I've been reading reviews and I'm really torn.
In your opinion, which is better?
Right now I can afford the 1.8, so should I just go with that instead?
i have both and love both. That being said, for the price, the 1.8 is amazing! the only reason i have the 1.4 is because i got it second hand at an amazing price. If it weren't for that i would be happy with my 1.8. the only real benefit of the 1.4 would be the difference in aperture, if that is really, really important to you, then i guess go with that, but i think you would be happy with the 1.8
sorry, i don't think that was too helpful... good luck with your decision!
@laurentye I think I'm going to end up getting the 1.8. Unless someone has a really good reason as to why I shouldn't. lol But thank you for your input! :] It really is appreciated!
The only difference between the f/1.8 and f/1.4 is ONE-THIRD stop of light. Seriously that's like next to nothing. Don't waste your money on the 1.4. Instead...buy yourself some shoes.
I have the 1.8 and like it. People always cite the lesser build quality of the 1.8 but I've had mine for over 2 years and have had no problem with it. As @jasonbarnette mentioned, it is primarily 1/3 stop more, but there are a few other things like more blades in the aperture that can make the bokeh a little smoother.
For me it isn't enough to justify the price, but it may for some.
@jasonbarnette Thank you. I myself was thinking there was not that much difference, but in some of the reviews of the items, people were saying that the 1.4 is so much sharper and better and blah blah blah. That's why I questioned it. But so far, 1.8 is winning and I will probably be getting it. Thanks so much for your input! :D
@mallocarray I did read about the bokeh not being as smooth. I do love my bokeh, but I seem to be able to produce good bokeh with my other lens. So that doesn't bother me too much. If I don't like the bokeh with that lens, I can always use my other I suppose! :] Thanks so much!
@bullion3 The f/1.4 is a tad bit sharper and does have more blades for smoother apertures. However, it just isn't enough to justify so much more money. I have the Nikon 50mm f/1.8 and I get super sharp photos just fine.
I have the 50mm f/1.4 and I love it :D it's a nice, fast, sturdy lens. But I've used the f/1.8 before and it was awesome too :D So I can't help you! lol xD
Although I guess in terms of price, the f/1.8 is much cheaper :D
@cfitzgerald :] @jasonbarnette Thanks for the clarification! :] @pocketmouse haha. Well if you like them both, then it's probably best I go with the 1.8. And I did read that the 1.8 does take smaller filters which means I need to get a couple smaller ones if I get the lens.. ah well. Thanks!
Late to the party, sorry. I have the 1.8 and it has been a terrific lens. Yes, the build quality is less than the 1.4, but mine floats around in my bag and has had no damage. I am much more concerned about the build quality of zooms than a tiny prime.
@hollandcrew Thank you. And I did actually look back at the lens and saw it was 52mm not 50mm after Teresa mentioned that. I thought maybe I was remembering wrong but saw perhaps she mistyped or something!
The 50mm f/1.4 is sharper, and controls chromatic aberration (purple fringing) far better. It will also hold better colour saturation and contrast with backlit shots.
Koshi (my wife) had the f/1.8, until I gave her my f/1.4. In most normal situations, the differences are very small, but when it does make a difference one is very thankful for it.
From their testing, it looks like the Canon 50mm f/1.4 USM is sharper wide open, but stopped down passed f/2.8, it seems the Canon 50mm f/1.8 is a bit sharper.
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sorry, i don't think that was too helpful... good luck with your decision!
For me it isn't enough to justify the price, but it may for some.
Although I guess in terms of price, the f/1.8 is much cheaper :D
@jasonbarnette Thanks for the clarification! :]
@pocketmouse haha. Well if you like them both, then it's probably best I go with the 1.8. And I did read that the 1.8 does take smaller filters which means I need to get a couple smaller ones if I get the lens.. ah well. Thanks!
@hollandcrew Thank you. And I did actually look back at the lens and saw it was 52mm not 50mm after Teresa mentioned that. I thought maybe I was remembering wrong but saw perhaps she mistyped or something!
Koshi (my wife) had the f/1.8, until I gave her my f/1.4. In most normal situations, the differences are very small, but when it does make a difference one is very thankful for it.
Either way, you get a great lens for the money.
Dpreview.com has an awesome in-depth comparison between the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II vs the Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM both on an APS-C sensor camera.
http://www.dpreview.com/lensreviews/widget/Fullscreen.ashx?reviews=26,24&fullscreen=true&av=1.667,1.667&fl=50,50&vis=VisualiserSharpnessMTF,VisualiserSharpnessMTF&stack=horizontal&lock=&config=/lensreviews/widget/LensReviewConfiguration.xml%3F4
From their testing, it looks like the Canon 50mm f/1.4 USM is sharper wide open, but stopped down passed f/2.8, it seems the Canon 50mm f/1.8 is a bit sharper.
I ended up purchasing the f/1.8 for now. :] Should be here first week of December! :D