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| Brand: Canon
Category: Photography
List Price: $520.00
Buy New: $329.99
You Save: $190.01 (37%)
New (5) from $329.99
Avg. Customer Rating:  163 reviews
Media: Electronics
Autographed: No
Memorabilia: No
Fragile: No
Batteries Included: No
Maximum Focal Length: 58
Minimum Focal Length: 50
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.6
Dimensions (in): 2.9 x 2 x 2
MPN: 2515A003
Model: 2515A003
UPC: 082966213014
EAN: 4960999213019
ASIN: B00009XVCZ
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Customer Reviews:
 The one prime you should have August 2, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Why get a prime (fixed-focus) lens? Because they usually beat variable-focus ('zoom') lenses in performance and image quality. And if there is one prime lens you should have, it should be a 50mm one. This is because the image you get is pretty much the same as the eye sees it, making taking pictures very intuitive. The images you can snap with these lenses are just great.
Yet, even with prime lenses there are huge differences even at the same focal length. Canon currently has three different lenses at this length: the f/1.8, f/1.4 (the one I'm reviewing here), and f/1.2L. They have vastly different prices, and the question is if the difference shows. The f1.8 lens is a very affordable (it costs less than a high-end circular pol filter), very good fixed-focus starter lens, and is already very sharp. So, is the f/1.4 at almost quadruple the price worth it?
This rather depends on what you intend to do with it. Generally, image quality of the f/1.4 is better than the f1.8, and the bokeh (background blur) is much, much better (although this seems a trivial point at first, try it at low light, and you'll easily see the difference). For me, however, the most important advantage it has over it's more affordable sibling is the much improved low-light capabilities, and the incredible sharpness this lens exhibits at f/1.6 (and even stunningly at f/1.8 and above). You'll wonder how you ever got by without it. For example, at f/2.8 it really puts to shame my (much more expensive) 17-55 f/2.8 lens (at 50 mm), which is renown for it's image quality.
As a lens, I enjoy its small size and light weight. It feels nice and much sturdier than the f/1.8. I don't know if the f/1.2 is worth the additional price, as I never felt it necessary to try it out -- there just may be a reason why this lens is one of the most favorite for professional photographers (which I am decidedly not - I am still an amateur). The capabilities of this lens lie past my current capabilities, and I happily await the time when I graduate to the L. Until then, this lens hits the sweep spot between starter and professional. There is no better prime lens, and if you have started with primes, make this your next one.
light, sharp wonderful all around lens July 31, 2008
I first bought the 50 f1.8 lens and it is a pretty decent one but then I tried a friend's 50 1.4 and sold my old one to buy this. It is a huge improvement over the 1.8 in that the AF is quick and accurate. I had problems with the AF on the other lens; it frequently hunted in low light. With the Canon 50 f1.4 you can take great photos in rooms with very little light; I have taken everything from pet photos to portraits of children and outdoor scenes with this wonderful lens. Because it is small, it's easy to have in the camera bag at all times. A real bargain in the Canon line-up. I also own the 3L, 135L, 24-105L, etc and use this one frequently. Buy it.
Perfect Lens July 28, 2008
The lens is a light vacuum, it has a sturdy metal build, more aperture blades, is incredibly fast, very quiet, and smooth. The bokeh is like butter.
I recommend it over the cheaper f1.8 if you are serious about the details in your pictures. Tiny depth of field - with f1.4 I can focus on someones nose and their cheeks are out of focus. Worth every penny.
Excellent lens July 25, 2008
Excellent lens. In my Canon 5D I use it as a standard lens and in my 30D I use it as a short telephoto lens, perfect to take pictures of my baby. Don't forget to get the lens hood. Not only protects the lens but improves contrast and color saturation.
Buy the best tool for the job that you can June 26, 2008
After researching this lense, I quickly decided to acquire it.
I must say I have a regret..........
That I did not grab it a LONG time ago!!
I've had the 50 for a couple months now,and it has not parted ways from my cam body at all..and after a rather large event this past weekend, where I was shooting w two cams, one w the 50 sans flash, & one w a 28-135 tele w' flash....I ended up ditching most of the flashed pics,but am busily cranking out large prints of 3/4 of the pics acquired with the 50....
..............
Something to think about while reading thru info/reviews..... I come across statements sprinkled thru-out various forums about people raving about their kit lense is good enough and look at the pictures they got with them,... and why anyone would ever spring for expensive glass is beyond their comprehension....
A little comparison.
Carpenter Joe builds houses w a $10 wood-handled hammer,a 12 inch ruler, and a shovel.
Carpenter Jim builds houses w a $50 composite hammer, a measuring tape and a power auger
Carpenter John builds houses w a $200 air powered hammer,a laser level, and a backhoe.
Their houses all get built,,,but I'll leave you to decide who's house is finished first, with straighter floors,ectect...
Tools may not make you a better carpenter ( or photographer ) but they sure can help!!!
....And really,,anyone who has ever built something with a hammer that sends shock waves thru their hand w' each blow, and the head falls off after every 20 nails..vs the person using a airgun...one of those folks is going to enjoy their work a WHOLE lot more,,and that always helps improve workmanship and quality,,would'nt you think ?
Cheers
~Julius Kuziemski
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