
It's another "sunset" lense... one that's at it's best as the sun dips away.

I used to have the 50L, until I shot with the 50 1.4. Then I happily traded my 50L away. Just not enough quality difference to justify the cost. But then again, cash being what it is, I'm still satisfied with the 35/2.