canon 50mm1.2L or SAVE $$ on 50mm 1.4??

Diane S

I need/want a prime (to go with my current 24-70L and 70-200L f/4) for portraiture shots. But the price tag is so different between the 50mm1.2L lens at $1249.95 and the 50mm 1.4 at $ 284.95. They both get a Canon rebate at the moment. So, has anyone had experience with both lenses, and is the "L" lens for the 50mm 1.2 worth the huge price jump?? I shoot both in studio and location, but mostly on location, and I would just like a fast lens for low light wedding wtih a super DOF. Any insight or hands on experience would be helpful.

THANKS!!

(p.s. Does anyone know if Canon plans on offering a rebate for the 5D? That's also on my wish list!)

Dogdots

Diane S wrote:

I need/want a prime (to go with my current 24-70L and 70-200L f/4) for portraiture shots. But the price tag is so different between the 50mm1.2L lens at $1249.95 and the 50mm 1.4 at $ 284.95. They both get a Canon rebate at the moment. So, has anyone had experience with both lenses, and is the "L" lens for the 50mm 1.2 worth the huge price jump?? I shoot both in studio and location, but mostly on location, and I would just like a fast lens for low light wedding wtih a super DOF. Any insight or hands on experience would be helpful.

THANKS!!

(p.s. Does anyone know if Canon plans on offering a rebate for the 5D? That's also on my wish list!)

I bought the 50mm 1.4 and kept it a day and returned it. I wasn't happy with it at all. I have the 24-105 L and that has spoiled me tremendously. Not to say the 50mm isn't a good lens. You may like it. I've been told it takes time to get use to it. I just know that after I got my L lens I won't get anything else but an L. I'm just so happy with it. ---Get the 50mm 1.4 and try it -- if you don't like it return it.

gus

Diane...just a random thought..but.. what about a trial with the plastic fantastic 50mm f1.8 ?

I think its only around $70 USD over there.

Its a great little lens & i have found it to be very sharp. You will get the feel for the 50mm & f1.8 & maybe that would help you decide if the extra stop is needed.

Its just so so cheap & every canon photographer should have it in their bag.

Here are some samples i have from it if you are interested.

http://wadjelaphotography.smugmug.com/photos/111949354-L-3.jpg

http://wadjelaphotography.smugmug.com/photos/111944450-L-3.jpg

http://wadjelaphotography.smugmug.com/photos/111943078-L-3.jpg

http://wadjelaphotography.smugmug.com/photos/111942440-L-3.jpg

http://wadjelaphotography.smugmug.com/photos/111941727-L-3.jpg

http://wadjelaphotography.smugmug.com/photos/111949276-L-3.jpg

LiquidAir

I have a 50/1.4 and I am happy with it. Its a bit soft at f/1.4, but still good enough for an 8x10 print. It crisps up quite nicely by f/2 and by f/4 you can print billboards if you are so inclined. It doesn't have the smooth and creamy bokeh 50/1.2, but it is rarely objectionable and when shooting with it I don't hesitate to have large out of focus areas in the background. As for the build, it's not L class, but it is solid. The lens is small and lightweight; I often throw it in the bag even when I am not sure I'll need it. The auto focus is not quite as snappy as, say, the 85/1.8 or the 135/2, but I have never found it to be problematic. All in all, it is a solid lens and I recommend it.

Scott_Quier

Gus has a really good idea. Check out the 50 f/1.8. Understand, going in that the brokah (or however it's spelled) is not as nice as that of the f/1.4

As for that of the f/1.2 - well, check out Andy's review of it here, if you haven't already done so.

Diane S

Thanks to all the above.. great advice... I think I will try renting the 1.4 and see if I'm happy/.. I had the 50 mm 1.8, but when I dropped my small waist pack camera bag, the 1.8 didn't survive the drop and broke... so I was hoping the 1.4 might be a little tougher.. not that I anticipate dropping it again.
Thanks for the good suggestions.
Diane

Diane S

gus wrote:

Diane...just a random thought..but.. what about a trial with the plastic fantastic 50mm f1.8 ?



Here are some samples i have from it if you are interested.

http://wadjelaphotography.smugmug.com/photos/111949354-L-3.jpg

http://wadjelaphotography.smugmug.com/photos/111944450-L-3.jpg

http://wadjelaphotography.smugmug.com/photos/111943078-L-3.jpg

http://wadjelaphotography.smugmug.com/photos/111942440-L-3.jpg

http://wadjelaphotography.smugmug.com/photos/111941727-L-3.jpg

http://wadjelaphotography.smugmug.com/photos/111949276-L-3.jpg

THANKS... great sharp images in your samples... amazing clarity. I think I will rent the 1.4 and give that one a try.. I had the 1.8 but it dropped inside my waist pack bag and broke... so now it sits on my desk top as a memory to be more careful. But your images proves to me I don't need the 1K variety for this lens.