Canon 50mm F/1.8 or 50mm F/1.4

Spoolin335 · 12-22-2009, 08:15 PM

Obviously i know the differences, but has anyone had both? Is the F/1.4 worth the extra $300?

I want to get a 50mm lens, but dont know which one to get. If the pictures are that much crisper with the 1.4 then maybe ill spend the extra coin.

Just looking for some input from fellow photographers. If anyone has some pictures of the same object with both lens' that would be awesome!

Thanks!

Dec540 · 12-22-2009, 08:33 PM

Depends what you want it for. What camera do you have? Are you just going to play around with it every once in a while or are you going to use it on a regular basis?

Personally i'd spend the extra and get the f1.4 for the higher appature, the usm and the build quality. You dont really want to cheap out on lenses and the f1.8 is incredibly cheap for a 50mm which is why i doubt it will be a very good lense. You know what, just buy the f1.2 L series lense hehe its only $1500...

BMW F22 · 12-22-2009, 09:20 PM

Depends...if you're going to be using it a lot then get the 1.4 (much better quality). I have the 1.8 and I've only used it a few times. I don't even know if it's something I need but since it's cheap I'm gonna keep it.

Spoolin335 · 12-22-2009, 09:33 PM

i just want it to shoot my car, family stuff, anything really. im not a pro, but i think i take some decent pics with the stock lens.
I have a Canon XTI with the kit lens, and think i have reached the limit of my stock lens and want to explore some better glass.

The photos i see people take look a lot better then mine and they dont do a lot of PP. I think my glass is really whats limiting my photography. I only need it for occasional use, so durability should not be a concern.

1500$ is a bit steep for me, as i only want it for personal use.

Ive seen some pictures taken with the f/1.8 and they look great. I dont know if i have seen any pics with the F1.4, thats why im asking if its worth the extra cash.

heres a pic i took in mexico with the kit lens.

BMW F22 · 12-22-2009, 09:40 PM

As you already know the 1.8's DOF is very narrow. So I don't know how much that helps when shooting cars as I imagine it would be waaay too narrow (unless of course u focus on a certain part of the car). Portraits, on the other hand, might work depending on how you use it. Remember that it won't be sharp unless you adjust it to 2.0 or 2.2. Again the DOF is narrow so you need to know what you're doing. NOT EVERY PICTURE NEEDS TO BE AT 1.8!! The 1.4 is even narrower so take that into consideration. Of course you don't have to use it wide open but what's the point in having a 1.4 or 1.8 lens if you're never going to need anything less than say 2.8?

Spoolin335 · 12-22-2009, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMW E90

The 1.4 is even narrower so take that into consideration. Of course you don't have to use it wide open but what's the point in having a 1.4 or 1.8 lens if you're never going to need anything less than say 2.8?

I totally see your point here. 1.4 is very narrow, and really only good for focusing on small objects. Odds are, i wont use the full potential of the lens very often. Thanks for pointing that out, i never thought of it that way..

With the F/1.8 only going for just over 100 bucks, i cant really go wrong if i dont like it.

BMW F22 · 12-22-2009, 10:04 PM

To be honest, you can buy either the 1.4 or 1.8 and try it out. You usually have 30 days to return it if you don't like it. You can even use it for a few months or a year and sell it back for close to the purchase price. But yeah give it a shot and see how you like it. Just be sure to keep the receipt. lol

TheUltimateDrivingManiac · 12-23-2009, 03:15 AM

I have 50mm 1.8, I like it and use a lot, but regret that I haven't bought 1.4.

ichiban · 12-23-2009, 04:28 AM

I have the 1.4, and I have used the 1.8. The AF is better on the 1.4 and better construction. There's 8 blades in the 1.4 and only 5 in the 1.8 making light bokeh pentagon looking for the 1.8 instead of circular. If you plan to keep it, i'd say go for the 1.4. Either that, or try the 1.8 first, see if you like the focal length. Then move up to the 1.4.

remmib · 12-23-2009, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ichiban

I have the 1.4, and I have used the 1.8. The AF is better on the 1.4 and better construction. There's 8 blades in the 1.4 and only 5 in the 1.8 making light bokeh pentagon looking for the 1.8 instead of circular. If you plan to keep it, i'd say go for the 1.4. Either that, or try the 1.8 first, see if you like the focal length. Then move up to the 1.4.

