50mm 1.8 or 1.4

[dannat]

i am thinking about the 50mm macro -any users here -how is the build qual & focus speed cf the 50mm f1.4

[rbat]

Thanks again everyone, I think I might save the extra pennies and get the 1.4.

dannat, I have a 100mm 2.8 macro lens and absolutely love it, the quality of the lens is fabulous.

[Jcas]

i am thinking about the 50mm macro -any users here -how is the build qual & focus speed cf the 50mm f1.4

I have the 50mm macro, i love mine. It is not true 1-1 macro but it is a lovely lens for portraits and general purpose as well.
It was the first macro lens i owned and it taught me a lot, not so suitable for bugs as you have to get really close and they take off,
but for flora or other macro work it is good. Build quality is a lot better than the 50mm 1.8, it has steel lens mount not plastic,
i can't compare it to the 50mm 1.4 as i have never owned that lens, i have the Sigma 30mm 1.4 which i find is more suited to the cropped sensor.

[Perfectoarts]

Yes definitely save for the F1.4, you will not be disappointed.
I just love that little beast and one I can always toss in my handbag for that extra lens on outings.

[Greeny]

Hi rbat ... I found this comparison from DigitalRev useful ... http://www.digitalrev.com/en/battle-...0-article.html

[Namus]

I've used both and I'd throw my hat into the f/1.4 camp; more accurate AF and more appealing bokeh imo; my $0.02

[Bennymiata]

i am thinking about the 50mm macro -any users here -how is the build qual & focus speed cf the 50mm f1.4

I have the Canon 60mm F2.8 Macro lens which I bought for product shots, and I'm in love with it!
I have played around with the macro and have taken some amazing shots of insects and flowers etc.
Great as an everyday lens too, and it's sharp and the colours are excellent.

Funny thing with this lens was the price.
As the lens was bought for my business, I can claim back the GST and it was almost line ball in price here from a retailer than bringing it in from OS.
For the few extra dollars, I bought it here.
I've noticed that the prices of some Sigma lenses are getting closer to the grey imports too, and in some cases, it's actually cheaper to buy some of their lenses here than importing them from Hong Kong.

[Tatts]

^ C R Kennedy will generally price match a grey lens with an Australian lens, even come with a 2 year Aussie warranty.

Hi rbat ... I found this comparison from DigitalRev useful ... http://www.digitalrev.com/en/battle-...0-article.html

Lol, he has a Nikon strap on his 5d.

[wheaty78]

I have the 50 mm 1.8, and Ive had it for about 18 months. I use it alot for portraits on a crop body, and I find it tack sharp. It isnt the most sturdy unit, but as long as its looked after you shouldnt have any problems.. I dont think you can beat it for the price.

[acko]

Yeah, I have borrowed a 1.4 and it produced some very good results.
If I was buying, I would spend the extra dollars and get the 1.4

[SirNobicus]

I have both, and the 1.8 never comes out anymore. The 1.4 is amazing (exceptionally hard to shoot @ 1.4) when stopped down to about 1.8 I get a really good hit rate. I just found the 1.8 to not only be a little soft (and i'm kinda on the blind side so I need AF) and the AF is a bit average.

If you can afford the 1.4 do it, you wont regret

[in2fx]

Lol, he has a Nikon strap on his 5d.

Kai nearly always puts a Nikon strap on the Canon bodies when he is testing gear