Canon 50mm f1.8 vs 50mm f1.4 - Is it worth the extra money?

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  • čas přidán 11. 06. 2018
  • In this video I’ll be answering a question I get asked all the time - should you get the more expensive canon 50mm f1.4 lens or go for the cheaper f1.8 prime lens? We went to the beach to put the lenses head to head in a series of tests to see the real difference between the quality of the shots. We tested for sharpness, colour, contrast, depth of field, chromic aberration and the bokeh effect to find out if the f1.4 is really worth the extra money, or if the 50mm f1.8 STM, the so-called nifty 50, does the job just as well. The results may surprise you as it did us.
    This is a great canon 50mm lens review that will hopefully inform you on what one to buy.
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Komentáře • 1K

  • @johnswilley5896
    @johnswilley5896 Před 4 lety +206

    He should have tested them both in a few low light situations, that is when the 1.4 will be better.

    • @ianparker5007
      @ianparker5007 Před 2 lety +9

      This is precisely why I disliked this video

    • @DiagnosticDennis
      @DiagnosticDennis Před rokem +1

      Except autofocus

    • @Drumaier
      @Drumaier Před rokem +6

      Yes, is incredible, all the time spent in their common apertures instead of showing the performance at maximum apertures in low light. Also some more bokeh tests wouldn't hurt.

    • @thanhbok26b
      @thanhbok26b Před 11 měsíci

      @@DiagnosticDennisyou got to do it manually

    • @Falcon4924
      @Falcon4924 Před 7 měsíci

      This comment is why I didn't bother watching the video

  • @Ikbenjanus
    @Ikbenjanus Před 5 lety +903

    Conclusion on the video ( I watched the full video ) :
    You are a professional photographer - buy the 1.4
    You are an amateur photographer - DO NOT BUY THE 1.4
    Thanks for the effort in making the video 👍🏼

    • @kevindiaz3459
      @kevindiaz3459 Před 5 lety +34

      I wouldn't get the F1.4 even if I was a pro. It just isn't worth the money over the F1.8 STM. I know of pros that have the F1.8, mostly because it's price to performance ratio is through the roof. I went with the Sigma 50mm F1.4, a super sharp lens with great performance. I really wish Canon would update their F1.4 to be a competitor to that lens, at half the price. I know they can, I just don't think they will. It's too bad, since effective but inexpensive lenses is one of their strongest categories. I don't think anyone else comes close. Nikon has some good ones, but they are more expensive than the Canon equivalents. Sony, just practically nothing, they are focused on their expensive stuff (at least in E mount, A mount is basically dead but I don't know what is really available). Maybe Fuji, I don't know them that well but am learning (that XT3 looks awesome). Olympus is just ridiculous in price for lenses made for MFT sensors.

    • @mollymungo5248
      @mollymungo5248 Před 5 lety +6

      Ugh yes...pros who want to print their stuff shouldn’t buy the 1.4. It has 1/2 of the resolving power...

    • @sydm1073
      @sydm1073 Před 5 lety +26

      Molly & Mungo Pros buy neither of those lenses, they go for the f1.2 which is one of the sharpest lenses in existence, at any aperture. I just wish it didn’t cost upwards of 1100€ so that I could buy it without the risk of being murdered by my wife.

    • @mollymungo5248
      @mollymungo5248 Před 5 lety +9

      SydM107 actually, the 1.8 is sharper until about f/5.6. That 1.2 is very outdated too, but the new RF 50mm f/1.2 looks to outresolve even the sigma. Anyway.. I know many pros that shoot an 1.8, far more than the pros I know shooting the 1.2

    • @sydm1073
      @sydm1073 Před 5 lety +5

      Molly & Mungo oh good to know. I’m pretty sure I mixed it up and was thinking of the 85mm

  • @snehansuray6276
    @snehansuray6276 Před 5 lety +390

    I think it's better to invest in a 50mm f1.8 and put the extra money in some other gears like tripod filters flashes etc and that will give a better result than just the 50mm f1.4 lens

    • @theschoolofphotography
      @theschoolofphotography  Před 5 lety +15

      Thanks for the comments 👍

    • @opaliittiopa
      @opaliittiopa Před 5 lety +9

      Yea I did exactly that: bought a good tripod, a new battery and a polarisation filter and still was left with a 100euros to spend on some other gear. Now im just waiting for them to arrive.

    • @christianrasmussen1
      @christianrasmussen1 Před 5 lety +15

      Fortunately I found a perfectly used 50 1.4 for the same price as 1.8 new. I'm sold.

    • @jaxw2628
      @jaxw2628 Před 5 lety +1

      Christian Rasmussen I found a 1.4 for $180, but I already have the 1.8 so I don’t think it’s worth it right now.

