| Author | Thread |
|
|
12/30/2007 07:02:47 AM · #1 |
| I'm looking at getting one of these 2 lenses, is the 1.4 worth the extra cost? I'll be using it for rock concert photography, so low lighting but also quite a bit of movement. More range isn't an issue as it's only for local gigs so I'll be right at the front. |
|
|
|
12/30/2007 07:38:02 AM · #2 |
Originally posted by McJamweasel:
I'm looking at getting one of these 2 lenses, is the 1.4 worth the extra cost? I'll be using it for rock concert photography, so low lighting but also quite a bit of movement. More range isn't an issue as it's only for local gigs so I'll be right at the front. |
For concert photography, the 1.4 is worth the extra cost IMO. The AF of the 1.8 has loads of troubles with low light. The USM of the 1.4 is not as good as the ring-type USM on many other Canon lenses, but it's much better than the non-USM 1.8.
For most other purposes, the 1.8 is a very nice lense.
|
|
|
|
12/30/2007 11:51:05 AM · #3 |
Yeah, one of the ironies of the 50mm 1.8, which is a great lens, is that it does have AF issues in low light. The 1.4 will let you shoot in a closet, if you wish.
In daylight, the 1.4 has smoother bokeh and faster, quieter focusing.
Is it worth it? I think so. I've definitely wasted $200 on lesser things.
Message edited by author 2007-12-30 13:30:06.
|
|
|
|
12/30/2007 12:09:25 PM · #4 |
BTW, for concert stuff, you might want to look at the 85mm f/1.8 USM. It's a thing of beauty, that lens.
|
|
|
|
12/30/2007 01:06:09 PM · #5 |
The crop sensor hides a lot of the 1.8's defects wide open, although the 1.4 is still a little sharper at the corners even on a crop sensor. The biggest issue with the 1.8 is the slow focus. At a concert with a lot of movement, that might be a pain.
EDIT: I said 1.4 for slow focus but I naturally meant the 1.8. The 1.4 has USM which focuses a lot quicker.
Message edited by author 2007-12-30 13:31:20. |
|
|
|
12/30/2007 01:27:52 PM · #6 |
You will NEVER regret spending the extra $$ on the f/1.4 version!!
The quality, the feel, the extra stop, the detail/clarity, etc make it an absolute no-brainer.
Edit to add:
I've owned both by the way. There's no comparison, though the f/1.8 is a LOT of bang for the buck.
Message edited by author 2007-12-30 13:38:39. |
|
|
|
12/30/2007 01:38:49 PM · #7 |
Originally posted by Brad:
You will NEVER regret spending the extra $$ on the f/1.4 version!!
The quality, the feel, the extra stop, the detail/clarity, etc make it an absolute no-brainer. |
Couldn't agree more, Ive had both gave the 1.8 to the wife when I got the 1.4 |
|
|
|
12/30/2007 01:55:21 PM · #8 |
I just sold my 1.8 to a fellow DPCer. I won't complain about the lens at ALL. It is a LOT of bang for the buck. It definitely serves it's purpose well.
But, in the end, the need for speed (and that damn beautiful 85mm f/1.8 USM) convinced me to go for the 1.4.
|
|
|
|
12/30/2007 02:44:05 PM · #9 |
|
|
|
12/30/2007 04:22:58 PM · #10 |
I own both of these lens and since I bought the 50mm f 1.4, I have NOT even thought about the 50mm f1.8.
The f1.4 is immensely superior in respects to focusing, sharpness and overall quality. The money I spent I consider well worth it.
Of course, that is the general opinion here also!
|
|
|
|
12/30/2007 04:43:17 PM · #11 |
The USM is worth the extra money.
I bought the 1.8 because it was my first lens and was cheap. I would now like the USM and would pay for it.
With concert photography, you can use hyperfocus and gain that extra stop. |
|
|
|
12/30/2007 05:45:43 PM · #12 |
| I bought the 1.8 and now wish I'd coughed up a bit extra for the 1.4. Sure the 1.8 is a good lens for the money but the focusing can be less than impeccable and the build quality is pretty dire. |
|
|
|
12/30/2007 05:50:49 PM · #13 |
Originally posted by figaro:
I bought the 1.8 and now wish I'd coughed up a bit extra for the 1.4. Sure the 1.8 is a good lens for the money but the focusing can be less than impeccable and the build quality is pretty dire. |
But, if ya drop it, you won't sit there and cry... :-D
|
|
|
|
01/02/2008 05:16:54 PM · #14 |
| i've had all three versions from canon's 50mm lenses. 1.8, 1.4, and THE 1.2 version. in my opinion the 1.4 is way better than the 1.8. just the build quality alone is worth the extra money. color and contrast is much better. the bokeh is much smoother on the 1.4 due to more blades on the apeture. but if you want the best go with the 50mm f/1.2L. yes costs 4 times as much as the 1.4 version but it's worth it. it's my new fav lens. the bokeh on this lens is buttery smooth. it makes the images from the 1.4 look harsh and choppy. also on the 1.2 you can shoot wide open and still get sharp pictures. and one more thing, it's an "L"....need i say more? |
|
|
|
01/02/2008 05:37:17 PM · #15 |
Originally posted by AdrlnJunkie11:
the bokeh on this lens is buttery smooth. it makes the images from the 1.4 look harsh and choppy. also on the 1.2 you can shoot wide open and still get sharp pictures. and one more thing, it's an "L"....need i say more? |
Might as well get the 1.0 version then. Makes the f1.2 look slow and cheap. Tough to find these days though.
The f1.4 is quite a bit of an improvement over the 1.8, which is already a good lens. The 1.4 is worth the money for concert shooting.
Message edited by author 2008-01-02 17:39:22. |
|
|
|
01/03/2008 02:38:30 PM · #16 |
| Thanks for all your comments, looks like I'll be off to buy a 1.4 shortly. |
|
|
|
01/03/2008 04:42:56 PM · #17 |
Originally posted by fotomann_forever:
BTW, for concert stuff, you might want to look at the 85mm f/1.8 USM. It's a thing of beauty, that lens. |
I had a bit of difficulty using the 85mm in concerts. Although I love this lens, it absolutely sucks at very close range. So if you are up front and a performer gets up in your space... you will wish you had a different lens.. |
|
|
|
01/03/2008 05:48:12 PM · #18 |
Originally posted by Bernard_Marx:
Originally posted by fotomann_forever:
BTW, for concert stuff, you might want to look at the 85mm f/1.8 USM. It's a thing of beauty, that lens. |
I had a bit of difficulty using the 85mm in concerts. Although I love this lens, it absolutely sucks at very close range. So if you are up front and a performer gets up in your space... you will wish you had a different lens.. |
...or full frame! I found the 85 a tough go on the 30d, but on the 5d it's great even right up at the stage. |
|
Home -
Challenges -
Community -
League -
Photos -
Cameras -
Lenses -
Learn -
Help -
Terms of Use -
Privacy -
Top ^
DPChallenge, and website content and design, Copyright © 2001-2025 Challenging Technologies, LLC.
All digital photo copyrights belong to the photographers and may not be used without permission.
Current Server Time: 12/29/2025 12:36:04 PM EST.
