50mm 1.8 or 55mm 1.4 lens?

[Laura Baker]

I am wondering if it's worth spending +$200 for the 50mm 1.4 lens http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Standard-Medium-Telephoto-Cameras/dp/B00009XVCZ/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=I3KTD0HM51FOI7&colid=3M634H9I79JDS

or save the money and get the 50mm 1.8 lens http://www.amazon.com/Canon-50mm-1-8-Camera-Lens/dp/B00007E7JU/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=I34EZO9Z7AKMUM&colid=3M634H9I79JDS

I want a lens that will allow me to take better pictures indoors in low light and perhaps family portraits...if they'll let me :)

Of course I'd like to spend less money,but in 6 months am I going to wish I had the 1.8.?

[Sean Garrett]

have a read of this article. it seems to be a descent comparison of the two lenses.

[Lux Vivens]

I have the 1.8 (for Nikon) and I LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE it! Especially now in winter! BUT: I am thinking of upgrading to a 1.4 and I am sure I will be doing so in the coming months. I will be selling my 1.8 then (and reinvesting for the 1.4)... ;) I think it's a good way to go.
Here is a picture I took with my 1.8 with my Nikon D40 out of a moving cable car in the dark: http://365project.org/luxvivens/365/2010-11-06
And here is a picture I took with the 1.8 on my Nikon D700: http://365project.org/luxvivens/encore/2011-01-22

[Emma Cook]

I'd save your pennies and buy the 50mm 1.4, its much better made than the 1.8 and a better quality lens.

The 1.4 is more expensive than the 1.8, I think you've got it mixed up.

I have the 1.4 and LOVE it...I use it all the time and it rarely comes off my camera.

[Annie Charalambous]

I asked the same question about two months ago. The cheaper 1.8 lost and my 1.4 is my new BFF :)

[elephantgirl]

I love the 1.4 as well. But haven't actually tried the other one, so I can't compare.

[Betsy]

I have it for a Nikon as well and have been very happy!

[Laura Baker]

Yes- I meant "save for the 1.4" and they are both 50 mm.

[Rachel Counts]

I'd definitely go with the 50mm 1.4 lens. :)

[Skwii]

Funny, I have just bought the f1.4 50mm and totally loving it! cheap but superb!! saved me a lot of money for the next ones :) Here's an example of the amaizingness :) just started today!

[Laura Baker]

Thanks everyone for your thoughts, links and pictures. I asked my husband for the 1,4 lens for a valentines/birthday present and then saw the 1.8 lens. I think I will keep the much less expensive 1.8 lens a secret from him...lol...crossing my fingers there's room in the budget for it.

[Laura Baker]

@luxvivens love the picture in the church.

[Ashley J. Wilson]

I considered both, and ultimately chose the 1.4 because it's much better made and more durable. I've read that the 1.8 is somewhat fragile.

[Dayna Titus]

OR, you could go all out and get the best lens of all time... the 50 1.2 :)

It is my baby!

[Dayna Titus]

in all seriousness, I used to own the 1.8 and it's a pretty flimsy lens... it's cheap, yes, but feels a bit cheap too. that said you can pick one up for $80 so if you need something inexpensive that might not be so bad. i have tried the 1.4 and wasn't thrilled with it.

[Jaydee]

1.8 is cheaper than 1.4 .... but 1.4 is worth a try.... ♥
thanks for this thread by d way.... i learned something new again ....