50mm f1.8 vs f1.4

Brachytron

Brachytron

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I am looking at doing some shallow dof shots and am tempted by the cheap Canon 50mm f1.8 lens or the more costly f1.4. Ignoring any quality differences wide open, is there much practical difference in dof between the two apertures? Many thanks.
 
if overall image quality is the same between the two lenses at all apertures then in reality no, there is very little practical benefit apart from the 2/3rds of a stop 1.4 will give you over 1.8 (apart from bragging right which is important to some!).
 
Build quality is quite different between the 2 as is (as you say) the price.

Personally, if you're not sure, then I'd opt for the 50mm F1.8, try it, enjoy it and if you feel you wish to upgrade, then buy the F1.4 as you'll be able to sell the F1.8 for similar to what you purchased it for...
 
I'd definitely go for the 1.8 first to see if it gives you the results you need / expect. There are always loads of 2nd hand ones around and as above, you could probably sell it for the same amount you purchased it for. Quite a few seem to buy one, sell it soon afterwards and then miss it so much that they go out and buy another.
 
The used ones ( F1.8 ) fetch such strong money that I didn't think it was worth the risk for a saving of £20 so I bought a new one. Only drawback is, on the crop sensor camera, you sometime can't get far enough away to use it indoors. Apart from that, I love mine, it's so sharp.
 
Image quality on both is very good, 50 1.8 is amazing for the price, but it is ridiculously fragile and focus is not as good. I broke 2 before I bought the 1.4 but it was well worth the money. Mine has lasted 3 or 4 years and still perfect.
 
Bought one recently and like its feeling of disposability!

Generally quite pleased with it though wish it had more blades on the shutter, as there are obvious pentagrams in the bokeh.

If it is the shallower depth of field that you are hunting, I guess this may be one of the down sides of the cheaper lens?

That said, the image quality I have been really impressed with, particularly given the price!

JJ
 
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