    • @lungile_potgieter
      @lungile_potgieter Před 4 lety

      Absolutely

  • @daiwalters
    @daiwalters Před 5 lety +32

    Haven't used the 1.4, but the 1.8 is permanently on my camera. I adore it. The fixed length gives you a limitation, so it encourages you to be creative. Low light, stunning depth of field, beautiful clarity. The perfect lens. And it's not expensive. Compulsory.

  • @Janet_Airlines802
    @Janet_Airlines802 Před 6 lety +556

    I think the 50 1.8 is the best lens out there for the money. I don't think you could find a finer lens for 100 bucks.

    • @theschoolofphotography
      @theschoolofphotography  Před 6 lety +24

      Hi Mike, I think you could be right there 👍

    • @apassionfortangling3671
      @apassionfortangling3671 Před 6 lety +19

      mike burns The Yongnuo 50 f1.8 is 40 quid, the autofocus is noisy as hell but you can't hear it in the photographs lol. It takes remarkably sharp pictures for the price ;-)

    • @Janet_Airlines802
      @Janet_Airlines802 Před 6 lety +2

      The Missing Link's Younger Brother I've owned it, canons is much sharper. Yongnuo 50mm lens is made out of plastic.

    • @apassionfortangling3671
      @apassionfortangling3671 Před 6 lety +2

      The same as my spectacles lol

    • @kevindiaz3459
      @kevindiaz3459 Před 5 lety +1

      Knew someone would bring up that Yongnuo. I've not heard anyone say they would take it over the Canon, and even though it is cheaper the Canon is also cheap enough that jsut about anyone should be able to afford it. Not to mention the Canon STM focus makes it good for video as well, so long as your camera supports that.

  • @moparman5941
    @moparman5941 Před 5 lety +22

    Really enjoyed his straighforward explanation. Also calming to listen to. To many videos tend to yell at me to get my attention. Thanks

  • @charlesmascari8197
    @charlesmascari8197 Před 5 lety +92

    If you can't take a usable photograph with a 1.8, the faster 1.4 isn't going to help you.

  • @eatsleepworkcars1786
    @eatsleepworkcars1786 Před 5 lety +8

    I'm a beginner photographer who is still learning about photography. This video was informative, well put together and entertaining to watch. Thank you!

  • @archiepeck8438
    @archiepeck8438 Před 6 lety +7

    What a coincidence, I bought the 50mm STM 1.8 just last week after your recommendation on the course, then a day after this video pops up in my feed! Loved the video and glad i purchased the 1.8, a much smaller price for a great competitor!

  • @georgesaar9687
    @georgesaar9687 Před 4 lety +8

    This is an excellent test between the two Canon 50mm lenses. I recently purchased the $100 "plastic" lens as it was considered a "must have" or "nifty fifty" by a lot of experts out there. I have been using it on my Canon M50 (with EF adapter) for a month now and it works very well in both manual and AF modes. It is lightweight and sharp. This is, indeed, a wonderful, inexpensive lens that I will enjoy as an "only" lens when I bring only one lens with my camera.
    Thank you for this very interesting and informative video.

  • @mortons67
    @mortons67 Před 6 lety +40

    I've got the 1.8 as I was on a budget, but got to say I love it
    Very surprised how it held up to the 1.4 great video 👍🙂

    • @theschoolofphotography
      @theschoolofphotography  Před 6 lety

      Thanks for the comments Robert, so was I! 👍

    • @SmallSpoonBrigade
      @SmallSpoonBrigade Před 2 lety

      There's a reason they refer to it as the "plastic fantastic." It's not going to be quite as good as the F1.4 version, but the question tends to be whether or not it's worth the extra money.

  • @deeyammy783
    @deeyammy783 Před 5 lety +4

    I am a Sony user but I found the host to be so pleasant uncomplicated/informative that I subscribed and rang the bell :) Looking forward to learning more from you guys! Well done.

  • @stevetheveteran
    @stevetheveteran Před 5 lety +59

    I photographed sports teams and individuals for 11 years and the 50mm 1.4 was the only lens I used for the team shots (f/8-f/16). It made for amazingly sharp and undistorted images with great color.

    • @Goldchucker1
      @Goldchucker1 Před 2 lety

      Did you compare it to a 1.8? Doesn't sound like you did.

    • @stevetheveteran
      @stevetheveteran Před 2 lety +1

      @@Goldchucker1 My first 50mm was a Canon 1.8, the "nifty fifty". My second 50mm was the Canon 1.4. I had the Canon 1.2L for a few weeks, it would never focus correctly and the chromatic aberration was horrid. I now shoot a Sigma 1.4 Art.
      What is your point?

