Canon 50mm f1.8 vs 50mm f1.4 usm

GR3Z

GR3Z

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Graeme
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Canon 50mm f1.8 vs 50mm f1.4 usm

I'm after opinions on weather it would be a worthy upgrade as I already have 50mm1.8 and love it, its by far my best lens as I only have the kit lens and a cheap 70-300 Tamron..

Is there there much difference between the two

50mm f1.2L series ouch that's expensive is it that much better?
 
I'd avoid 50 f/1.2faiL - too problematic for what it costs. 1.4 is much better than 1.8 in terms of focus accuracy/consistency and bokeh, but still built quite badly. I'd probably consider upgrading your kit elsewhere as a priority - think about 85mm f/1.8, 70-200mm f/4 or tamron 17-50 f/2.8.
 
Hi

I remember reading a test on the 3 50mm Canon lenses last year, it concluded the 1.2 was very good, but too pricy for most users.

When it came to the 1.4 & 1.8, it was much closer, yes the 1.4 was a better lens and gave better results, bu the ended the test with a "but" comment, it was 3 times the price and if money was tight they would opt for the 1.8 as the difference wasn't significant enough to justify the extra...

I read this as although the 1.4 is a 'better' lens, actually you would be just as happy with the 1.8 if you are happy enough with the build quality (plastic mount over metal etc).

Hope this is of help...
 
I've got two 50mm 1.4's for wedding work and had the 1.8 at some point too. Its a decent lens if you are used to spending 500+ for an L lens. The difference for me in image quality at 1.8 between both versions was just about noticeable. What got me was the quick and silent focussing. The 1.8 version cannot handle situations where quick focus is a must.
 
I used to have the 1.8 and have the 1.4 now. As others have said, the build quality of the 1.4 isn't stellar and doesn't compare to say the 85mm f/1.8.

However, in my opinion it is a worthwhile upgrade. Certainly the background blur is more pleasing (more aperture blades) and the focus is faster and much more quiet than the 1.8.

There is a certain appeal to the 1.2L but I could just never justify the price.
 
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I have the 50 1.8 and had the 50 1.4 for a week.
If 50mm is right for you then the extra build and light is a worthy upgrade. Blew me away in the shop and at a trade fair. For my general usage though it just wasn't wide enough. 1st time I tried it out big time was in a little town in Switzerland and the square wasn't big enough for me to get the cathedral in the picture.

Finally got the 35mm f2 (read the reviews) and lived happily ever after.
 
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