I was wonder what is your personal opinion of either one if you have experience with one. Im saving up for a prime low-light lens and i think these are the best lenses for what i am going to be doing (portraits and stage). I would love the f/1.4 for both build and obvious aperture but is it worth the almost $300 more? i would also consider the 85mm f/1.8
2007-09-24 12:35:21 · 7 answers · asked by Hunter T 2 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Visual Arts ➔ Photography
I've owned both.
The 1.8 is no slouch in terms of sharpness, and the color isn't bad either. The build quality is, however, adequate at best, and the AF isn't as fast and accurate.
The 1.4 feels like a grown-up lens. In addition to the build quality and AF, I find the bokeh to be much more aesthetically pleasing on the 1.4.
Check this site for a comparison:
http://photo.net/equipment/canon/ef50/
If you are going to be using this lens under circumstances where it will be relied upon for important work, I'd encourage you to go with the 1.4 lens. If you are just experimenting with primes, or if you are on a limited budget, the 1.8 is not bad at all.
I consider the 1.4 to be well worth the extra money. The 85mm is also a superb lens... if anything slightly better than the 50mm 1.4, However, its up to you which focal length works better for you.
*EDIT*
Antoni mentioned the 1.2... I've owned that one too. A lens that expensive should not have a backfocus problem. This problem is well documented, and present in every copy of the lens. I sold the 1.2 and moved back into a 1.4. I do miss the gorgeous colors of the "L", but the 1.4 is very nice and actually auto-focuses properly.
2007-09-24 13:34:09 · answer #1 · answered by Evan B 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Both have their great points. Basically, in the end, it would be great to end up with the 1.4, the 1.2 is just too much.
But if cost is the factor, you can always start with the 1.8, see how you like it, whether you really need the 2/3 stop difference.
Then save up for the 1.4.
The 85mm is good too... the bokeh is beautiful but that costs alot more and depends on whether you're using a crop body or not. Then you'll know which focal length you prefer to use.
2007-09-25 03:50:52 · answer #2 · answered by Benjymocha 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have the 50mm 1.8 and managed to take some excellent portrait pictures of my baby boy. It is a fantastic value for money considering the image quality. I have compared it with some other 50mm lenses in my review at http://ceejay1980.hubpages.com/hub/The-Best-50mm-Lens-for-Canon. Take a look and make an informed decision!
2013-11-14 11:08:43 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
For portraits and stage save save save and get the50mm f1.4 although having it and the 85mm f1.8 would be excellent.
An 85mm to 105mm is the classic 35mm portrait lens and with a 1.6 crop factor the 50mm becomes an 80mm on your digital camera. Close enough.
2007-09-24 19:52:23 · answer #4 · answered by EDWIN 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have the 1.8 and it takes beautiful pictures. The 1.4 would be a little better but the 1.8 does quite well in the low light.
2007-09-24 19:54:17 · answer #5 · answered by KJC76 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
so what body you using? D5 full frame or SLR or a cropped DSLR? that info would net you better answers
its easy, the 85mm for people shots, the 50mm F1.4 if you can find the cash, else the 1.8 will do it for you
to confuse things what about the F1.2 50mm? to pricey?
a
2007-09-24 22:27:57 · answer #6 · answered by Antoni 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Get the 1.4. First, it'll be better in low light and second, it's a much better constucted lens.
2007-09-24 20:48:47 · answer #7 · answered by tigerrrgrrl 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