Which 50?

[cleanbluesky]

Without using the word 'nifty', can anyone explain which 50mm lens they would recommend?

Price/performance on the Canon 50mm f1.8 is supposedly unbeatable, but I've seen some bokeh comparisons with the f1.4 and I'm wondeirng if its worth the extra cash

Also, are there are another brands that compare?

 

[GeX]

i wouldn't spend the extra cash on a 1.4

 

[Mr_Sukebe]

The impression I've been given is that the IQ improvements don't justify the cost difference. So it's really dependant upon how much you intend to use it. If it's a high use lens, then the build quality and minor improvements in IQ may well be worth it.

 

[cleanbluesky]

The impression I've been given is that the IQ improvements don't justify the cost difference. So it's really dependant upon how much you intend to use it. If it's a high use lens, then the build quality and minor improvements in IQ may well be worth it.

I know someone who says he uses it the most... having said that, its got a good re-sale value so it might be worth getting the 1.8 then selling it and going for the 1.4 later

 

[blknoel]

Any fast/sharp prime comes at a cost, then it comes down to the focal length you are comfortable with, check out prices for 85mm f1.8 and 100mm f2.

The 50mm 1.4 is on that league, but the reason you don't feel content if you spend almost £200 for it is simply because Canon is generous enough to make a lesser 1.8 version at less than 1/3 the cost. If you were aiming for 85mm or 100mm you wouldn't be so lucky, and would not complain at all when you spend £200 on a 85mm 1.8, it's the only choice and it's optical is worth it.

All in all, if you can compromise on IQ, go with the 50 1.8 and save money for other stuffs, if you can't, go with the 50 1.4. Either way you can't go wrong.

 

[Aod]

if you're prepared to buy the 50mm f/1.4, look into the 28mm f/1.8.
supreme build and image quality, with a much more usefull focal length (on 1.6x cameras!)

check the tea thread in GD and my thread in here to see some fairly mediocre examples of what this lens is capable of.