Canon 50mm f/1.8 II vs f/1.4

[koffiejunkie]

For those who've owned both lenses, I was wondering if you can comment on how they compare in terms of focus accuracy and a focus abilities under very low light.

I'm starting to get really frustrated with the 50mm f/1.8 II. It all over the place in poor light. I was at a wedding reception the other night - all in a tent with pretty much only candles for light. The 50mm f/1.8 II failed miserably, as did the Sigma 30mm f/1.4.

Given that the 24-105L f/4 still focusses accurately until it's so dark that AF fails to work at all, I'm starting to wonder if investing in the 50mm f/1.4 USM and 35mm f/1.4 L might be worth the money?

 

[Edduck]

I would definately consider the 50 1.4. I don't own it but have borrowed from a friend a few times and the FTM USM makes the $$$ all worth it compared to my 50 1.8 II! It might not only be a bit sharper than the 1.8 but at least then you can shoot at 1.8/2.0 without worrying about soft pics! I have heard alot of good things about the Sigm 50 1.4 as well, but if $$$ not an issue I would stick with Canon.

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/reviews/canon-ef-50mm-f-1.4-usm-lens-review.aspx

http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/showproduct.php?product=29

 

[BigAl-sa]

I have heard alot of good things about the Sigm 50 1.4 as well, but if $$$ not an issue I would stick with Canon.

FYI, the Sigma 50 F/1.4 (R5899) is more expensive than the Canon 50 f/1.4 (R3398) so $$$ not an issue

 

[bwana]

Should have used your flash.

The 50mm f/1.4 is leagues ahead of the 1.8 but why not rent and see for yourself.

 

[koffiejunkie]

FYI, the Sigma 50 F/1.4 (R5899) is more expensive than the Canon 50 f/1.4 (R3398) so $$$ not an issue

Both are within my reach, an overall I favour the Sigma for its rounded aperture blades. But I've heard so many complaints about its focus accuracy, and while I usually don't pay too much attention, my 30mm seems to suffer from the same problems.

Should have used your flash.

How would that help? The 270EX doesn't have a focus lamp. I was using the flash most of the time, btw. I don't like the strobe AF assist - it generally distracts the subjects and often result in closed eyes.

The 50mm f/1.4 is leagues ahead of the 1.8 but why not rent and see for yourself.

I might do that. Would have been useful if I could rent the Sigma somewhere too.

 

[RanzB]

FYI, the Sigma 50 F/1.4 (R5899) is more expensive than the Canon 50 f/1.4 (R3398) so $$$ not an issue

I wonder why that is.

 

[hilton]

I have a feeling it's because Sigma only have one 50mm in their line-up whereas Canon have three. So I'm guessing (with a hint of cynicism) that Canon really want you to buy the L lens so if the 1.4 was closer to the cost of the 1.2 then perhaps you wouldn't appreciate the L value?

All marketing is a con at the end of the day.

 

[bwana]

How would that help? The 270EX doesn't have a focus lamp. I was using the flash most of the time, btw. I don't like the strobe AF assist - it generally distracts the subjects and often result in closed eyes.

Ok, I though you still had the sigma flash and could have disabled the flash but still taken advantage of the AF-Assist beam.

 

[BigAl-sa]

I wonder why that is.

From what I've read, the Sigma is built like a tank compared to the Canon equivalent.

 

[koffiejunkie]

Ok, I though you still had the sigma flash and could have disabled the flash but still taken advantage of the AF-Assist beam.

I did bring it along but never got around to charge enough batteries. Also, I don't like drawing undue attention to muself when I'm not the official photographer. Especially since the official photographer was a friend of the bride...

From what I've read, the Sigma is built like a tank compared to the Canon equivalent.

From what I've read it's better too.

 

[xrapidx]

wow - just wanted to check the price on Orms - its a no go.

 

[RanzB]

From what I've read, the Sigma is built like a tank compared to the Canon equivalent.

Ah, makes sense. I thought that the Canon 1.8's were inferior, but the 1.4's were well built. Will check out the Sigma (unless I decide to bite the bullet and go for a 1.2)

 

[hilton]

wow - just wanted to check the price on Orms - its a no go.

Cameraquip are cheaper.

 

[xrapidx]

Cameraquip are cheaper.

EDIT - my bad. Thought that was for Nikon.