The 50mm f1.8 v 50mm f1.4 / f stops generally

[Greg B]

In another thread, I was musing on the comparison between the 1.8 and the 1.4. In particular, I wondered how much extra light you got in the 1.4 for the price difference.

Firstly, I found that the difference is 2/3 of a stop. The lenses are $240 and $550 respectively - seems like a lot for the extra 2/3 stop, but I guess it is a matter of personal priorities.

Secondly, I found what the author describes as "A Tedious Explanation of the F Stop". I found it quite interesting. You might too, or you might prefer to ignore it completely and go out and take some photos.

http://www.uscoles.com/fstop.htm

cheers

[Glen]

Thanks Greg, useful link

[Kris]

After talking to Glen about his 1.8, I did some reading.. I've come to the conclusion that if you can find a 1.8 made in Japan for a good price its just as good as the cheaper looking 1.4 which is like 3 x the price??

[Glen]

Kris, the 1.8 will be fine, the 1.4 is most appropriate for someone like Gary who takes shots in smoky jazz bars by natural light. Put simply, the 1.4 allows you to shoot in darker conditions without flash. Buy a 1.8, if you find you need more light either use flash or sell the 1.8 on ebay, lose $50 and buy the 1.4.

Yes the japanese units seem better made, but don't worry both are good and they shoot the same. Both the current 1.4 and 1.8 are from China. I am not sure if it really ads anything, but this is the one lens I would buy as a D version (flash distance metering) because you may use it at a close distance with flash. So Kris what you want is a 50mm 1.8 AF-D.
(af is for autofocus)

Good luck

[birddog114]

After talking to Glen about his 1.8, I did some reading.. I've come to the conclusion that if you can find a 1.8 made in Japan for a good price its just as good as the cheaper looking 1.4 which is like 3 x the price??

Kris,
1.8 will be fine/ I have 1.4 but there's a premium that you have to pay. their built are all the same in between the 2, you won't notice a big difference photo taken by the 1.8 and 1.4. The 1.4 has its convenience in shooting in the real dark place, limited lighting, no flash, otherwise they are all good glass.
All the 1.8 or 1.4 now are made in China, I didn't see anything wrong with it. Hey, perhaps your S3 is made in Germany but some of its components made in China or Vietnam

[Kris]

Great, ill get the D version

[Glen]

Kris it is available new or used, approximately $200- $260 new

[MHD]

I've been using a friends 1.8 for a few days and can say nothing bad at all about it!

However I have decided to get the 1.4 as I do want that extra .4 for very dark places (pubs and the like, ones I dont get kicked out of that is!)

[Kris]

Glen, any idea where it can be had new for $200?? Found a few new versions in the UK but I'd rather buy locally.

[Glen]

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll ... 42189&rd=1



http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll ... 99917&rd=1


http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll ... 44843&rd=1

[Kris]

No idea why i couldnt see that

[birddog114]

No idea why i couldnt see that

Too much works and worrying the rain made your S3 dirty

[Kris]

You know what, you are right Since starting there I've got a million things going on. Working in the city, means the little S3 sits in the garage (Garage Queen!) he hasnt been out in the rain..

Weekend car only

[birddog114]

More on the 50mm 1.8 vs 1.4 for member who's still don't know which one to get.

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read. ... e=10803186

[Matt. K]

Figure this...if you need to shoot in low light and can't afford the extra money for the f1.4 50mm...then use the f1.8 and boost your ISO by 2/3 of a stop. Now you got the speed. Might cost you just a touch of added noise, but we all know the D70 is pretty cool with noise. So for those who can't decide...only if you shoot in very, very very low light would the f1.4 be neccessary. As for bokeh? There will be little difference, but hey! if you need bokeh then you can slap that in with PhotoShop. So there is an alternative for those who need to count their pennies.

[snafu]

Kris

If you did not get your lens yet, I can recommend JD-Online Shop. I got mine from them for $198.00 + $10.00 shipping which was courier delivered overnight from what I can remember. I don't know if this is the best price (there are probably cheaper), I did not really look around too much when I got mine, just wanted to grab one straight away!

Cheers
Kristine