Zeiss 50 f/1.4, Canon 50 f/1.2 and Canon 50 f/1.4

[RMC33]

Howdy.

So My old nifty fifty's AF motor just bit the dust a few days ago and has been having issues for the last year. I have been considering the following lenses to replace it:

Zeiss 50 f/1.4 Manual focus

Canon 50 f/1.2L AF

A New(er) Nifty Fifty.

I will be receiving the Zeiss and L on Monday to compare all 3. My standard method of testing is: Tripod and shoot about 100-200 photos with my 3 bodies under various lighting/conditions. I also go out and walk around with them (I will have the rentals for two weeks) and just shoot whatever. I will AFMA the 50 f/1.2 and check to see if there is a large amount of focus shift @ f/2, 2.8 and 4. I feel after that point the DOF SHOULD be deep enough to hide it at an average shooting distance. Any other recommendations/advice?

I just am looking to replace a lens I love that has after 6 years (dropped once, stupid cat) never caused me a problem.

 

[RLPhoto]

http://ramonlperez.tumblr.com/post/34906285033/fast-prime-shoot-out-pt-2-50mm-1-2l-review

 

[RMC33]

http://ramonlperez.tumblr.com/post/34906285033/fast-prime-shoot-out-pt-2-50mm-1-2l-review

Great review! Thanks much!

 

[verysimplejason]

you might want to consider also the Sigma 50 F1.4 though personally I haven't used it yet.

 

[kennephoto]

Been debating this myself forever but then I saved up a bit of cash and stopped at the local camera shop and I looked at the 1.4 and I thought ok sure this is good I like this. Then the sales guy brought out the 1.2 and I blown away by it, but the price ouch!! But he made a good point, you can't go wrong with L glass and years later it will retain its value if you want to sell it. I love my 1.2L a lot it's great at 1.2 but stop it down and it gets very very crisp! I will add a photo I took with it the other night. This was taken at f8 and this is a processed photo for size and is not the original. In the original the trees across the street were so detailed and I could almost make out things in the windows across the way as well. I'm impressed, oh and weather sealing so it doesn't mind a bit of snow

 

[RMC33]

you might want to consider also the Sigma 50 F1.4 though personally I haven't used it yet.

Ah thanks! May have to toss that into my test.

 

[EOBeav]

If you've got the bucks for a 50L, I recommend it whole heartedly. If budget is an issue, though, you're just fine with the Canon 50mm f/1.4.

 

[brad goda]

with zeiss and the canon 1.2L on your list its obvious budget is not a problem
but check out the canon 50 2.5 macro... it has a noisy slow non USM motor and a thin plastic manual focus ring BUT its a underdog performer... all my Japanese studio friends swear by this lens and I do to... check out this review.

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=403&Camera=453&Sample=0&FLI=0&API=6&LensComp=287&CameraComp=453&SampleComp=0&FLIComp=0&APIComp=2

ha! a fun look. and scary comparison.