Canon 50mm f1.4 vs f1.8

[timno1]

I have a Canon 50mm f1.4 lens,but i have noticed that a lot of people on here have a 50mm f1.8.Is there much of a difference between the 2?

[ozimax]

I don't have either but from what I've been told, either will do a good job, especially the 1.4 in low light situations. The build quality is better, evidently, on the 1.4.

I'm sure there's a few Canonisers here on the forum that can give some hands on info.

Ozi

[makario]

I have a 50mm f1.8. its great to dabble with for portraits in low light conditions, cheap, plasticky build, light weight. IQ is pretty good once you learn how to use it.

That said I am looking at upgrading to the 1.4 or to 85mm or maybe 100mm macro as I get macro and portrait lens with the last one and much better bohek on the last 2, granted I will have to be way back with my 350D given the crop factor. Undecided at the moment, but am happy with the 50mm f1.8 no complaints.

Cheers
Mak

[PiroStitch]

Spend the extra time saving for the 1.4 and you'll definitely not regret it. There's nothing wrong with the 1.8 but over time, you'll probably want the 1.4 so best to just get it initially and not have to question later on

[photohiker]

On the other hand, the 1.8 is so cheap, light and junky but turns out good images, that it's worth having as a lens to use in challenging circumstances.
On my multiday hikes, I always have it crammed into the bottom of the pack. Useful, and good insurance against main lens failure or damage.

Michael

[chrisk]

i did a quick and dirty test of the equivalent nikkors. i suspect the results would be pretty similar for the canon models.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/10435080@N ... 051208588/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/10435080@N ... 051208588/

[makario]

Am I right in assuming that you already have the f1.4 ??

[timno1]

Am I right in assuming that you already have the f1.4 ??

Yeah i have f1.4,but i was just curious if there was much difference between the 2,and as Rooz's test proves,the f1.4 does a much better job.

[jdear]

Aside from the IQ of the two images, the 1.4 focuses alot better in lower light and quicker due to having USM which the 1.8 II doesnt. 1.8 if your starting out - great bang lense, but you may find yourself wanting more than it can deliver down the track.

as for the 1.2L... thats a different story

Jonathan

[surenj]

Would recommend 1.4 unless you are not sure about how long you will be into photography. I have the 1.8 and I am happy with it but it focuses slowly (loud) as well as give squary bokeh which can be annoying. Otherwise images are sharp and contrasty and the 1.8 is such a bang for your buck..

[potato1]

I believe the 1.4 has better bokeh with more aperture blades - so better, more rounded, oof highlights. I think it also has micro USM so it will focus quicker. Overall i think its worth keeping the 1.4 over the 1.8

[Occxlr8ed]

only reason id expect that more people have the 1.8 is due to cost

[natskis]

Hi All,

First post! ^_^
Being new into DSLR photography, I'm also looking at buying myself the f1.8 as it's as cheap as 50 packs of chips
If the bottom line counts. Then this lens is going to be one of the first port of call for us newbies!

If you want a good review between the two:
50mm f/1.8 vs
50mm f/1.4

On the http://www.the-digital-picture.com review it also shows the difference between Bokeh for the f/1.2, f/1.4 and f/1.8


As you can see the Bokeh is creamier but hey, for the price tag you get a lens that's under f2.0 quick, cheap and if you break it later you have an excuse to invest in the f1.4.

[stephenvandermark]

This probably has to do with cost. Most lens review sites agree that the 50/1.4 is better than the 1.8, in terms of bokeh, resolving power mainly. Build quality is also better on the 1.4. I would definitely stick with the 1.4!

[Grev]

The focusing is much faster on the 1.4, it was used on the 40d.

[zafra52]

I also have the 50mm. F1.4. I was told not to get the F1.8 because it was not as well built, fast or durable. In fact I realised that in Fred Miranda’s website the F1.4 and the f1.2 L were rated the same with some people commenting that the latter was a big disappointment. For what it is worth I am happy with the f1.4.

[miikeboyle]

I have the 50mm 1.8 and am quite happy with the image it produces, but as outlined about if anything it is the build quality of it as it fels quite plastic and 'loose'.

Miike