50 mm 1.8 or 1.4 Canon: Better value?

[photog1107]

Ok, so I have done quite a bit of research on these two primes and while I am prepared to pay the price for the 1.4, I have actually read some reviews that would say the 1.8 is a superior lens... so before I click on the "buy" button for the 1.4 (with the idea that obviously I am purchasing a faster lens and therefore it's worth the price), I am wondering if anyone with hands on experience could weigh in on the performance of these lenses. Thanks for any thoughts or insights.

[photog1107]

Well, I just ran across a DPS poll where at least 11 folks weighed in on this Q... so it appears the majority at that time went in favor of the 1.4 for superior quality. The main reason I am looking for this lens is to shoot candids inside so I dont have to power up the flash or push my ISO to 1600. Are there any other folks out there who would dissuade me from stepping up to the 1.4? Or should I just go for it?

[mshockley]

I can say that I purchased this lens yesterday and it is truly awesome. The image quality is spectacular!

With that said you may have noticed my similiar question I also just posted! I am considering returning it and going witht he 85mm f/1.8...lol...so now I'm just confused about the whole purchase. I seem to feel very close to my subject with 50mm.

Even so, I was very impressed with the lens. Took it out of the box and mounted while my husband drove to skating rink and I shot some pictures of kids flying by on skates in very low-light! The lens grabs focus and is nice and sharp at f/2.

[tinusvdb]

Glad you ar enjoying it, have fun!

[FilmGeek]

I've owned both lenses, and I've gotta say the 1.4 is better for two reasons:

1. The extra two stops are very worth it.
2. The build quality is much higher.

While you won't necessarily use the extra two stops (I've found myself shooting at 2 quite a bit), you'll want them when in a very low light situation.

As for the build quality, I dropped my camera with the 1.8 on it from about 2 feet into a box full of other electronics and the 1.8's innards basically shattered, jamming the lens onto the body. Camera was fine, but the lens' body was destroyed.

Got a cool photo out of it though.


(Sadly, this wasn't taken with the replacement 1.4, but instead the 135 2.8 I had on hand.)

[stella7d]

Originally Posted by photog1107

Well, I just ran across a DPS poll where at least 11 folks weighed in on this Q... so it appears the majority at that time went in favor of the 1.4 for superior quality. The main reason I am looking for this lens is to shoot candids inside so I dont have to power up the flash or push my ISO to 1600. Are there any other folks out there who would dissuade me from stepping up to the 1.4? Or should I just go for it?

I actually own both the 1.8 and the 1.4. The 50mm 1.8 is a great lens for around $100 and gives you the best bang for your buck, but if you can afford the f/1.4 it is definitely worth the extra money. Both are great for low light situations and indoor shooting. Hit buy! You'll enjoy the lens!

[stella7d]

Originally Posted by mshockley

I can say that I purchased this lens yesterday and it is truly awesome. The image quality is spectacular!

With that said you may have noticed my similiar question I also just posted! I am considering returning it and going witht he 85mm f/1.8...lol...so now I'm just confused about the whole purchase. I seem to feel very close to my subject with 50mm.

Even so, I was very impressed with the lens. Took it out of the box and mounted while my husband drove to skating rink and I shot some pictures of kids flying by on skates in very low-light! The lens grabs focus and is nice and sharp at f/2.

I am curious as to why you would choose the return the 50mm and get the 85mm? I have both of these lenses...both are great but I find I can't use the 85mm as often in the dark of winter or indoors as it's so tight.

[cleamon]

Originally Posted by FilmGeek

I've owned both lenses, and I've gotta say the 1.4 is better for two reasons:

1. The extra two stops are very worth it.
2. The build quality is much higher.

The 1.4 is only 2/3 stop faster than the 1.8

Typical one-third-stop f-number scale

f/#	1.0	1.1	1.2	1.4	1.6	1.8	2	2.2	2.5	2.8	3.2	3.5	4	4.5	5.0	5.6	6.3	7.1	8	9	10	11	13	14	16	18	20	22