Canon 50mm 1.4

Canon 50mm 1.4 vs 1.8 – Which to Get?

 Why should you get the Canon 50mm 1.4 (shown left) instead of the Canon 50mm 1.8? (shown below), which costs only about $100?

Well, it really depends on how serious you are, your budget and how long you would like your Canon 50mm lens to last you – according to some users who have made the decision on getting the more expensive 1.4 lens.

The Canon 50mm 1.8 is a fantastic lens to begin learning photography, and it’s one of the best starter 50mm lenses out there.

Regarldess of the inexpensive price, the 1.8 is a huge improvement from standard lenses that come with cameras these days.  For the price, it’s a great deal – there’s no doubt about that.

So why even think about getting the 1.4, if the 1.8 is a great deal – and still a fantastic lens in its own right?

Well – you do get what you pay for.  The Canon 50mm 1.4 shines where the 1.8 cannot.  You can use the 1.4 in such a huge variety of situations that it opens up a whole world of possibilities, where lesser lenses simply can’t keep up.

The build quality is vastly different as well.  The 1.8 will have you thinking of “cheap plastic,” whereas the metallic, sturdy production quality of the 1.4 will last a lifetime.  As one reviewer puts it: remember, it’s not a commodity – it’s an investment.

There are some other reasons as to why the 1.4 is superior to the 1.8.  First, you get a lot more control on the focusing with the 1.4  For exxample – you can let the camera auto-focus with the Canon 50mm 1.4, and then make your own manual adjustments without changing any of the switches.  You will seamlessly be working together WITH the auto-focus to get photographs just right.  However, with the 1.8, you will have to switch modes to accomplish the same thing.  Turn on auto-focus, then turn on manual, etc.

While this is an inconvenience on the 1.8, I think that psychologically it also slows you way down.  It breaks the experience.  May sound a bit strange – but hey, photography is just one of those things

On top of that, the 1.4 is more reliable in dim-light situations.  Where the 1.8 will struggle to get the focus right, the 1.4 should do it without a hitch.

There are so many more reasons why the 1.4 is a favorite lens.  But I’ll leave it at this: If you are already sure that you will be into photography for some time, then just get the 1.4  If you think you might dabble in it, get the 1.8.

You’ll probably outgrow the 1.8 if you use it for any amount of time, and end up getting the 1.4 – but it’s nice to get something for a low investment to see if it’s worth it in the long run.

Conclusion:

The Canon 50mm 1.4 is the better bargain if you factor in time.  It can last a lifetime if kept properly.  The 1.8 has a lesser build quality, but is a fantastic beginning lens for those just starting out.  Which sounds better to you: Spending $100 for a year, or spending $300 for a lifetime?

Hope this helps!

Jack

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Canon 50mm 1.4 User Reviews – What Others Are Saying

I spent a long time reading different reviews on the Canon 50mm 1.4 lens, and I’m going to compile most of what I’ve read into a few paragraphs to get the message across quickly.

This can hopefully save you quite a bit of time and give you a lot of information so that you can make an informed decision soon.

Hope this helps, and let’s get started below!

-> Click here for the Canon 50mm 1.4 Lens

The Pros – What People Liked About The Canon 50mm 1.4

If you’re looking for professional looking photos, without having to buy a super-expensive lens… This is the one that you want.  I’ve read over and over again of people adding this lens to their camera, and “magically” finding that their photographs are stunning.

Also, the reason why many people chose this lens over other ones is the build quality.  It’s very sturdy and will last a lifetime.  Cheaper lenses may not last as long, and you will end up spending more money to get a worse lens in the long run.

The Canon 50mm 1.4 has shown many people how to appreciate the little things, like lighting – and will open your eyes to things you might not have noticed before.

This lens is extremely sharp and takes vivid, bright, and amazing photographs.  It has one of the very fastest focal ratios of all the Canon cameras.  The sharpness, colors, and the speed are really the things that people love the most about it.

Landscape photos, portrait photos, and everything in between can be handled by this Canon lens.

The Cons – What People Don’t Like About The Canon 50mm 1.4 Lens

Some have noted that the auto-focus could be a tad bit faster, even though it’s still super quick.  Also, you may not want to spend a few hundred dollars on a camera lens.  However, this is one that you don’t have to replace.  Even if you bought the counterpart to the 1.4, the Canon 50mm 1.8 – you would be stuck with that forever.  It just seems worth it to buy the right one the first time, and take great care of it.  You will see a big difference in your photographs as well.

The micro motor is a tiny bit louder than a true USM ring motor.  However, you have full control over the focusing on this lens compared to the 1.8 for example.  As it autofocuses in, you can adjust it yourself without clicking off the auto and clicking on the manual.  On the 1.8, you have to do that each time you want to perfect the focus.  So in this case, while it might look like a negative – I do think it’s a positive.  Giving you more control of your photographs.

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