    • @stevetheveteran
      @stevetheveteran Před 2 lety +2

      @@Goldchucker1 The Canon 1.4 had a much better build quality, no plastic mount, and the sharpness from the 1.4 was much greater than my 1.8, not just wide open, but even at f8. The bokeh with the 1.8 was terrible when compared to the 1.4 as well.
      I had to toss my camera in a bag and go from event to event, the 1.4 was simply sturdier and focused without issue, the 1.8...meh.
      I lost the Canon 1.4 in a house fire in 2018, the 1.2 was the obvious upgrade with the insurance money. Waste of money.
      Sigma 1.4, built like a tank, sharp, no CA, awesome. I do miss the the 1.8 and 1.4 size from Canon though.

    • @stevetheveteran
      @stevetheveteran Před 2 lety

      @@Goldchucker1 I'm gonna rant a bit, sorry, too much wine.
      I remember back when I had a Canon 300D and a kit lens. The first new lens I bought was a 50 1.8. I was just starting out and was working for a school photography company. I wanted more jobs, so I kept working and eventually bought the 20D. A year or so later, a 70-200 f4L.
      The first football game I ever photographed was at Delta High School in Indiana. I had my 300d with a 50 1.8 and my 20d with the 70-200 f4. Man, talk about some shitty photos. But I was so proud. The problem was, the 50 1.8 couldn't focus fast enough, obviously, not the lens for the job, but I was young and stupid.
      So, I went on using the 1.8 for headshots, program photos, team photos etc. But, the mount broke, mid shoot, in my bag. (Not a proper bag, a job bag that you just toss everything in to)
      Enter the 1.4. $300 well spent. I used that lens for 11 more years, tossed it in my bag ( now with a 1DMkII attached) and no problems.
      To this day, if you walk the halls of Ben Davis, Carmel, Hamilton Southeastern, Fishers, Center Grove or any of another several dozen high schools in Indiana, you will see 30x40 prints I shot on my Canon 1.4. The 1.8 didn't make it. It is simply to frail for the job and the focus is buggy.
      So no I have no ill will towards the 1.8, it just couldn't do the job that I needed it to do. I still think it is a great lens, I got my first one for $80 at Robert's Camera brand new back in 2004. It just isn't what everyone needs.
      So, if it fits your needs, great! Don't spend a dime more than your needs require.
      I still have two 1DMkii cameras and a 5DMkii. I see absolutely no need to get anything more. After I bought my 20D, I NEVER bought a new camera, I only nought used and always a generation or two behind the the newest. I spent $600 for my first 1Dmkii, $150 for my second one. Save your pennies. If it works and you can create saleable images, who cares what you use?

    • @stevetheveteran
      @stevetheveteran Před 2 lety

      @@Goldchucker1 BTW, if you ever get your hands on a 1D Classic (4mp), keep it. The jpeg images are horrid, but RAW, amazing. That camera renders the best skin tones I have ever seen. Just don't shoot above ISO 400.

  • @isbestlizard
    @isbestlizard Před 5 lety +26

    First lens I ever bought was the 50mm f/1.8 I still have it it's so awesome

  • @saladvolcano3103
    @saladvolcano3103 Před 5 lety +2

    great video, keep it up dude !
    love the way you're talking and explaining, overall very informative and interesting.

  • @sneakerandthedryer
    @sneakerandthedryer Před 4 lety +5

    Thanks for taking the time to put together this informative video.

  • @artistjoh
    @artistjoh Před 4 lety +13

    My favorite lens in the 50-ish range is the one that always gets forgotten about - the 40mm f2.8. So amazingly tiny, and yet so amazingly sharp. I had the 50 1.2 but sold it because I rarely used it because of physical size. There is a lot to be said for small and inconspicuous lenses.

  • @avenegas0691
    @avenegas0691 Před 5 lety +4

    Thank you very much for your so accurate f1.4 Vs. f1.8 Video.
    You really got a One-Of-A-Kind comparison test of both Canon lenses.
    Cheers!!!

  • @louisetayler3126
    @louisetayler3126 Před 5 lety +2

    Thanks so much for this I went into a camera store today and was a bit lost. 30 mins exploring your tutorials and I'm sorted.

  • @artandsketch1685
    @artandsketch1685 Před 5 lety +9

    Hi, Loved watching your video.
    I have a question regarding which "lens" should I use to record my Art videos. I probably Shoot overhead shots in my video and already have Canon 200d with the kit lens but the footage is not really sharp and crisp. I just want to increase my video quality with a budget lens. Hope you will help me out with a perfect answer.
    Art and Sketch

  • @manfredoetting7694
    @manfredoetting7694 Před 5 lety +5

    One of the best understandable Speakers for non-native Speakers. Thank you. Regards from Hamburg

  • @whatsupdate
    @whatsupdate Před 6 lety +78

    Great video, it would be cool if you added a low light test...like a candle lighting a dark room brown 1.4 and 1.8

    • @jeanmikael_1265
      @jeanmikael_1265 Před 4 lety +1

      My thought too. But since I watched the video one year later, I suppose I will try to find a newer video, also testing low light shoots.