+1. I had the 1.8, and I sold it for the 1.4 and it's feel so much better than the 1.8.

radiantm3 · 12-23-2009, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spoolin335

I totally see your point here. 1.4 is very narrow, and really only good for focusing on small objects.

Not necessarily true. It really depends on how far your subject is. You'll get a bit more depth of field the further away you are from your subject.

vachss · 12-23-2009, 07:46 PM

As a 50/1.4 owner I'm actually not that big an advocate of this lens. It's kind of soft wide open (though very sharp by f/2.0). Also many folks seem to complain of problems with the focus motor - though mine hasn't given me any trouble in 6 years of use. I used to use this as my main portrait lens when I shot on crop bodies, but since moving to FF the 135L has taken over this role and the 50 has been relegated to the occasional product shot when I want to sell something online.

Having the extra stop to play with is handy in low light, but I typically shoot it at f/2 or higher for the increased sharpness and DOF. I don't own the 1.8, but it seems to me that I'd get most of the use out of a 1.8 that I do out of the 1.4.

If you really want sharpness at f/1.4 then the best solution may be to go for a Sigma, but be prepared to go through several copies to get a sharp one that focuses properly...

e92leon · 12-31-2009, 03:24 AM

I've been asked this question many times before, the obvious answer is that the 1.4 is better but is it really worth the $$$?? well, in my opinion if you really are into quality > quantity, you wouldn't even look at the 1.4 or 1.8, I'm running the 1.2L and I love it, just my opinion.

UdubBadger · 12-31-2009, 02:37 PM

I traded up from the 1.8 to the 1.4 a few months back and glad I did. The 1.8 has a bad autofocusing problem which gets really annoying, I had it on MF at least 2/3rds of the times I used it. The 1.4 hasn't given me any problems as of yet. For the money, the 1.4 is still a pretty damn good deal @ about $350 (amazon) and who couldn't use the extra stop for low light photos right? Of course the 1.2 L is miles and miles apart because of its build quality but at 3x the price of the 1.4 its a bit out of reach and unnecessary unless you are going to use it to put food on your table.

e92leon · 01-04-2010, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UdubBadger

I traded up from the 1.8 to the 1.4 a few months back and glad I did. The 1.8 has a bad autofocusing problem which gets really annoying, I had it on MF at least 2/3rds of the times I used it. The 1.4 hasn't given me any problems as of yet. For the money, the 1.4 is still a pretty damn good deal @ about $350 (amazon) and who couldn't use the extra stop for low light photos right? Of course the 1.2 L is miles and miles apart because of its build quality but at 3x the price of the 1.4 its a bit out of reach and unnecessary unless you are going to use it to put food on your table.

yep, or you simply are one of those that can afford to satisfy these materialistic desires

50 1.2L is insanely good... I prefer it over my 85 1.2L (which I might put up for sale soon)

If you do videos, the 50mm by Carl Zeiss is quite good, manual focus, great for film

oneintheory · 01-04-2010, 07:11 PM

I think you might get more use out of a wide prime than you would a 50. I have a 35 f/2, and it's a solid little lens. My copy isn't that great, but it's alot wider than my 50 1.4 and you can focus closer. I'm considering a 20mm prime by Sigma, as the 14mm f/2.8LII is quite a bit of coin.

RENN Spec · 01-05-2010, 08:25 PM

I had both and the quality of the 1.4 really is worth it unless you have a mk1 50mm 1.8.

ichiban · 01-05-2010, 09:06 PM

if your gonna go wider, go for the sigma 30 1.4, it's a littler wider than the canon 35, and a lot better IQ and faster too.

