Lens dilemma

[DueyDooDah]

We will be going to DL/CA about Dec 30th. I currently have the 18-55mm kit lens and the 70-300mm zoom. I [believe I] need something that will give me low-light capabilities so I am considering either the Canon 50mm 1.8 or the 50mm 1.4 lens.

I have two problems to overcome my dilemma:
1) is the extra capability/quality of the 1.4 really worth the added cost?
2) is the 50mm really the right choice or should I consider a better path?

Any suggestions or recommendations are welcome.

 

[ukcatfan]

We will be going to DL/CA about Dec 30th. I currently have the 55-80mm kit lens and the 70-300mm zoom. I [believe I] need something that will give me low-light capabilities so I am considering either the Canon 50mm 1.8 or the 50mm 1.4 lens.

I have two problems to overcome my dilemma:
1) is the extra capability/quality of the 1.4 really worth the added cost?
2) is the 50mm really the right choice or should I consider a better path?

Any suggestions or recommendations are welcome.

That is the strangest focal length range for a kit lens I have ever seen. JK I am pretty sure that you mean the 18-55mm.

I doubt that you would want the more expensive model unless you really need that half stop or you are planning to use it professionally. It is a more solidly built lens, but again the price difference is not small.

Kevin

 

[DueyDooDah]

Oh man, thanks for pointing that out. You are right, of course. I must be coming down with something (old-timers disease). I have edited the post.

 

[Master Mason]

Unless your using the lens as a portrait lens a lot, I don't think the extra money is worth it for the 1.4 version, and I would have to win the lotto or have a rich uncle leave me all his money before I would even think about the 1.2 version...

As for you other question, that's not a bad way to go. I guess my question would be how much do you use low light?? I shoot in it enough that I have purchesed f/2.8 lenses. Since that time the 50 has never been on my camera, I can get pretty much everything I need with the 24-70 f/2.8. If you can use it enough to justify it, it is a great lens. The Cannon one isn't cheap, but the sigma version is about 1/3 to 1/2 the cost depending on where you can get it, and it is a very well thought of lens especially for the price difference.

You'll definately want something that will work well in low light though. If you really can't decide you might concider renting something as well.

 

[boBQuincy]

The biggest difference I see between the 1.8 and the 1.4 is the bokeh, the 1.4 is much smoother. It is sharper but probably not by a significant amount unless you print large sizes.

Imho the extra $200 is better spent in upgrading the kit lens at some point, it's the range we use most of the time.

 

[Groucho]

There a good comparison of the Canon 50mm F1.4 and F1.8 here. The F1.4 is clearly superior optically (to say nothing of build quality) - were I (shudder ) a Canon shooter, I'd probably have to go for the F1.4 just because with the F1.8, I'd always know that the shots could be better with the other lens - and I'd be a lot more likely to use it in everyday shots, not just ones where I needed the small aperture.

On the other hand, if you don't want to spend that much now, you can always pick up the F1.8 now then sell it in a little while for nearly what you paid for it and then the extra cost of the F1.4 won't seem quite as bad.