    • @mfreeman313
      @mfreeman313 Před 3 lety

      With one candle it really becomes a test of the camera's ability to control noise at high ISOs. When Kubrick shot scenes for "Barry Lyndon" lit only by candelabras he used the Carl Zeiss Planar 50mm f0.7, the fastest lens ever made. Of course in the real world of lenses you can actually order from B&H obviously the extra stop would help.

  • @arpanbanerjee16th
    @arpanbanerjee16th Před 3 lety

    Unbelievable! So much of knowledge is involved in your reviews. The more I see, the more I love your reviews. This is the actual way to compare two lenses.

  • @TroubledLoner
    @TroubledLoner Před 4 lety +16

    Thank you! As an old Leica/Hasselblad aficionado I appreciate the guidance into modern lenses. The f/1.4 doesn't seem worth the 3x price, as you've illustrated. Great stuff. Now subscribed.

  • @EverythingPhotography22
    @EverythingPhotography22 Před 5 lety +7

    I have the 1.8 and am loving it for video! I got it for a steal here in Korea!

  • @alexblaze8878
    @alexblaze8878 Před 5 lety +27

    Great video!
    General advice for everyone:
    No one stands with their nose against a photo at an art gallery or whips out a magnifying glass to view it. Average viewing distance for a mounted/framed 8 by 10 or larger print is 3-5 feet away. If you cannot appreciate the art of photography without using a microscope or “pixel peeping” then you probably need to find another hobby. Art is art regardless of the medium or the sharpness/clarity/bokeh/resolution of any particular lens.
    No one ever looked at an Ansel Adams print and said “wow what an otherwise great piece of art if not for that grotesque slight blur I see when I view it under a magnifying glass”.

  • @leanp633
    @leanp633 Před 5 lety +90

    Came for the review, stayed for the accent.

  • @sonij5771
    @sonij5771 Před 3 lety +1

    Thank you so much for all of the information in this video. It helped me decide on a lens. Your explanation and testing was great.

  • @villageblunder4787
    @villageblunder4787 Před 5 lety +57

    The trouble with the 50 f1.8 is that whilst it is a great lens, most people who buy it, buy it for their APSc camera bodies where it works like an 85mm portrait lens. As a portrait lens it is fine but you can't use it indoors for parties where the low light fast aperture would be great because the effective focal length is too long. You basically can't back up enough. If you want a low light indoor lens for parties you have to go for the 28mm f1.8 and that is the same price as the 50 f1.4.

    • @theschoolofphotography
      @theschoolofphotography  Před 5 lety +4

      Thanks for sharing this.

    • @kevindiaz3459
      @kevindiaz3459 Před 5 lety +12

      Hmm, I would say I agree with some of what you are saying. For crop users that are still new to photography and don't have a good selections of lenses jsut yet, the 50mm F1.8 makes an appealing choice as their first upgrade. It's price won't scare them away from buying an "extra" lens, and it's overall quality will show them why it is important to invest in better lenses. The crop factor does turn it into a tight lens, 80mm, but this isn't a bad thing either. This makes it ideal as a portrait lens on a crop camera, and taking photos of people is something pretty common for newbies. Once they see the difference it makes they will start to become more interested in other offerings, and hopefully make better choices for their gear (invest in lenses before getting a new camera).
      For what you are describing, the 28mm F1.8 is still a little pricey and suffers from the same issues the 50mm F1.4 does do to it's aging design. A more appealing choice might be the EF-S 24mm F2.8 for crop users, since it's much less expensive and will also provide bette exposure over the 18-55mm lens (2 to 5 times as much light). I really wish Canon would invest more into the EF-S lens line up, and get ussome sweet offerings like I see on other systems. A series of fast primes would kill it! Dying to see a 16mm F1.4 on EF-S like fuji has.

    • @Ni5ei
      @Ni5ei Před 5 lety +8

      So the trouble is not with the lens but with people shooting APS-C and expecting it to be a "standard" lens.

    • @Diostillrocks
      @Diostillrocks Před 5 lety +1

      I always used a 35mm lens for my crop camera. The 28mm hasn't tested well in reviews. I had the original 35mm 2.0 which was built like the 50mm 1.8 II with a noisy motor as well. I recently got a good used 35mm 1.4 L Mark II. They can be had for just a little bit more than the new 35mm 2.0 IS USM.

    • @jeremyFNP
      @jeremyFNP Před 5 lety +1

      I learned the hard way about this! I bought it as I thought it would be great for indoor portraits but realized that on my apsc it was the equivalent to an 85. Now that I have a full frame camera I have more wiggle room and I find this to be a great lens for the price! But I’m a novice so I don’t know much! I will just keep practicing!

  • @lalitaryatilake824
    @lalitaryatilake824 Před 3 lety +23

    I would go for the f/1.8 because the absence of chromatic aberration in that lens is much more important to me than other factors.

