Click to view our Accessibility Statement or contact us with accessibility-related questions
zofodraziw
124
Apr 3, 2018
The 50mm EF 1.8 STM is so good for so much less. Great bokeh, super fast/quiet STM AF, great in low light. I've been so happy with that lens; I would make the same purchase over and over. For only 2/3 stop, I don't think the 1.4 is worth it.
ashko
1
Apr 3, 2018
zofodraziw+1 I totally agree.
Rosiebar
126
May 31, 2018
zofodraziwThe STMs are sharp, granted but this little guy is a classic. Its like looking back in time with this bad boy. No way I will every part with this dreamy lens.
DosCorleone
9
Jun 5, 2018
zofodraziwI agree as well with it being a great lens now that Canon has redone it with the STM and metal attachment, but the focusing ring is abysmal.
zofodraziwIf you are worried about spending money on lenses, photography is not a good hobby. Check out Yongnuo's 50mm lenses. They are knock offs of Canon and run $45-200. Me, I am trying to find ways to get better lenses and cameras.
owtlaw333
28
Aug 4, 2018
zofodraziwThere is way more to a lens than just a number. The glass, the shape/number of the blades, focus... all of which affect the light coming in. In the case of the 1.8, it’s greatest weakness IMO is backlighting. When a light source is behind the subject, the 1.8 tends to exhibit blooming, which is quite annoying. The 1.4, on the other hand, does not have this problem. Again, nothing to do with “how many stops.”
EDIT: One more note since I mentioned focus... the 1.8 also has horrible creep when it comes to the focus mechanism.
So yes, the 1.8 is cheap, it’s a great lens to start with and it’s nice having something to toss around without worrying about it. But it’s not the end of the road by any stretch of the imagination. IMO the 1.4 is the better bargain before jumping to the 1.2.
zofodraziw
124
Aug 4, 2018
CalaverasgrandeSounds like you are practiced, and are working toward your goals within your circumstances. It's up to each person to determine their priorities and constraints with any objective. I wouldn't discourage someone from starting a photography hobby because they are operating within a modest budget, though.
Lots of folks out there take amazing shots with older gear, because they're skilled in the art and science, and know their equipment inside and out. There are lots of ways to be creative with budget in this hobby as well. My most expensive lens used to run $1200 when it was current, but I bought it gently used from a close friend for $550, for instance, and it's today trivial to rent lenses for specific occasions that are are out of our budgets to purchase.
zofodraziw
124
Aug 4, 2018
owtlaw333I haven't experienced the backlighting issue, but I'll have to check that out further, outlaw. Thanks for for the tip. My low-light use of this lens has mostly been streen scenes. What kinds of foreground/background situations bring this out, in your experience?
owtlaw333
28
Aug 4, 2018
zofodraziwOne instance I can think of would be an interior shot with a window behind the subject; in a studio setting, a brightly lit backdrop. Pretty much any situation where the background is brighter than a forward subject. Almost any lens will have a similar problem when wide open to some extent, but with all else being equal, the 1.8 tends to suffer worse.
EDIT: I'm comparing to the 1.8 II... this may not apply to the STM. I keep forgetting that exists, haha. So ignore probably everything I've said.
zofodraziw
124
Aug 5, 2018
owtlaw333Thanks for the reply. I'll check it out. Are you shooting full frame? I'm on a crop.
owtlaw333
28
Aug 5, 2018
zofodraziwBeen FF for a bit over 6yrs and originally got my 1.8 probably 12yrs ago I think (hence why I forget about the STM version.) Went from the original Digital Rebel to the 50D to the 5DMKII... haven't had the urge to replace the MKII yet, but some of the newer focus tech tempts me from time to time, haha.
As an aside, mirrorless is actually my biggest temptation as of late. I typically carry two cameras when hiking (I still have my first Rebel but converted for IR) and the idea of having a smaller body is super tempting. What holds me back most is my investment I've put into Canon lenses and Canon's lack of a competitive mirrorless camera! They make adapters, but I've heard auto focus is hit and miss in those instances. So we'll see /soapbox
Cromulent
298
Dec 5, 2018
zofodraziwI dislike my 1.8 and like my 1.4, mostly because the 1.8 would focus search too inaccurately and was noisey.
PRODUCTS YOU MAY LIKE
Trending Posts in More Community Picks