Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

[hagz]

anyone got one or have any comments i am after one for doing some indoor shots at dinner nights. I reckon it will give me the extra i need to get the best shots.

if you can't recommend it then what alternatives do you suggest.

[KeithT]

I had this lens for a few months before selling it on for the Sigma EOS fit version. The Canon 1.4 50mm will deliver amazingly sharp images from about 2.8 upwards, but like all fast lenses focus is difficult to control wide open. This phenomenon is part of the course with all super fast lenses and they need a lot of practice to hit focus every time. The reason I sold it on was I didn't like the build quality or the fact that it had micro USM. There are loads of people who have had this lens break down because of bit of rough handling. If you get I would advise that you buy a genuine Canon hood for it and leave it on all the time to avoid front end knocks — the cause of much of its problems. I kept a hood hat over mine to save putting the lens cap on an off. As for images. It will deliver some stunning stuff. Here's one I did earlier...lol

[hagz]

wow thanks for that i guess thats what forums are for

[F11]

Bought this lens approximately 6 months ago and the image quality is really sharpe. I own a couple of L series Lens which are obviously brilliant but a prime lens is something else. I usually use it, in low light conditions, visiting museums and also when I want to appear less inconspecious in crowded areas where perhaps I could look vulnerable than with a big lens attached to the camera. As regards the build quality I haven't humped it about so perhaps this could be an issue. I've also captured some really lovely portraits of my grandsons and the eyes are pin sharp. If you want good image quality for a reasonable price then go for it, but might be advisable to take on Keith's advice and treat it perhaps a little bit carefully.

[MattUK]

Bear in mind that from a purist point of view, 50mm give a human-like FOV on FX cameras, while a 35mm gives the roughly the equivalent on DX (due to the sensor crop).

Arguably though, both types of prime are very usable.

[donoreo]

Originally Posted by MattUK

Bear in mind that from a purist point of view, 50mm give a human-like FOV on FX cameras, while a 35mm gives the roughly the equivalent on DX (due to the sensor crop).

Arguably though, both types of prime are very usable.

Hey, you are speaking Nikon when he is asking about Canon

[MattUK]

Is the same not true for Canon? Whoops! Very sorry! I'll keep quiet in the corner!

[donoreo]

Originally Posted by MattUK

Is the same not true for Canon? Whoops! Very sorry! I'll keep quiet in the corner!

FX and DX mean nothing to Canon users, the rest is accurate though

[hagz]

thanks guys i am looking for something to give me that little bit more light and this looked just the job if i can get a decent one second hand i will snap it up. i did look at the f1.8 ii but it looked a little plasticky for me.

[donoreo]

Originally Posted by hagz

thanks guys i am looking for something to give me that little bit more light and this looked just the job if i can get a decent one second hand i will snap it up. i did look at the f1.8 ii but it looked a little plasticky for me.

It is, but it is a nice lens. Cannot beat the price!