  • @roniahmed1198
    @roniahmed1198 Před 4 lety

    Great video! It's very helpful video to take great and creative photos . Thank you so much sir. (Love from BANGLADESH)

  • @lucasmoretti470
    @lucasmoretti470 Před 4 lety +2

    Thank you very much. Loved the video and the analysis, helped me a lot to make my decision. Tomorrow i am going to buy the 1.8. Thanks again.

  • @clarebearr5357
    @clarebearr5357 Před 4 lety +4

    The 1.8 was my workhorse for shooting concerts for YEARS.

  • @stvkrenim
    @stvkrenim Před 4 lety +7

    I have the Canon EF 50mm F1.8 STM lens. Yes, it's plastic...but that also makes it lightweight, which is a plus. It focuses quickly, it's surprisingly sharp and it's inexpensive to acquire. Thank you for your comparison video; it confirmed what I already knew about the F1.8 lens. ;-)

  • @m.d.reynolds4022
    @m.d.reynolds4022 Před 3 lety +1

    Three years ago I purchased a cannon T6.
    This was the first video I watched.
    Great information three years later.
    I also got the e-book.

  • @stephenbritton7427
    @stephenbritton7427 Před 3 lety +1

    Another great video, a question that I have also thought about given the close specifications and the vast difference in price

  • @GarryBurgess
    @GarryBurgess Před 5 lety +7

    the f1.8 has the STM motor for quiet focusing, so it's better for video unless you are recording the sound externally.

  • @ragnarox16
    @ragnarox16 Před 4 lety +7

    I'm glad I got the F1.8 - this video makes me feel better, like I made the right decision

  • @martinmullen71
    @martinmullen71 Před 2 lety

    I stumbled on this site accidentally one of them that just showed up.
    Good honesty test really enjoyed it, thank you.

  • @asfilmproduction1433
    @asfilmproduction1433 Před 3 lety

    Sir Thanks for sharing this video This was great. Very informative and clearly explained . Thank you.

  • @photoshoott2022
    @photoshoott2022 Před rokem +15

    Great review. I own 1.8 version of this lens and love it. I tried my friend’s 1.4 for a weekend just to see if I like 50mm and loved it. Didn’t see my use to put extra money and being price conscious when I bought it, didn’t see a point to spend more. Love my 1.8 and to be honest, tried it in variety of situations, portrait, lifestyles and low light scenarios and so happy with the purchase. Thank you very detailed review that confirms that in my situation and what I use it for, it was a perfect choice. 👍👏

    • @harrison00xXx
      @harrison00xXx Před 8 měsíci +1

      The 1.8, especially the STM version, is anyways better than the 1.4 in nearly every aspect, unlike shown in the video where its said that the 1.4 is slightly better.

    • @VerrellRenardo
      @VerrellRenardo Před 3 měsíci

      Have you ever used it to capture a fast-moving subject with the 50mm f1.4? How fast can the lens capture the focus of a fast-moving subject?

  • @ianbarker2420
    @ianbarker2420 Před 5 lety +3

    Really helpful video and certainly will help people make a discussion correct for them.

  • @PatrickT
    @PatrickT Před 4 lety

    Cheers bro. Really helpful as I’m on a budget and just started out with photograph and video

  • @williamhager1872
    @williamhager1872 Před 4 lety

    Very interesting comparison! Thank you for your efforts.

  • @girlmadeofwires
    @girlmadeofwires Před 6 lety +127

    Me: I'm not going to sit through a 22-minute video!
    Me, 22 minutes later: ....well I guess I'm allowed to be wrong.
    But seriously, great vid! I can now comfortably buy an f1.8 without feeling like I'm settling for less!

  • @peacebear222
    @peacebear222 Před 4 lety +3

    Thank you very much for doing this comparison. Although I have been making photographs for years, I just bought a 50 mm 1.4 and it’s the first prime lens I’ve ever used. I found the comparison very interesting as I’m learning to use a prime lens. I’m primarily a landscape photographer so this should be interesting, but I’m up for the challenge. Thank you again.

  • @swlamont70
    @swlamont70 Před 4 lety

    That was a great review for me, someone just looking to get into amature photography. Thanks Heaps!!!!

  • @DartzIRL
    @DartzIRL Před 4 lety +2

    I bought the 50 F1.4 new. The extra little bit of light is actually quite helpful and it worked well on holiday. It sucks up dust though. But the current-gen F1.8 is really good value.

  • @Sandeepcapture
    @Sandeepcapture Před 6 lety +6

    Nicely explained thank u

  • @Creathieff
    @Creathieff Před 4 lety +6

    Im a Filmaker, I bought 50mm 1.8 and invested the extra money in a good ND Filter.

