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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> EF 50mm f/1.8 II vs EF 50mm f/1.4
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Showing posts 1 - 14 of 14, (reverse)
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03/07/2006 04:47:34 PM · #1
Has anyone tried both of these?

I have the 1.8 and would like to upgrade to the 1.4. Both of them are cheap, but is there a good reason to upgrade?

My 1.8 is great but it often exaggerates reddish colors. But maybe that̢۪s only my version. Here̢۪s one example:



::are
03/07/2006 04:54:10 PM · #2
the 1.4 has slightly more attractive bokeh. The 1.8 tends to produce pentagons in oof regions because it has fewer aperture blades than the 1.4.

The 1.4 is faster - both aperture and focus speed, though the 1.8 isn't exactly slow.

1.4 is a bit bigger, so balances out a 1DII better.

Better construction, maybe better colour. Not really much sharper, given that the 50 1.8 is so sharp already.

I recently upgraded to the 1.4, because I wanted a slightly faster lens with better construction and a quieter motor. Doesn't harm things that it is sharper stopped down than the 1.8 as well, for the same f-stop.

The 1.8 certainly holds its value well though, I sold it for $5 less than I bought it for :)

Message edited by author 2006-03-07 16:58:14.
03/07/2006 04:54:47 PM · #3
I find the colors very good on my 1.8, and since it was about one sixth the price of the 1.4, I see no upgrades in that area for me. If money is no object, I would reccomend the 50mm 1.0, at a mere $4200. even nicer than the 1.4.
03/07/2006 04:57:19 PM · #4
If you buy one, you get what you paid for. If you buy the other, you get MORE than what you paid for it.
03/07/2006 05:03:51 PM · #5
I recently took a LOT of pictures with my 50mm f/1.4 - it's an awesome lens - and SHARP. The following pics both only had 85% USM applied to the whole picture (no extra sharpening of the eyes or anything else). The 1.4 is an awesome available light lens. [you can find more examples in the FACES portfolio in my profile]

03/07/2006 05:20:35 PM · #6
f/1.4 vs f/1.8 at Petteri Sulonen's Prime Junta site.
Also check out the other stuff on his site.

Message edited by author 2006-03-07 17:20:55.
03/07/2006 05:24:09 PM · #7
Another numeracy point - but f/1.4 is actually a hell of a lot brighter than f/1.8

Roughly speaking, the 1.8 allows 55% of available light through to the sensor, when wide open. The 1.4 allows roughly 72% through. In terms of sheer quantity of light, it's the same difference between a f/4 and an f/2 lens.

I use the 30mm f/1.4 a lot indoors - even in gloomily lit pubs it can get decent reults with no flash. Which i like because I hate flash :-)

Message edited by author 2006-03-07 17:25:25.
03/07/2006 05:33:19 PM · #8
This was a shot I took with my 50mm 1.4 the lighting wasnt great in bed room but I was very pleased with the out come
03/08/2006 12:43:55 AM · #9
I've been using a Sigma 30mm f/1.4 on my 10D, and it's fantastic. It balances out a full-sized body very well, too. (It's a fat hunk-o-lens.)
03/08/2006 12:51:16 AM · #10
I just made the switch to the 1.4, and it's AMAZING! the difference in 1.4 and 1.8 is HUGE when you're talking about light... I'd post some shots, but I don't want to comprimise the challenge entry I have in right now... And my 1.4 is much sharper at 1.8 than the 1.8 is. (edit: it's sharper at all aps, actually...)

As far as value goes, you probably get the better bang for your buck with the 1.8... That being said, I wouldn't give up my 1.4 for anything...

Message edited by author 2006-03-08 06:51:32.
03/08/2006 12:58:25 AM · #11
The one thing I will say about the 1.8 in the negative...after you get used to USM, it is SLOW to focus. It also sounds as loud as a bullhorn.
03/08/2006 01:05:43 AM · #12
One thing I don't like about the 1.8 is the lack of hyperfocal markings. Though, I think for the money it's a tuff one to beat.

Message edited by author 2006-03-08 01:06:10.
03/08/2006 02:13:04 AM · #13
Another source: //www.pbase.com/fstopjojo/50v50
03/08/2006 04:44:52 AM · #14
//www.photo.net/equipment/canon/ef50/

Another good comparison...
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