Canon 50 F1.4 USM v. Canon 50 F1.8 MKII Photo Gallery by lightrules at pbase.com

Canon 50 F1.4 USM v. Canon 50 F1.8 MKII

Oct 21 2005: Brand new test between two of THE most popular primes.

COMMENTS: While the "thrifty fifty" is one heck of a lens at $75, its costlier and faster sibling is better in every conceivable way. In terms of optics (resolving power at wide apertures, contrast, edge performance, etc.), build quality, AF accuracy and noise (speed is similar), bokeh, and flare resistance -- in all these ways the f1.4 USM is better than the MKII.

[43,600 page hits]

Side by Side	Non-extended	Extended	Front
Rear (metal v plastic)	50 f1.4 Side-Front	50 f1.4 Side-Rear	50 f1.4 Front
Outside1	Outside2	Bokeh	Flare

post a comment

lightrules		15-Jan-2009 04:41
Assuming a good copy that focuses properly, the Sigma 50 f1.4 is the way to go. It is in every way superior to the Canon f1.4. But the Canon 50 f1.4 is a generally good and reliable lens that delivers very good IQ. I would give the EX a shot. It can be that good.

piko		15-Jan-2009 02:56
hi there LR i have been thinking whether its a good move to upgrade from my 50 f/1.8II to the 50 f/1.4 for the reasons below: -more bokeh on half body portrait and closer -more sharpness -better AF and usability in low light and i also have been considering the sigma f/1.4 as well would love to hear your views on this as always, many thanks and keep up the good work :)

Debbi In California		10-Dec-2006 16:35
This is so great! Thanks! Debbi

lightrules		15-Feb-2006 16:14
Very interesting. Mine was purchased a while back here in California. Regardless, it should be fine.

Shahid Baig		15-Feb-2006 06:43
Mine is made in Malaysia. It is identical to yours in every way and has the plastic mount, except for where its made in. Where did you purchase your f/1.8 Mark II ?

lightrules		15-Feb-2006 05:49
I can't answer that issue of where your 50 f1.8 MKII was made. It "should" say "lens made in Japan" as far as I know, but where does yours say it is made? I'm interested to know...

Shahid Baig		15-Feb-2006 05:13
I noticed your 50mm f/1.8 MKII is made in Japan. The one I purchased recently is not. Did i get a knockoff ?

thelook		09-Jan-2006 16:46
Some time ago I was considering 50 1.8 but after I had borrowed a couple of copies I was so disenchanted with it when wide open I did not even consider it any longer and bought 50 1.4, which is a way better performer in sharpness (at least wide open to 2- look at the grass. It looks barable at 1.8 and 50 1.8 it takes to be 4.0 or so. Even 1.4 does not strike me as hard), bokeh and most important color / colour balance I get on 20D. f1.4 sample below: Full frame: 100% crop:

Hards80		30-Dec-2005 19:52
i agree with JoJo here.. i borrowed (and will purchase soon) the 50 1.4 to test against my 50 1.8 (mark I edition) and found the 1.4USM to be superior in every way as well.. esp at the edges, and in color and contrast.. and I really hated giving away the USM, which focus faster, quieter and more accurately.. -Dustin

lightrules		30-Dec-2005 03:21
The AF unit on the f1.8 is even poorer still. I've got several peers who have used the f1.4 for many years without a hitch, so it's not a big deal to me. Anything could go wrong with any lens really. It's certainly nothing that I'm concerned about.

Guest		30-Dec-2005 03:00
Keep in mind the AF on the 1.4 lens is poor (prone to breaking down). Maybe you can do another test when the rumoured 50mm f1.2L comes out next spring (if the rumours are true).

Roxy Shah		05-Dec-2005 23:23
Really?!! Based on your I didn't see much or rather any difference b/w the two in terms of resolution and sharpness. Bokeh would be a different story. Maybe there are more pictures in which the difference in quality is more apparent. Should try a double blind test maybe?! : )

click on thumbnails for full image