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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM
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Showing posts 1 - 15 of 15, (reverse)
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 07/19/2013 04:17:20 AM · #1
Hey guys

I had the Canon f/1.8 but it was stolen. Since then, I've always borrowed one when I've had the need... however... I've been thinking about buying the f/1.4.

Anyone got any experience of it? And how does it compare to the 1.8? It's about £150 more expensive, so I'm wondering if it's worth the extra money... or whether I should buy the 1.8 again.

Thanks

Al
 07/19/2013 05:28:35 AM · #2
I had the 1.8 a long time ago and upgraded to the 1.4 and LOVE it. I hadn't done any comparisons, but I've never regretted buying it. This is a shot OF the 24-70 2.8 WITH the 50mm 1.4:



And another portrait:

Message edited by author 2013-07-19 05:30:48.
 07/19/2013 06:25:46 AM · #3
great lens, very sharp, the bokeh is much more appealing than the pentagon shape bokeh the nifty will give you, its built tougher and its AF system is much swifter. Its a shame you dont live in the states, i was about to put mine up for sale next week in favor of something wider.

see:







these are all i have in my workshop shot with it that show its sharpness. the first ten images or so in my Flickr account were taken with it as well if you want a to see some shallow DOF work with it.

here it is at f1.8:

//www.flickr.com/photos/96974620@N05/8989920982/sizes/c/in/photostream/

rest of images:

//www.flickr.com/photos/96974620@N05/

Message edited by author 2013-07-19 06:27:05.
 07/19/2013 08:43:25 AM · #4
FWIW -- I was thinking about the Canon 50mm 1.4 but recently bought the Sigma 50mm 1.4 instead. Some reviews gave an edge to the Sigma. I just got and love it so far, but I have no experience with the Canon 1.4 so I can't personally compare them. The price of the Canon and Sigma lenses are about the same here in the US.
 07/19/2013 09:23:18 AM · #5
Originally posted by Mike:
great lens, very sharp, the bokeh is much more appealing than the pentagon shape bokeh the nifty will give you, its built tougher and its AF system is much swifter.


I agree with Mike.

I've had both and the 1.4 has better much image as well as build quality. The bokeh is more "buttery" and the 1.4 is sharper and has better contrast.

For the cost, the 1.8 is a fine lens though.
 07/19/2013 09:25:54 AM · #6
Thanks all - very much appreciated.

Al
 07/19/2013 09:55:12 AM · #7
Never had the 1.8
Do have the 1.4 and LOVE IT!
I'd say go for it. :)
 07/19/2013 11:20:35 AM · #8
fwiw, canon is due you replace the 50mm next with an IS version soon but i imagine its going to cost $700-800 USD. But the new IS primes are getting really good reviews.

07/19/2013 11:25:55 AM · #9
the 1.4 is worth it for the USM alone...

EDIT: typo

Message edited by author 2013-07-19 11:46:34.
 07/19/2013 11:45:31 AM · #10
Originally posted by Mike:
fwiw, canon is due you replace the 50mm next with an IS version soon but i imagine its going to cost $700-800 USD. But the new IS primes are getting really good reviews.


Thanks Mike... but I'm gearing up within budgets - damn global recession (even worse that I work in the property industry).

On a separate note, I helped to shoot a wedding last weekend as a favour to a friend. I was quite nervous as I've never done it before, and the heatwave here didn't help with the already sweating with nerves...

.. it turned out fine, and I can't believe how much I learnt in 12 hours. Got a real buzz out of it and can't wait to do it again.

Al
 07/19/2013 12:01:57 PM · #11
One thing about the 1.4. I don't recommend dropping it. When it kinda pops apart a bit, and you pop it back together, it works well for awhile, but then it starts not focusing very accurately.

So if you buy the lens, I recommend against dropping it out of the car onto the driveway. :o)

Message edited by author 2013-07-19 12:02:25.
 07/19/2013 12:23:03 PM · #12
Originally posted by vawendy:
One thing about the 1.4. I don't recommend dropping it. When it kinda pops apart a bit, and you pop it back together, it works well for awhile, but then it starts not focusing very accurately.

So if you buy the lens, I recommend against dropping it out of the car onto the driveway. :o)


Do you mean the f/1.8? Or is the f/1.4 also prone to this?

FYI - for my $$$ I'd take a look at the 85mm f/1.8 as well, price is attractive, as are the images.

Message edited by author 2013-07-19 12:23:42.
 07/19/2013 12:51:05 PM · #13
the 85 is stellar, better than the 50, but on a crop it may not be wide enough (its a 135 equivalent), i rarely used mine when i had the 60D.

07/19/2013 12:52:15 PM · #14
Originally posted by Mike:
the 85 is stellar, better than the 50, but on a crop it may not be wide enough (its a 135 equivalent), i rarely used mine when i had the 60D.


Astonishingly good street photography lens on a crop body. Just wish it was IS
 07/19/2013 01:03:05 PM · #15
Originally posted by Cory:
Originally posted by Mike:
the 85 is stellar, better than the 50, but on a crop it may not be wide enough (its a 135 equivalent), i rarely used mine when i had the 60D.


Astonishingly good street photography lens on a crop body. Just wish it was IS


its not so bad on a FF, but 1/135 minimum unstabilized is tough to deal with in the light that i am used to working in.
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