Ive had the chance to use this lens now for a couple weeks, and I feel I get it enough to finally give it a review here. We all know about the Canon 50mm 1.4 (non-L lens) which runs just over $300. This bad boy runs well over $1200, so the question has to be asked, is the extra $900 worth a half stop? The short answer is, “maybe….eventually” and what I mean by that is, if you are looking to get a lens like this, it should be one of the last lenses to add to your arsenal.
Yes, the bokah is buttery and pretty much amazing. Yes, it does great in low light. Yes, it is an impressive piece of glass and very well built.
However, my main hangup with it is that the 50 1.4 performs comparably well (not equally) to it on a full frame camera like the 5D. One observation I had was that at close distances, the DOF becomes so thin that it really takes some time and practice to make sure you don’t move yourself out of a good focus lock before you push the shutter button down. This was a little frustrating at first, but I got used to it after a while.
It is a phenomenal lens and I am definitely keeping mine, but I am also keeping my 50mm 1.4 for my on high shots (it just works better for this type of shot). The Canon primes are second to none in quality, build and performance, but they come at a steep price. Dont get me wrong, this is an amazing lens, but there are better investments for your business than running out and buying this right away and you know what those are. For example, a 5D would be a better investment over a 50mm 1.2 – if you have neither.
If you are an established, successful photographer and have most of the main shooting lenses of your choice, (including the 50mm 1.4) and are aching for that edge to set you apart- this one of the best lenses you can own- it is second to none.
DO YOU HAVE A LIST OF PHOTO MUST HAVE FOR WEDDINGS? IF SO, WILL YOU SHARE?
Thank you SO much for your opinions on this. I was agonizing over this one, especially after seeing so many wedding pros talking it up. I think you’ve said this before…having great equipment at your disposal is wonderful, but ultimately great shots can be done using any equipment, even a simple point and shoot. This is one of those lenses that’ll stay on my wish list until the income it might bring will cover the cost. Thanks as always for your insights. It’s great to get an honest opinion!
you are welcome. I have a list I am working on, but as Scott mentioned, If you are skilled with a camera, just about any body with a lens an f stop of 2.8 or wider is going to be "enough" to get the job done. The rest is gravy….Ill be posting some equipment lists here shortly. Thanks for the question.
So taking in the advice given, if someone were to try to do an on high shot with a 50mm 1.5 it should come out decent, correct?
alos, would you suggest always having the image stabilized lenses? they cost so much more with it than without it.
Image stabilized lenses are more important on zoom lenses past 70mm, but they are not required. Most of my lenses do not have IS, but it helps greatly with the 70-200mm 2.8. Yes the 50mm 1.4 is great for the on high type shot. 🙂
I agree with you about this lens, and it does takes some practice to get use to. Currently saving up for the 85 f12L and 7D.
Ive noticed that this lens performs incredibly well on a Canon 40D.
Michael, I noticed you wrote that if you don’t have a 5D you would prefer that someone purchase that before the 50mm 1.2. I’m working with a 20D and am looking to upgrade. I originally looked to upgrade to the new 50D but then saw the 5D II just came out and wondered which one is best and why?
Thanks