EF 50 1.4 vs. 1.8

[UrbanImages]

I currently have a 50 1.8. I think it takes sharp pics for the price however the concern over the build is becoming reality. I know of people who swear by the 1.8 over the 1.4, say it's sharper. I was wondering what people who have used both feel in regards to this. I need to replace it, was thinking of going to the 1.4 but I've heard mixed reviews. Opinions please!!

[pdirestajr]

An alternate option is to find a nice condition 50mm f/1.8 mkI. It has a better build quality than the mkII, metal mount, focusing ring, distance scale & made in Japan!

I just picked one up off of ebay for 150 in mint condition and it's 25 years old!

I had the 50mm f/1.4 for a while- there was just something about that lens that bothered me, I couldn't quite put my finger on it. I'm also hoping Canon makes a new affordable 50mm with real Ring USM some time in the near future.


Vi Close by Philip DiResta, on Flickr


Violet by Philip DiResta, on Flickr


Violet Smile by Philip DiResta, on Flickr

[paulc]

There's a world of difference between the two in bokeh quality.   The 5 sided straight blades of the 50/1.8 is terribly distracting, which is pretty much the exact opposite of what you want it to be.

[Mt Spokane Photography]

I've had the three versions of the 1.8, the MK I, the made in Japan version of the MK II, and the current MK II version.  I've also had two of the f/1.4's.
 
The main difference besides the obviously wider aperture is the better build, and a real focus ring in the 1.4, and the better build and real focus ring of the f/1.8 MK I. 
 
I'd take either f/1.4 or f/1.8 MK I over the current MK II, but the IQ is pretty much the same for all.

[aznable]

the sigma 50mm 1.4 it's better than both...if the weight it's no a problem for you...the price it's something more than canon 1.4

[rj79in]

I currently have a 50 1.8. I think it takes sharp pics for the price however the concern over the build is becoming reality. I know of people who swear by the 1.8 over the 1.4, say it's sharper. I was wondering what people who have used both feel in regards to this. I need to replace it, was thinking of going to the 1.4 but I've heard mixed reviews. Opinions please!!

Depends on the copy you get. The possibility of the 50mm 1.4 being a source of frustration is very high. I've had one copy which was terrible while the second one is slightly better. I'm still not too confident with it though. Guess I have to live with the limitations ...

However, I may point out that the efforts in trying to make it work did wonders for my technique because I tried different tips and tricks which I would not have done otherwise.

[UrbanImages]

Thanks for your input! I purchased a 50 1.4 yesterday as the current rebates make it a little more palatable. I took probably 25-30 test shots on my 5DII and I was pretty impressed with it. NO issues to speak of, a little soft on the edges at 1.4, but sharp all around at 2.0.

[rj79in]

Thanks for your input! I purchased a 50 1.4 yesterday as the current rebates make it a little more palatable. I took probably 25-30 test shots on my 5DII and I was pretty impressed with it. NO issues to speak of, a little soft on the edges at 1.4, but sharp all around at 2.0.

If I may suggest, do buy a hood and keep it fixed all all times. The lens extends while focusing which, IMHO carries a risk if the front of the lens gets knocked into something