  • @hip2datyea
    @hip2datyea Před 6 lety +2

    Excellent Marc, as usual. Am aware of the thought, time and effort you have put into making this video. Much appreciation here. I already have the cheaper version so it is great to see how it compares with its more expensive cousin. Five stars to you.

  • @mykclk
    @mykclk Před 4 lety

    Very interesting video, I have both lenses, the f1.4 came with a used Canon F1 that I purchased in the early 80.s. The main decernable difference between the two is the extra weight of the f1.4 lens however, both are excellent lenses.

  • @Evil_Genius_888
    @Evil_Genius_888 Před 5 lety +26

    I’ve been using the 1.8 for a year now and it’s my go to lens unless I need a really wide shot or a really close macro shot.

    • @theschoolofphotography
      @theschoolofphotography  Před 5 lety +1

      Thanks for sharing 👍

    • @TheMarkus109
      @TheMarkus109 Před 4 lety +4

      You can do macro with 50mm lens. It might not be as easy as it would be with a proper macro lens, you just have to hold it backwards in front of the camera.

    • @cheetahpro364
      @cheetahpro364 Před 4 lety

      @@TheMarkus109 Yeah, True!

    • @CG-up2uf
      @CG-up2uf Před 3 lety

      turn the lens around for a macro shot.

  • @matesirovic409
    @matesirovic409 Před 5 lety +4

    The chromatic aberration on the f1.4 is because of its wider aperture. You should compare them both on f1.8 to see which one is better at the widest aperture for the 1.8 one

  • @willrey6224
    @willrey6224 Před rokem

    Thank for this great demonstration

  • @daria8153
    @daria8153 Před 4 lety

    It HAS helped a lot! Thank you for this video! ❤️

  • @medusasaurus1447
    @medusasaurus1447 Před 4 lety +5

    I love the 50mm 1.4 for my canon 7D. I can tell the difference between the 1.8. But any newer cameras, it probably wouldn’t tell the difference.

  • @elies7
    @elies7 Před 6 lety +4

    Great info as usual. Thanks Marc.
    My 50mm f1.4 took a tough hit last week . Its a small tank, not a scratch and still kicking !!😅

  • @KatDToronto
    @KatDToronto Před 5 lety +1

    very good review and I learned a lot. Thankyou

  • @bryanortiz8450
    @bryanortiz8450 Před 4 lety +1

    Love the video! You got one more subscriber 👍🏽 keep it up!!

  • @bamsemh1
    @bamsemh1 Před 5 lety +4

    Now you got me interested in this test between the 50mm 1.2L and the 1.8 you used there. As far as you showed me, the triple price for a little bit bigger and softer circles on bokeh. Is not worth the metal over the plastic. The L version is weather sealed too, but is the quality worth the price?

  • @TheUltimateBlooper
    @TheUltimateBlooper Před 5 lety +4

    When I just started out years ago with a 60D - I went with a 50mm f/1.4 USM. Reason was - I wanted to skip the shitty kit lenses, I wanted a great prime to train with and I wanted to keep the lens when I eventually moved to full-frame (the decision was in place before I even bought the 60D - which, by the way, uses the same batteries as my 5D Mark III later used and that my 5D Mark IV now uses - I got to keep my batteries!).
    Over the years I've really enjoyed the 1.4 USM. The color is very pleasing, the soft bokeh is dreamy and the portraits come out really nice. The lens is not really that sharp, when you think about it, but it doesn't have to be, especially if you value other aspects of the lens. With modern processing and sharpening techniques the 1.4 also becomes a lot more usable than it used to be, so I don't see myself selling it anytime soon. Unless I ditch DSLRs and go with a canon R system - those RF lenses seem crazy good!

    • @theschoolofphotography
      @theschoolofphotography  Před 5 lety

      Thanks for sharing 😊

    • @ericdanthon2
      @ericdanthon2 Před 4 lety

      What did you do with the 80mm focal length of this lens on your crop camera when in a room? Did you just back up all the time since you did not have an 18-55mm focal length? I never used mine on my 7D.

  • @jiffy1313
    @jiffy1313 Před 4 lety

    Great honest comparison, thanks for taking the time.

  • @maritaquevedo2724
    @maritaquevedo2724 Před 3 lety

    thank you!!!! so helpful, loved your review!

  • @TheOlandex
    @TheOlandex Před 5 lety +10

    Like most Canon shooters I have the 1.8 and use it quite a lot on my full frame, as well as on my apsc backup. It’s an outstanding lens for the money, but honestly it’s a great quality lens regardless of price. If you want to really step up in the 50mm segment I think you skip the 1.4 and get the 1.2 L series, which is a lot more expensive . That said my preference is to direct that cash toward other, more productive L series purchases like a 16 - 35 mm ultra wide L series zoom. Most of us aren’t rich so why throw away a ton of money for such marginal gains?

