Canon 50 f/1.4 Discontinued? [CR2]

Canon Rumors
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From various places
I’ve received a couple emails from retailers saying the 50 f/1.4 has been discontinued. The lens is backordered at B&H at the time of writing this.

I have no current information about a replacement.

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23 Comments
  • The current lens is pretty good.. A touch soft wide open, which the newer sensors will show up, but still a capable lens.

    I’m looking forward to an update though. Maybe full USM this time? Hopefully at the same price, or only a little more so I can sell my current one for a decent amount :D

  • I am currently considering buying a 50mm prime. Regarding image quality, I would prefer the Sigma 50 1.4 due to its superior corner sharpness, in particular when used wide open, but I am hesitant due to the many reports about AF problems. I guess I would still be willing to risk it, and if necessary go through several samples.
    But if Canon were to introduce a revised 50 1.4, I would definitely give them a try first, as I expect a lower rate of lemons when buying original vendor lenses.

  • sorry for being the grouch in the group but I feel they are spinning their wheels updating this lens before some others that need it much more

  • This lens needed an update more than any other Canon lens. It not only is a lens design from the 1970’s, but far worse is that the motor is not a true USM ring and breaks very easily. I’ve had mine fixed twice. Meanwhile, I’ve watched other lenses with great AF and sturdy designs get updates, then even more updates (IS).

    It’s only been now that Sigma and others have started competing that Canon seems to be interested in bringing the 50mm f1.4 into the 1990’s.

    I bid a happy “Welcome to the 1990’s” for the Canon 50mm f1.4!

    cheers,

    Chris

  • I look forward to the lens too, the current 50mm 1.4 is great but would love full usm.

    Chris, have to looked at a calender recently? ;-) the 90’s are like SO last decade

  • If they build a new one, I would like to have an IS version. I often use 1/30s. I don’t care about image quality at f/8 but at f/1.4.

  • It would be a very nice and needed upgrade. I however, would still rather see the wide to medium and medium to long telephoto L zooms get updated first since that is how I prefer to shoot.

  • I’ve had my eye on this lens for a while but just never picked it up. If they do update it and improve it, I think it will be great for hi-iso low light use. Would probably pick it up then. I considered the 50 1.2L for a while but couldn’t justify the cost.

  • @ms

    Of course there are other lenses (in particular wide to normal angle non-L primes) in the lineup that are indeed in need for an update. Some of them are quite ancient, from the very first days of the EOS system (e.g., the 28 2.0). People looking for a normal lens equivalent on crop will definitely have to look elsewhere. The reputation of the Sigma 30 1.4 has been getting better lately.

  • I was looking for an upgrade to the kit xti lens (18-55) and finally decided to go with the 50 f1.4. Which I ordered from Abes of Maine. Initially they were in stock at $320 and so I ordered it. Then, turns out the lens as out of stock and 5 days after that it was back in at $325 . Similarily, I have seen a gradual increase of price. I just got it and love the capability it gives me but there are a few things that should get updated sometime. However, looking at the price increase, does this still seem possible?

    Regards
    Martin

  • Who knows when it will be updated, if ever?

    I’ve had mine for over a year, paid under $300 new (rebate) and have enjoyed it ever since. Just don’t shoot it wide open if contrast and sharpness matter to you. Halation can be a feature too, though, right?

  • I think they need to update the EF 28mm (or release an EF 30mm 1.4). If Canon is truly committed to the crop factor, they REALLY need to give us a 50mm focal length equivalent lens for the 40D/50D/60D cameras.
    I guarantee you they’d sell them by the boat load if it had USM and was as good, or better, than the Sigma 30mm.
    I almost picked up a Sigma 30mm last month, but got cold feet reading about the focus issues…I just don’t have time to mess with sending a lens back & forth. If your listening Canon, I still need a faster prime for my 40D! (and no, not something that cost $1100).

  • Isn’t it Canon’s 50th year anniversary with the EOS system? Than I have a feeling they might do something like updating the 50mm lens?! : )

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