Canon 50mm f/1.4 vs 50mm f/1.8

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital.slr-systems (More info?)

David Geesaman <dgeesamanIHateSpam@yahoo.com> wrote:

> The difference between these lenses in price is large, but aside from
> that extra bit of speed, what else is there? How much of a difference
> is that?

1.4 vs. 1.8 is two-thirds of a stop.

The 1.4 may be a better quality lens than the 1.8, but the 1.8, in all
probability, will be better than anything you've used before anyway.

> I'm a relative beginner, and I'm looking for a very fast and affordable
> lens to use for available light indoor situations, sometimes with motion.

I'd say go with the 1.8. It'll be much cheaper. At some point you may
feel that you need what the 1.4 has to offer, but if so, that will come
at the point when you're not a relative beginner any more. There is no
sense in spending the money for the 1.4 unless you really know you need
it.

--
Jeremy | jeremy@exit109.com

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital.slr-systems (More info?)

Jeremy Nixon wrote:
> David Geesaman <dgeesamanIHateSpam@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>
>>The difference between these lenses in price is large, but aside from
>>that extra bit of speed, what else is there? How much of a difference
>>is that?
>
>
> 1.4 vs. 1.8 is two-thirds of a stop.
>
> The 1.4 may be a better quality lens than the 1.8, but the 1.8, in all
> probability, will be better than anything you've used before anyway.
>
>
>>I'm a relative beginner, and I'm looking for a very fast and affordable
>>lens to use for available light indoor situations, sometimes with motion.
>
>
> I'd say go with the 1.8. It'll be much cheaper. At some point you may
> feel that you need what the 1.4 has to offer, but if so, that will come
> at the point when you're not a relative beginner any more. There is no
> sense in spending the money for the 1.4 unless you really know you need
> it.
>

Thanks for the input.

I think I'll get the $75 version, since I'll also be using it in very
dusty conditions and I may ruin it.
At the least, I could sell it on eBay/etc for $50 and upgrade.

Dave

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital.slr-systems (More info?)

"Todd H." <t@toddh.net> wrote in message news:84is0jn3ww.fsf@ripco.com...
> David Geesaman <dgeesamanIHateSpam@yahoo.com> writes:
>
> Though I'm sure there will be f/1.4 owners out there justifying their
> purchases on this thread. :-)
>
Yes, its cooler looking!!! ;-)

I will actually admit that I _prefer_ not to buy "funny" looking lenses. For
some bizarre reason, the feel(eg weight), style and ergonomics of a lens are
very important to me (obviously lower priority than imgae quality) - but it
does affect my decisions. My other reasons relating to image quality are
stated in my original response.

Misty.

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital.slr-systems (More info?)

Some how Play "Musty" for me just doesn't ring quite the same - LOL


"Musty" <musty@nospam.net> wrote in message
news:FxZqe.54388$6g3.8182@tornado.texas.rr.com...
>
> "Musty" <musty@nospam.net> wrote in message
> news:JwZqe.54387$6g3.39422@tornado.texas.rr.com...
>>
>> "Todd H." <t@toddh.net> wrote in message news:84is0jn3ww.fsf@ripco.com...
>> > David Geesaman <dgeesamanIHateSpam@yahoo.com> writes:
>> >
>> > Though I'm sure there will be f/1.4 owners out there justifying their
>> > purchases on this thread. :-)
>> >
>> Yes, its cooler looking!!! ;-)
>>
>> I will actually admit that I _prefer_ not to buy "funny" looking lenses.
> For
>> some bizarre reason, the feel(eg weight), style and ergonomics of a lens
> are
>> very important to me (obviously lower priority than imgae quality) - but
> it
>> does affect my decisions. My other reasons relating to image quality are
>> stated in my original response.
>>
>> Misty.
>>
>
> I meant Musty (hehe) - and no, thats not my "feminine side" coming out.
>
>

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital.slr-systems (More info?)

David Geesaman <dgeesamanIHateSpam@yahoo.com> wrote:

>I'm a relative beginner, and I'm looking for a very fast and affordable
>lens to use for available light indoor situations, sometimes with motion.

Go with the 1.8. If you have to ask and there's a doubt, go with the
cheaper one. You most likely won't find $200 worth of differences.

The 1.4 is nice. I have it. What does it offer over the 1.8? Full time
manual focusing. More aperture blades...tends to make the out of focus
areas somewhat smoother. Oh, and an extra 2/3 stop. Those are worthwhile
to me.

I'd also suggest borrowing a 70-200/2.8 if you can before buying it.
Wonderful lens. Gets tiresome to lug around after a while. I got rid of
mine in favor of an 85/1.8, 135/2, and 1.4x tc.

--
Eric
http://canid.com/