  • @martinleier7809
    @martinleier7809 Před 5 lety +66

    Idk why people are crying about the video lenght.. its worth it if you want to spend that amount of money especially for people who have to think about it twice to spend 250€ more

    • @theschoolofphotography
      @theschoolofphotography  Před 5 lety +4

      Thanks Martin 👍

    • @traceybartlam5940
      @traceybartlam5940 Před 5 lety +1

      Always worth spending some time researching before you buy imo. I was only looking at the 1.8 this morning but will need a converter as I have an M50

  • @saulmirandaaliaga
    @saulmirandaaliaga Před 4 lety +1

    What a fantastic video, mate. Thank you very much!!

  • @bruce-le-smith
    @bruce-le-smith Před 2 lety +1

    great tests thank you - that slight colour richness on the f1.4 makes it hard to really see any differences in the other tests (especially on the below average screen I'm watching this on) but I can see it's slightly better. agree the extra money could be spent on another lens though. plenty of good compositions could come out of the f1.8

  • @gulshanbatra7611
    @gulshanbatra7611 Před 4 lety +15

    I have my choice, without going to a nuclear physicist... love that line!
    Thanks.

  • @LeeVideo
    @LeeVideo Před 5 lety +19

    The differences on this review is so minute that if you have to buy one of the two then the f1.8 is the one to buy. This is what they referred to "within the margin of error". Only the price difference is certain and big.

    • @theschoolofphotography
      @theschoolofphotography  Před 5 lety

      Thanks for sharing 👍

    • @williamreymond2669
      @williamreymond2669 Před 4 lety

      Agreed, under *ordinary* conditions not a major difference, so if paying extra for the f/1.4 stops you from buying another important piece of kit, get the f/1.8, that's not a hard choice. However, if you can afford the f/1.4, get it, the day you really need it, you're really going to wish you had it. Oh, and then you won't have to shell out for a second lens later, and have to decide which of your two nifty-fifties you put in your bag that day.

  • @oslonorway9061
    @oslonorway9061 Před 10 měsíci

    LOVE THIS REVIEW - great comparison! THANK YOU!

  • @gerardbyrne5364
    @gerardbyrne5364 Před 3 lety

    am new to the hobby, been given a camera as a present and thinking of a 50 mm lens, think you have made up my mind on which I will buy..thanks for a very helpful video...

  • @timtaylor1999
    @timtaylor1999 Před 6 lety +5

    I have used both lenses and I own both lenses. 1.4 is heavier than the 1.8 and it has a slower reaction time, but keep in mind it makes up way more with its ability to let in more light and can be used in almost any low light condition. Even with little to no bounce of light on anything, it manages to capture some light back. It can also adjust easier if you are taking pictures in and out of buildings and you want to avoid adding a flash.

    • @danielfagan5429
      @danielfagan5429 Před 5 lety

      would you recommend the canon 1.4 lens for gig photography as i have a 1.8 but suspect the wider aperture of 1.4 maybe be beneficial in low light

    • @timtaylor1999
      @timtaylor1999 Před 5 lety +2

      Daniel Fagan using the 1.4 has a nice advantage where there is limited light and sometimes the pictures look better without flash but it's always recommended to have flash in case the light is super low. Another great advantage is that you can move slightly forward and back and still get a great shot with the 1.4. If you move slightly back and forth with the 1.8, you lose a little focus and have to readjust it and if you have it on autofocus, it constantly is adjusting and sometimes makes you lose you shot. Hope this helps.

  • @Smoothblue90
    @Smoothblue90 Před 6 lety +24

    Canon needs to continue the line of 24mm, 28mm, 35mm USM IS lenses up into 50mm 1.4 and and 85mm 1.8, and then keep going into 100mm 2 and 100mm 2.8 Macro.

  • @johnphillips519
    @johnphillips519 Před 5 lety +1

    Love your vids keep them up👍

  • @salosabss
    @salosabss Před 5 měsíci

    Thank you for this wonderful review

  • @villagranvicent
    @villagranvicent Před 6 lety +6

    Just discover your channel and subscribed. Excellent video!

  • @martybeyer
    @martybeyer Před 6 lety +3

    Fantastic video, thank you so much for sharing. For me, I would go the 1.8 because I'm on a budget and not shooting a $10k shoot... If I was shooting a $10k shoot I would definitely go for the 1.4. Thanks again, love your video's, very cool info :-)

  • @SaeidForootan
    @SaeidForootan Před 4 lety

    Thanks a lot. Your answered my very old question

  • @vanessajones3508
    @vanessajones3508 Před 3 lety

    Thank you for taking the time to make this video.

  • @markopologt8829
    @markopologt8829 Před 5 lety +3

    The F1.8 was the first lens I ever bought when I started taking photos on my Canon 300D. I was then gifted a F1.4. Both amazing lenses but I must admit, I use my 1.8 more.

