Battle of the 50mm's - 1.8, 1.4 and 1.2L

[Gennadiy]

I would also like to see some examples with the converted 55 f1.2

As for me, I love the 50mm perspective. I have the 50 1.8 that I got a few years back, however after getting a 5dmarkII I have decided to get a nicer 50. I went into a store prepared to buy the 50L... the store also had an 85LII in stock, and I compared the 2 lenses. I ended up getting the 85... I just felt it was a better lens. I figured in 3/4 of the shots with this lens I would be able to take 3 steps back and get the shot i want and haven't really been disappointed. Having said that, I would definitely like something smaller to walk around with. Like a lot of people here I am waiting for the new 50 1.4, but the 55 1.2 does sound intriguing. I don't mind manual focus in general.

 

[GMCPhotographics]

If I want to get close to an item to photograph it, the 50L would never be my main choice. It's focus shift under 1m is well noted...although it's only a problem if you stop down. Wide open, my copy is pretty spot on. but it's not the sharpest of the L primes in that zone (close to MFD wide open) and it's noticably sharper at infinity or stopped down. It's not a soft lens per-se but it's not in the same league as a 35L or an 85IIL.
I prefer the 35L's wider view when shooting up close, I like it's rendering and angle of view. But neither lens performs as well as the ef 100mm L IS macro. That lens is quite increadible, maybe one of Canon's sharpest designs.
I've had every version of the Canon 50mm lenses, including the macro version and the best of the bunch is definatly the 50mm f1.2 L. It's far from perfect, but it's flare control, sharpness, contrast and build quality are as good as it gets (across all the brands). But not everyone needs these features, which is why it's expensive and Pro-oriented. It also underlines just how good the 50mm f1.4 USM is.