Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 I

I bought this lens second-hand of craigslist and coudln't be more happy with it. I bought it with the intention of comparing it to the EF 50mm f/1.4 USM. So I did.

The f/1.4 obviously has a slightly larger aperture than the f/1.8. The USM focusing is very nice on the f/1.4- the focus is almost silent while the f/1.8's is quite noisy. Both lenses were quite soft at their minimum aperture... both lenses got the best results at f/2.8 and f/3.2. If you use ths lens for it's intended purpose - portrait photography - it you'll see value-wise and performance-wise that the f/1.8 is the better choice. Sure, the f/1.4 has silent focusing but.. does it really matter? They both need to be stopped down to about f/2.8 to get the exact same results.

I really didn't see a difference in the f/1.4 and f/1.8 sharpness.

I ended up returning the f/1.4, and keeping the f/1.8 for myself. And I saved a lot of money too. As a plus, the 52mm fliter size is very useful- I purchased a UV filter for protection, and a circular polarizer for a very low cost. Circular polarizers work great with this lens, the front element doesn't rotate when focusing. It does though go in and out but it doesn't affect the polarizer.

As you all probably already know, the MK1 has a metal mount, a handy distance scale, and a dedicated focusing ring. The focusing ring though doesn't have full-time manual focusing- so if you try it change the focus on automatic mode- it won't do anything. Not a problem at all for this price, though. Just flip the switch to Manual.

This is a definite recommendation. Every photographer should have one in their bag. A little hint on finding one for a very cheap price- search your local craigslist for old cameras such as the EOS 630 or EOS 850. People who sell these camears typically bundle it with the 50mm f/1.8, not knowing much about photography. I found one on craigslist attached to a EOS 35mm Rebel and bought it for $40!

All in all... get a 50mm f/1.8- be it the MKI or MKII version. If you can find the MK1 version, spend a little more money and buy it. You willl LOVE it. To get the sharpest pictures possible, always remember to change your aperture to f/2.8 - f/3.2.

Metal mount, distance scale, focusing ring, durable, inexpensive, lightweight, small in size, 52mm filter thread. Canon's best.

None. 30 years old, and performing like new.

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

None used... it's sort of been 30 years.

This lens is light, but well built and produces very sharp photos. It even gives usable results wide open (let's see a zoom lens that does that). The older style autofocus motor won't win any friends, but I don't find that an issue when taking landscape photos.

Very sharp photos with good colour and no distortion. Well built and should last for ages.

At this price, none.

Sigma 24mm f2.8

It hasn't stopped working yet.

I do love this lens. I was very very blessed to find this lens in excellent state of conservation here in Brazil. It was very difficult to find it in the used market. It has a metal lens mount ring and a DOF scale unlike the 50/1.8 mk II that they make now. Amazing sharp and contrast. It is incredibly lightweight. It takes vastly better pictures than a mid-range mid-priced zoom. It has a non-rotating front element and a bayonet type lens hood mount. Very easy to work with PL circular filters. If You find it, buy it!

Sharp, sharp, sharp...Very well built, compact,

Noisy AF and not USM but rather an ancient Canon EOS lens motor. Because of this primitive motor, simultaneous manual/auto focus isn't available with this lens. Maybe it'll not use with E-TTL II. But with this price, contrast and sharp... it doesn't mather.

Canon 28-70L 2.8 and 28-135IS

NA

Dear Folks! Believe me this is one of the best photographic products you can get in terms of photoquality, price and best of all:the result is more than you can imagine, it is simply more than a best buy,and worth every dollar spend.Dont be fooled by the plastic feeling,in this version (mk1)it even got metal outside and its easy to adjust manually. I am more than satiesfied whether i use normal or digital process,the Canon 50 mm mk 1 is so sharp detailed and with very good colour indeed,with no distortion at all.The only minor thing is that it has a tendency to flare a little tiny bit.(compared to the new version the mk 2 seems to be better). It is a must have no matter if you are a beginner or a pro. Ok im more fund of the german types,but still this Canon..is still a little jewel!

Allmost all! sharp good colours no distortion in all aspects very compatible even compared to many other types of lenses Good manual handling

a little slow AF a tiny flare

5o mms>many from carl zeiss,leica,carl zeiss jena(praktica)Nikon 50 mm 1,8(short barrel japanese version)also very good. Pentax and many others..

None needed

First of all, this lens produces the sharpest image ever I have seen from 35mm SLRs. Really amazing! Although I have the really preferred Canon EF 100/2.8 macro, which is to be said extremely sharp, the 50/1.8 I outperforms it in a well visible way. As I don't develop films by myself, I can't say too much about the colors, however, they seem to be accurate. One drawback is, that from some directions (could not figure out precisely) when there is backlight (strong sun in the picture, so not e.g. sunset) there can be some shading effect. Well, not a USM lens, needs experience to switch fast between AF and MF, however having the experience it is not a problem. No full-time Focus, of course. Summary: Brilliant lens, if you can get it, it is really worth the price!

Extremly sharp, even sharper (weel visible) than the EF 100/2.8 Macro USM build II

Little bit noisy and slow autofocus. It hunts sometimes.

Canon EF 100/2.8 Macro USM II, Canon EF 28-70 USM Canon EF 80-300 USM

Never used