Canon EF 50mm F/1.8

[patrickv]

Completely agree. Using a prime lens requires a lot more discipline, and considering that most people ( = customers ) never go anywhere else than full auto mode, why would they bother "zooming with the feet"? It requires a little bit of knowledge to control depth of field. It's not rocket science, but it is very advanced if you compare it to the usual "point and shoot" usage of most DSLR users.

I also have to say that except in low light where more than 2.8 helps, I hardly use my f/1.4 30mm and 50mm primes any more now that I have a 24-70 2.8. Before I used them for very superior image quality compared to inferior zooms, but since usually 2.8 does the trick and this lens had very good image quality, it stays on my camera most of the time.

[wideangle]

Also consider the new Canon 40mm 2.8 lens recently released.

[mary13]

Ok! Here goes my first practice with my Nifty Fifty, hoping I may get some half decent photos.
Am just going to try portraits of my girl (Golden Retriever).
Should I just leave camera setting on AV and Aperture on 1.8 with the Nifty Fifty??
Only time and practice will tell I suppose. I am also going to try Rickta's Sunny 16 rule with my other Lenses to see what happens.

[Mary Anne]

If you leave the aperture on f1.8 you will have a shallow DoF and some of your dogs hair will be oof.
Thats ok at times if you want creamy hair though if you want some detail in the dogs hair use a smaller aperture *Larger Numbers*
Try a few settings thats the best way to learn and when you look at them on the monitor write down those settings of the ones you like the best
If its a light coloured dog try and look for a darker background and dont forget to focus on the eyes or eye and get down to the dogs level
And I will look forward to seeing how you go when you post on the Forum..

[mary13]

Hi all
Just letting you know I have uploaded some photos to the Sundry photos section if you are interested.

Photos were taken today with my Nifty Fifty, not sure if they are any good but can't hurt to upload them for some opinions.

http://www.ausphotography.net.au/for...th-August-2012

Thank you

[Pobbs]

Now you've all got me convinced to buy one of these!

[Presotto]

Well after praising the 50mm 1.8 I have just sold mine and ordered a 50mm 1.4. Rather excited!!

[William W]

Hi all
Just letting you know I have uploaded some photos to the Sundry photos section if you are interested.

Photos were taken today with my Nifty Fifty, not sure if they are any good but can't hurt to upload them for some opinions.

http://www.ausphotography.net.au/for...th-August-2012

Thank you

Yes, have made specific comment there - but as general advice: the EF50F/1.8MkII will produce better results if you use it at F2.2~F2.5 for the Shallow DoF work - and for most shooting scenarios that will be 'enough' shallow DoF save the F/1.8 for when you 'really need it'.

WW

[mary13]

Thank you all.
Pobbs, hope you get to buy one they are so cheap at the moment.
Presotto, bet you can't wait to get the new 1.4, very exciting.
William W, I will try it on F2.2 - F2.5 next time, I will reply in the photo thread as well.

[Pobbs]

Mary - I bought one last Friday! If it wasn't for this forum and your thread I would never have known about them so thank you!

I love it!

[Film Street]

Don't know why Canon does not include this lens as a basic setup instead of giving out the 17-55.

I second that. Bring back the days of the SLR WITH 50mm prime.

[courty]

I grabbed one yesterday after reading this thread
As someone said,they feel and look like a toy but the IQ is pretty suprising.

[Xenedis]

Shamelessly plagiarised from my blog article:


Overview of the 'Plastic Fantastic' Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II, known as the 'Plastic Fantastic' or the 'Nifty Fifty', is a very popular lens, and for good reason: it's fast and cheap.

I used to own one of these, but I later sold it. I have no need or desire for a 50mm lens, as the focal length doesn't appeal.

However, given the enormous popularity of this lens, I think it's worthwhile to point out what's good about it, as well as what's bad.

Anyone considering purchasing one can take these simple facts into consideration.

What's Good?

1. It's light.
2. It's small.
3. It's fast (as in wide aperture).
4. It's sharp.
5. It's inexpensive.
6. On an APS-C camera, it provides classic portrait framing.

What's Bad?

1. Its barrel and mount is plastic.
2. It has no distance gauge.
3. It has no ultrasonic focus motor.
4. It's slow to focus, and noisy, too.
5. The focus ring is awkwardly positioned and small.
6. It has a five-bladed diaphragm, producing unappealing pentagonal bokeh.

What the lens does provide is a lot of bang-for-buck. It's ridiculously inexpensive for what it delivers. Of course, if one wants a fast 50mm lens and can live with the negative aspects I've itemised above, it's worth having. Even if the lens turns out to be unappealing after all, it won't be an expensive learning exercise.

[sonickel77]

I've got one of these lenses. The bokeh is a bit harsh, but other than that, an excellent, sharp, inexpensive lens.

[PeterP]

I bought this lens a month or so ago and just love taking it out and peeling of stacks of good photos with it. Very rarely does this lens disappoint. For the money you would be silly not to grab one and have some fun.

[Pobbs]

I am having more fun with this lens Mary on Manual mode than I do on Av mode. Av mode can be a bit limiting.

[shakes]

My 50mm is pretty much permanently attached to the camera until I can afford a high end lens. I have found my framing from having a prime lens come along in leaps and bounds as I have to 'see' the photo and the scene alot more.

[Homer]

When I was helping on one my daughters buy their first camera, the guy raved at how practical this lens was when asked what should the next lens purchase be. While he was telling us how good it was, some guy also looking at the camera gear told us how good it was too, and that he reckons it would soon be our favourite lens. Seeing that the price was good, my daughter bought one, and I had to do the same!

Since then, the nifty fifty has pretty much been on the camera 100% of the time. It was a bit weird at first having to zoom with my feet lol but it seems so natural now :-)

[acko]

As a budget priced knock around lens it's pretty hard to beat, but I would still spend the extra bucks and get the f1.4.

[Glenn79]

I would go the 1.4