Upgrading the nifty fifty.. :)

[trudslev]

I have a Canon EF 50mm 1.8 II lens, which is a very good lens in many respects, but I am considering an upgrade.

I both looked at the 1.2 and 1.4, but I really think the price tag on the 1.2 is very steep considering on one extra f-stop. OTOH, that stop could be the one that makes the difference in a low-light situation

I am considering the 1.4 mostly, though. It's better built, and focus ring actually makes manual focus possible, which is something that I've started to use more. Auto focus seems to struggle in low-light or huge aperture situations, which are both something you encounter when you choose to use this lens.

Any thoughts? Is the 1.4 worth the extra price tag? I know the 1.8 is pretty sharp, but do I get something more out of extra money, when it comes to image quality (I should hope so)? Or is the 1.2 a worthy investment even though it's crazy expensive?

[OsmosisStudios]

Why do you feel the need to upgrade?

[trudslev]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

Why do you feel the need to upgrade?

I'd like a lens that's possible to use with manual focus (basically I want a better focus ring), faster auto focus would be great too as the 1.8 "searches" a lot, ultimately it would be nice to have a lens to bring that you are not afraid will break if a slight wind blows on it

[OsmosisStudios]

THe f/1.4 sounds like a better bet of the bunch then. The f/1.2 is nice, but not practical and SUPER expensive.

[private]

I have the 1.4 and I do love it! The 1.2 is dreamy tho, but the price makes it not really worth it IMO. Not to throw something else in the mix - but the 85 1.8 is amazing!

[trudslev]

Originally Posted by private

I have the 1.4 and I do love it! The 1.2 is dreamy tho, but the price makes it not really worth it IMO. Not to throw something else in the mix - but the 85 1.8 is amazing!

No, the price is crazy, but I do love me an L lens, but okay, for that kind of money I could get myself a new bathroom or half a new kitchen

I already have the 100mm/2.8 macro. What is it you like about the 85mm, except for of course the extra light?

[dlambert]

Is there anything (other than more light) about the 1.4 that'll make it focus better?

[trudslev]

Originally Posted by dlambert

Is there anything (other than more light) about the 1.4 that'll make it focus better?

I don't know if it focuses better, but both faster and more quiet. The 1.8 II makes an awful lot of noise and it sort of "scans" for focus.

If you are in a low-light situation sometimes it just scans back and forth for a few seconds and then gives up. Fair enough, if there is little light, it can be hard for the lens to determine focus, which is why a nice focus ring would be pretty useful

[dlambert]

Well, as far as the "quieter and faster" part, I agree that the USM and FTM on the 1.4 would be great -- that's definitely a feature I'll look for on lenses from now on.

[LoveDSLR]

Originally Posted by trudslev

Or is the 1.2 a worthy investment even though it's crazy expensive?

I believe the Canon 50 f/1.2 L has focus shift issue, thus not one of the best L lens.

"http://digital-photography-school.com/forum/canon-digital-cameras/72362-canon-50mm-1-2-disappointment.html"