  • @hbcimages
    @hbcimages Před 5 lety +6

    If you need shooting a subject moving fast like a dog, a running child ect. The 50mm F1.4 usm is much better on AF speed.

  • @iamsocial4340
    @iamsocial4340 Před 5 lety +1

    Thank you for this great comparison.

  • @veronikameow
    @veronikameow Před 5 lety +1

    Thank you for this video!

  • @ktantv199
    @ktantv199 Před 6 lety +3

    Very helpful video about 50MM lenses.

  • @setwillfree
    @setwillfree Před 5 lety +5

    I’ve used both and I would say it isn’t even close to worth it for the 1.4, unless I suppose you’re a high level professional. The 1.8 is dope!

  • @theportraitist4888
    @theportraitist4888 Před 5 lety +2

    Nice video! I actually have the old version of the 1.8 from back in the 1980s. Still rock solid, better build than the rev II that was recently replaced. But I haven't tried the STM version yet. I can tell you that it works beautifully. Sharp images at 2.0, very acceptable at 1.8. And on my crop camera it works as a beautiful portrait lens with plenty of bokeh.

  • @nataliez3431
    @nataliez3431 Před rokem +1

    I love your video and the comparisons you've made. I was wondering if I should upgrade to a 1.4, so ended up here. Thanks so much, I'll stick with what I have! My f1.8 Canon has been brilliant to me. I'm not advanced at photography but I do a lot of cocktail photography for my page. It's been brilliant and the only thing I've used. On top of this, glassware companies have sponsored me to photograph my products because they liked my other content. I did it all on an f 1.8 and a Canon EOS800D, which at the time was around $500 USD. I'm not sponsored or anything like that, but I came on here to say that just these two cheaper pieces of gear have helped me to produce some pretty good work.

  • @jsdhesmith2011
    @jsdhesmith2011 Před 5 lety +13

    I didn’t see enough difference that would make me want to spend almost double for the 1.4

  • @FlickingFeathers
    @FlickingFeathers Před 4 lety +4

    I had the 1.8 version, 6 months old the front element fell off in my camera bag. If you can afford it, but the 1.4 for the build quality

  • @wallacedsr
    @wallacedsr Před 5 lety +1

    excellent video! Thanks so much!

  • @glob9997
    @glob9997 Před 4 lety +1

    Great video, I just subscribed! Like your low keyed thorough explanation,too many loud obnoxious self absorbed yt "experts" out there , I find your channel very refreshing

  • @BiggCuzz803
    @BiggCuzz803 Před 6 lety +22

    You got me staring at the screen to the point where I'm going to need some bifocal lenses.

  • @kerryanne7126
    @kerryanne7126 Před 5 lety +3

    I just bought a 50mm f1.8 and its absolutely wonderful! Especially considering my other lenses are older, and only basic kit lenses. This little lens is so easy to work with, although I’ve noticed some issues with AF, and the picture quality is far superior than my other lenses.

  • @user-pv3pk3du6l
    @user-pv3pk3du6l Před 2 lety

    Your way of comparing the lenses was great, and thank you for putting an Arabic translation of the clip

  • @linkedinfred
    @linkedinfred Před 3 lety +1

    Been procrastinating over a nifty fifty for a while. This video answered my questions. Thank you!

  • @showmethe2
    @showmethe2 Před 5 lety +9

    Great Video! My only reason for shooting with a faster lens is better low light capability! I often shoot indoors and appreciate not having to push the ISO. I would have loved to have seen you shoot in low light situations comparing the two lens.

  • @wojciechpopiel9887
    @wojciechpopiel9887 Před 4 lety +3

    I have 1.4 lens and it's lovely quality lens, don't regret spending extra money. Wouldn't buy 1.8 lens because of build quality. If you shoot full frame you should try 85mm/f1.8 lens as well, it's fantastic portrait lens at low price.

  • @rm0924
    @rm0924 Před 4 lety

    Hi there. First thanks to the host for having taken the trouble to put this video together. As opined by all of you good folks, I think you are absolutely right. I bought my Canon 50mm 1.8 at about USD50 and it was a steal (in my nick of the woods here in Southeast-Asia) back then, probably in 2016/2017 ... can't remember. I'm just an amateur and for me, these reviews either determine the product that I will purchase or it reinforces the ones that I have in my possession. Aside from the fact that my experiences with the lens is in-line with the sentiments of "The School of Photography", it is good to know that others out there in cyberspace concur that I have made a good value-for-money purchase. In the global world of the "new normal", our modus operandi will change we will all be living, working, and enjoying a different lifestyle where CZcams and similar platforms will become our intellectual guardians for assessment of products and services before we buy. Thanks again to the host and please continue to keep us informed. Cheers

  • @georgeclarke630
    @georgeclarke630 Před 5 lety +1

    Brilliant video! Liked and subscribed. :)