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Canon 50 1.4 versus 1.8 MKII
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So I'm grabbing a new 50 prime soon and I'm trying to decide if its worth the extra money to go for the 50 1.4. The 1.8 MkII is somewhat cheaply made and has a rather small focus ring (could be problematic for a FF rig and focusing in general). I could really use the extra stop for low light video, and a nicer build quality to last longer would be key.
Thoughts?
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Id get the 1.4, but thats just me. The 1.8 will probably be exactly what you want, but as you know (id hope) that a lens all the way open isn't as sharp, so you usually have to stop up to get the sharpest shots and the lower the max f is, the less you can stop up. So, like you said, 1,4 would be gangst for low light but if you plan on not doing much low light then get the 1.8 and save, what like 250-300 and buy something else.
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yea, i'm hoping to get this as a primary low light lens so that I can turn to something real fast to get a shot if I need to
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although the 240 saved could pay for some rails....
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the only real diff in practice is the focus ring, which over time will be worth it, i know thats my only issue with my 1.8. But other then that, the metal mount on the 1.4 and the slightly sharper picture are the main reasons people spend the extra, but alot dont at the same time. I know a photographer in my town that shoots with a 1d2 and a 1.8 and he doesnt have any issues. If possible, try and find a 1.8mk1, its like the mid ground between the 2(metal mount, can get for like 150 used)
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From what I've heard the 1.4 is a lot better at focusing (especially in the dark where you would be needing these larger apertures) than the 1.8, but the picture quality won't drastically change. I can confirm that the 1.8 isn't great at focusing, but the everything else about it has been great for me. Obviously build quality isn't amazing (plastic) but that hasn't made a difference in my usage thus far.
Basically it comes down to, do you want the slightly bigger aperture (what's that.. 1/3 of a stop?) and will you be depending on auto focus? If yes, the 1.4 is probably worth it.
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Or some flashes so you can stop down a bit and not have to worry about 1.4 :D
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While I do love my 50mm f1.8 it is so cheaply made it's not even funny. The quality is decent but the f1.4 is much better is terms of build quality. Why not just buy an older 50mm? You'll save money that way and you'll probably be able to find a sharper lens for half the price.
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need to buy asap for a film shoot I'm doing, and its set at night so I need at least 1.8, and most of the other lenses are f2, and would take a week to ship :(
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this thread is a great read.
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yea, i fell for the 1.8 too (although its the mark I) as well as the zeiss. Damn
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