12-22-2009, 08:15 PM	#1
Spoolin335 Justin Herass 355 Rep 1,205 Posts Drives: X6M / M3 Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Canada iTrader: (7) Garage List 2015 BMW M3 [0.00] 2012 Audi TTRS [10.00] 2012 BMW X6M [9.00] 2007 BMW 335i [9.00]	Canon 50mm F/1.8 or 50mm F/1.4 Obviously i know the differences, but has anyone had both? Is the F/1.4 worth the extra $300? I want to get a 50mm lens, but dont know which one to get. If the pictures are that much crisper with the 1.4 then maybe ill spend the extra coin. Just looking for some input from fellow photographers. If anyone has some pictures of the same object with both lens' that would be awesome! Thanks! __________________
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

12-22-2009, 08:33 PM	#2
Dec540 Captain 139 Rep 679 Posts Drives: G80 M3 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Sunshine Coast, Australia iTrader: (0)	Depends what you want it for. What camera do you have? Are you just going to play around with it every once in a while or are you going to use it on a regular basis? Personally i'd spend the extra and get the f1.4 for the higher appature, the usm and the build quality. You dont really want to cheap out on lenses and the f1.8 is incredibly cheap for a 50mm which is why i doubt it will be a very good lense. You know what, just buy the f1.2 L series lense hehe its only $1500...
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-22-2009, 09:20 PM	#3
BMW F22 Major General 3666 Rep 9,783 Posts Drives: ///M235i Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (8)	Depends...if you're going to be using it a lot then get the 1.4 (much better quality). I have the 1.8 and I've only used it a few times. I don't even know if it's something I need but since it's cheap I'm gonna keep it.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-22-2009, 09:33 PM	#4
Spoolin335 Justin Herass 355 Rep 1,205 Posts Drives: X6M / M3 Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Canada iTrader: (7) Garage List 2015 BMW M3 [0.00] 2012 Audi TTRS [10.00] 2012 BMW X6M [9.00] 2007 BMW 335i [9.00]	i just want it to shoot my car, family stuff, anything really. im not a pro, but i think i take some decent pics with the stock lens. I have a Canon XTI with the kit lens, and think i have reached the limit of my stock lens and want to explore some better glass. The photos i see people take look a lot better then mine and they dont do a lot of PP. I think my glass is really whats limiting my photography. I only need it for occasional use, so durability should not be a concern. 1500$ is a bit steep for me, as i only want it for personal use. Ive seen some pictures taken with the f/1.8 and they look great. I dont know if i have seen any pics with the F1.4, thats why im asking if its worth the extra cash. heres a pic i took in mexico with the kit lens.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-22-2009, 09:40 PM	#5
BMW F22 Major General 3666 Rep 9,783 Posts Drives: ///M235i Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (8)	As you already know the 1.8's DOF is very narrow. So I don't know how much that helps when shooting cars as I imagine it would be waaay too narrow (unless of course u focus on a certain part of the car). Portraits, on the other hand, might work depending on how you use it. Remember that it won't be sharp unless you adjust it to 2.0 or 2.2. Again the DOF is narrow so you need to know what you're doing. NOT EVERY PICTURE NEEDS TO BE AT 1.8!! The 1.4 is even narrower so take that into consideration. Of course you don't have to use it wide open but what's the point in having a 1.4 or 1.8 lens if you're never going to need anything less than say 2.8?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-22-2009, 10:04 PM	#7
BMW F22 Major General 3666 Rep 9,783 Posts Drives: ///M235i Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (8)	To be honest, you can buy either the 1.4 or 1.8 and try it out. You usually have 30 days to return it if you don't like it. You can even use it for a few months or a year and sell it back for close to the purchase price. But yeah give it a shot and see how you like it. Just be sure to keep the receipt. lol
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-23-2009, 03:15 AM	#8
