Conversation with pro re: 50L vs. 50 f/1.4

[Haydn1971]

This discussion could change soon - given that Canon has been busy replacing its old non-L primes with new models that are twice as expensive...

The 24mm, 28mm & 35mm have all been replaced with new fancy IS lenses, there have been suggestions on here that the 28mm f1.8 could be at risk of being chopped - why have 2 primes at what is today a odd focal length - which leaves the 50mm f1.8 & f1.4, both pre digital, both rather flimsy affairs, with the current ISO performance of new cameras, I'm half expecting a replacement f2.0/1.8 IS at a premium and a less than £150 nifty fifty f2.8 pancake without IS, with the 85mm following soon after, don't bother with the 100mm because the L is still "quite" cheap, but perhaps a cut price ultrawide prime to follow too... 16-18mm f2.8 prime perhaps ? Would it need IS ??? Would it kill sales on the 14mm ?

 

[mwh1964]

Just got the 50L of CL. What a nice piece of photographic equipment. Have been shooting exclusively @1.2-1.8. Think it's really sharp and fantastic at these f-stops. Really have to concentrate to nail focus though, but results pay off the efforts. Really good bokeh as well even though I don't have some of the bokeh fantastical lenses to compare with. Much better build quality than my 50 f1.4. No comparison actually. Probably going to keep both as they serve different purposes. Will see how it turns out following the initial first love. So far I am really happy with my purchase.

 

[alexturton]

Just got the 50L of CL. What a nice piece of photographic equipment. Have been shooting exclusively @1.2-1.8. Think it's really sharp and fantastic at these f-stops. Really have to concentrate to nail focus though, but results pay off the efforts. Really good bokeh as well even though I don't have some of the bokeh fantastical lenses to compare with. Much better build quality than my 50 f1.4. No comparison actually. Probably going to keep both as they serve different purposes. Will see how it turns out following the initial first love. So far I am really happy with my purchase.

any sample shots?

 

[RLPhoto]

I like 50L. It has everything I need in a 50mm.

 

[Deleted member 7828]

Ever since switching to FF, I've been looking for a decent 50mm lens. I've yet to find one.

I tried the 50L. Couldn't get a SINGLE sharp shot with it even after nearly 100 pics and fiddling with focus adjustment. I really wanted to like it but I know the soft shots would frustrate the --- out of me. So I wrote it off.

The 50 1.4 was much easier to use, but lacked the durability and weather sealing. Pics also had an odd color to it (couldn't really put my finger on it). As another poster mentioned, even on a 5D3 the servo tracking was horrendous...

 

[spacetimeroger]

I use a 50mm f/1.4, professionally—all the time—I certainly wouldn't mind having the L version, but since I'm usually covering events, concerts and weddings, it's rare that I will end up using a high speed lens at this focal length wide open—and the 50 1.2 is a lens that begs to be shot wide open. Typically I'll keep my 50 around f/2-f/2.8. I've found that I like it a lot at f/2-2.8. It just renders a very nice look.

One photo attached here, at f/2.8 from a wedding I shot a few weeks ago, nothing particularly spectacular for showing off the lens, but it's a shot I had handy. 7D, ISO 1600, f/2.8, 1/250th, bounced flash.

The 24-70mm f/2.8 II is nice, of course, but I find that range so uninspiring that every time I've used a lens in that range (I used to use the older 28-80mm f/2.8-4 L) I'm disappointed with the shots...seems like they always end up rather "flat" to me. There's no substitute for zooming with your feet when it's possible to do so. There's also something to be said for the way small lenses can allow you to get closer to the action without freaking out the subject and allow you to get more dynamic compositions.

Plus the 50mm f/1.4 is super light, much lighter than a 24-70mm f/2.8, and weight definitely matters when shooting weddings & events--you're on your feet for 10+ hours shooting, and since I shoot so much with my 80-200mm f/2.8 L when I'm out, it's nice to be able to take a break from it with something like the 50/1.4 and give my arm a rest--plus it's just a fun lens to shoot with, and if something where to happen to it, it's easily replaced.

Maybe one day I'll grab the 50/1.2, just because I do like superfast lenses, but I don't think I'd get rid of my 50--it's a nice lens to leave on all the time because of it's size and speed. Actually, scratch the 50/1.2, I just need to save up $3-4K for a used 50mm f/1.0 L.

 

[RMC33]

I can vouch for the magic of the 200 f/2~