Battle of the Canon fit 50mm f1.4's!

[chphoto]

So, my nifty fifty will be soon making way for a f1.4 version, for improved build quality, better AF performance and (hopefully) some nicer images.

Not to say that the f1.8 is a bad lens at all, it's definitely the best bang-for-buck lens I've ever owned or used. Just feel it's time to upgrade

So, the main contenders seem to be Canon's own 50mm f1.4 and the Sigma 50mm f1.4. Various reviews reckon there's some AF consistency issues with the Sigma and occasionally with the Canon. The Sigma is also considerably the heavier of the two.

I'd like some real-world opinions from you lot! I did toy with the idea of a 85mm f1.8, but I think it's just going to be too long for my 7D.

 

[Phil V]

So, my nifty fifty will be soon making way for a f1.4 version, for improved build quality, better AF performance and (hopefully) some nicer images.

Not to say that the f1.8 is a bad lens at all, it's definitely the best bang-for-buck lens I've ever owned or used. Just feel it's time to upgrade

So, the main contenders seem to be Canon's own 50mm f1.4 and the Sigma 50mm f1.4. Various reviews reckon there's some AF consistency issues with the Sigma and occasionally with the Canon. The Sigma is also considerably the heavier of the two.

I'd like some real-world opinions from you lot! I did toy with the idea of a 85mm f1.8, but I think it's just going to be too long for my 7D.

I'd say for a 7d the 50mm focal length is a bit meh. I rarely use mine on crop, too long for a std. and not really long enough for a proper portrait lens. The 85mm 1.8 is gorgeous, better motor, better build quality and better focal length.

Sorry - I've never had either of the 50mm 1.4's and I'd struggle to choose too, because neither have a great reputation for consistent build quality.

 

[LongLensPhotography]

85mm f/1.8 is by far the best, amazingly sharp and fast to focus. But if you need 50mm that is probably not good.
Both canon and sigma 50mm have enough drawbacks. I am keeping Canon for now it has to be treated like a toy. Hood must always stay on, no harsh treatment, moisture, etc. Still it is way better than 50 1.8

 

[Pinarello]

I have Canon 50mm 1.4 Has'nt seen the light of day, since I bought it s/h in a shop in Adelaide, two years ago. Still it's nice to have it, if ever called upon...

 

[woof woof]

My Siggy 50mm lives on my 5D and has never given any focus issues and neither has my Siggy 85mm f1.4 which is a stonkingly good lens and is better than the 50mm and very possibly the best AF lens I've ever owned. I did use the 50mm on my 20D but not too much and 85mm would have been a touch long for me to use much on APS-C.

Most reviewers seem to place the Siggy 50mm ahead of the Canon and the only real objections to the Siggy seem to be the usual internet talk of front / back focus issues but if that doesn't put you off and the additional bulk and weight of the Siggy isn't too much of an issue either it seems an almost obvious choice over the Canon.

With lenses like this I personally think that the bokeh and overall look produced are more important than ultimate sharpness in either the centre or across the frame and in this respect I think that the Sigma lenses do well especially the 85mm which IMVHO produces much better bokeh than that of the Canon 85mm f1.8 and it's angular blades.

Of the two I use the 50mm more on my 5D but on APS-C I'd be looking more at a choice between a 30/35mm and a 50mm f1.4's rather than 50/85mm f1.4's.