TheUltimateDrivingManiac Freude am Fahren. 844 Rep 1,290 Posts Drives: F15 X5 xDrive35i Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Toronto, Ontario iTrader: (0) Garage List 2020 BMW F900R [0.00] 2016 BMW X5 xDrive35i [0.00]	I have 50mm 1.8, I like it and use a lot, but regret that I haven't bought 1.4. __________________ Freude am Fahren.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-23-2009, 04:28 AM	#9
ichiban Colonel 102 Rep 2,012 Posts Drives: 08 135i Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (2)	I have the 1.4, and I have used the 1.8. The AF is better on the 1.4 and better construction. There's 8 blades in the 1.4 and only 5 in the 1.8 making light bokeh pentagon looking for the 1.8 instead of circular. If you plan to keep it, i'd say go for the 1.4. Either that, or try the 1.8 first, see if you like the focal length. Then move up to the 1.4.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-23-2009, 07:46 PM	#12
vachss Captain 56 Rep 816 Posts Drives: Z4 Coupe Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Ventura County, CA iTrader: (1)	As a 50/1.4 owner I'm actually not that big an advocate of this lens. It's kind of soft wide open (though very sharp by f/2.0). Also many folks seem to complain of problems with the focus motor - though mine hasn't given me any trouble in 6 years of use. I used to use this as my main portrait lens when I shot on crop bodies, but since moving to FF the 135L has taken over this role and the 50 has been relegated to the occasional product shot when I want to sell something online. Having the extra stop to play with is handy in low light, but I typically shoot it at f/2 or higher for the increased sharpness and DOF. I don't own the 1.8, but it seems to me that I'd get most of the use out of a 1.8 that I do out of the 1.4. If you really want sharpness at f/1.4 then the best solution may be to go for a Sigma, but be prepared to go through several copies to get a sharp one that focuses properly...
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-31-2009, 03:24 AM	#13
e92leon 我的車車有Turbo&!!! 157 Rep 2,597 Posts Drives: 빠른차 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: ????? iTrader: (5) Garage List 2008 E92 335i [10.00] 2006 RX-8 (SE3P) [0.00]	I've been asked this question many times before, the obvious answer is that the 1.4 is better but is it really worth the $$$?? well, in my opinion if you really are into quality > quantity, you wouldn't even look at the 1.4 or 1.8, I'm running the 1.2L and I love it, just my opinion. __________________ Flickr
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-31-2009, 02:37 PM	#14
UdubBadger Banned 651 Rep 24,685 Posts Drives: '04 330i ZHP Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Chicago Burbs iTrader: (22) Garage List 2004 BMW 330i ZHP [9.50] 2011 135i [7.46] 2008 328xi [8.76]	I traded up from the 1.8 to the 1.4 a few months back and glad I did. The 1.8 has a bad autofocusing problem which gets really annoying, I had it on MF at least 2/3rds of the times I used it. The 1.4 hasn't given me any problems as of yet. For the money, the 1.4 is still a pretty damn good deal @ about $350 (amazon) and who couldn't use the extra stop for low light photos right? Of course the 1.2 L is miles and miles apart because of its build quality but at 3x the price of the 1.4 its a bit out of reach and unnecessary unless you are going to use it to put food on your table.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-04-2010, 07:11 PM	#16
oneintheory no longer a BMW owner 174 Rep 1,463 Posts Drives: 2011 Ford Edge Sport Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Suffolk/Chesapeake, VA iTrader: (0)	I think you might get more use out of a wide prime than you would a 50. I have a 35 f/2, and it's a solid little lens. My copy isn't that great, but it's alot wider than my 50 1.4 and you can focus closer. I'm considering a 20mm prime by Sigma, as the 14mm f/2.8LII is quite a bit of coin.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-05-2010, 08:25 PM	#17
RENN Spec Major 142 Rep 1,314 Posts Drives: 488 Pista, M2CS, Tundra Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Arcadia, CA iTrader: (3)	I had both and the quality of the 1.4 really is worth it unless you have a mk1 50mm 1.8.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-05-2010, 09:06 PM	#18
ichiban Colonel 102 Rep 2,012 Posts Drives: 08 135i Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (2)	if your gonna go wider, go for the sigma 30 1.4, it's a littler wider than the canon 35, and a lot better IQ and faster too.
	Appreciate 0 Quote