Canon 1.8 50mm lenses

IntenseJason

IntenseJason

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Morning, looking at the various 50 1.8 Canon Options. A new one is about £100, but I am wondering about the original version that can be had second hand for about the same (For a mint one.)

I know the newer lens will focus faster, but really that's not an issue for the application I have in mind - some low light, some macro with tubes.

I am discounting the second version because of the plastic lens mount. And on a short inspection the older one seems better made.

Anyone have any real world experience of these who could guide me? Are the Chinese copies worth considering?

Of course I could be overthinking the whole thing and in reality I wouldn't be able to tell the difference

Ta
 
Get the latest one with STM. It's simply better than others inc. ones that cost more than it on other brands.

I wouldn't bother with yongnuo clones. But the their latest 50mm f1.4 which isn't a clone looks intriguing. Someone posted examples on Flickr and looks rather promising for the price if you are willing to wait for it.
 
IntenseJason said:
Morning, looking at the various 50 1.8 Canon Options. A new one is about £100, but I am wondering about the original version that can be had second hand for about the same (For a mint one.)

I know the newer lens will focus faster, but really that's not an issue for the application I have in mind - some low light, some macro with tubes.

I am discounting the second version because of the plastic lens mount. And on a short inspection the older one seems better made.

Anyone have any real world experience of these who could guide me? Are the Chinese copies worth considering?

Of course I could be overthinking the whole thing and in reality I wouldn't be able to tell the difference

Ta
Click to expand...

Whilst the newer STM version is quieter and probably made with more robust internals, I haven't used it myself but have had several MK1 and Mk2 50's, I wouldn't put too much on the mk2 having a plastic mount. A lot of reviews will highlight that as a negative when, realistically, unless you're going to drop your gear regularly it doesn't make any difference. I've dropped a couple of Mk2 50's (both attached to a camera and not) and both times it was the internal gearing that failed rather than the lens mount.
 
plastic lens mount aren't necessarily bad. In fact metal doesn't automatically mean its of better build quality either. There is a bit of obsession (wrongly!) with metal and heavy lens being synonymous to good build quality.
 
The STM version has 7 rounded aperture blades vs 5 on the older versions, super spectra coating, improved manual focus ring, full time manual focus, 350mm close focus (1.8 II 450mm).
 
I've compared the EF 50 f/1.8 MkI, the EF 50 f/1.4 USM and the latest EF 50 f/1.8 STM for my own purposes. IQ-wise The STM is the hands-down winner at all apertures (apart from f/1.4).

Budget doesn't seem to be the issue for you so I'd get the STM.
 
I have a Yongnuo 1.8 50mm and I really like it. The auto focus makes more noice than the other lens I own but having watched many reviews before buying the lens I knew it would. I can't fault the image quality thought I've taken some really nice shots with this lens. For the price I couldn't fault it. I'm sure the Canon STM version is much better and it is a lot quiter but unless I break my Yongnuo 50mm I won't be upgrading to the Canon
 
Thanks people, that has informed my decision nicely - I will just get a new STM one.
 
I totally agree about the STM lens, i have it as well. My only concern would be the manual focusing side. Im sure its fine, but the STM lenses are a bit more hassle when it comes to MF.
Just thought id mention it as Macro can benefit from MF.
 
Or an alternative is the excellent 40mm pancake 2.8.
Ideal focal length for general use.
With 50 I always find myself walking backwards to get anything in the frame
 
I went through this thought process earlier this year and, after reading various reviews and tests, I'd settled on the latest Canon 50mm STM... but then I watched a YouTube vid about the Canon 40mm f/2.8 pancake lens, which made me think... the point being made was that quite often 50mm is a bit too 'tight' as a focal length, whilst 35mm is a bit too wide if you're looking for a 'standard' type view, however, 40mm is apparently closer to what the eye sees in terms of field of view. After years of using a 50mm as a 'standard' lens on film SLRs I understood the point they were making.

At the time, there weren't any sub-£100 deals on a new Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM, so I decided to go for a mint used Canon 40mm f/2.8 STM lens instead. I've been pretty pleased with it so far and it certainly makes for a nice, lightweight, compact lens when fitted to one of the EOS film and digital cameras I have, and it easily slips into a coat pocket with the end caps fitted when not in use. So before you part with your money perhaps have a think about the 40mm pancake lens instead?
 
I though 35mm on FF was closer to what the eye sees. I have 35mm, 40mm and 50mm. Although the 40mm makes sense i find 35mm and then cropping in gives me more versatility. Considering my 35mm is f/2, and the 50mm is f/18 i find the 40mm a bit of a second place in all categories.
 
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