Canon 50mm f/1.4 USM lens review with samples (full frame and APS-C)
Vložit
- čas přidán 15. 07. 2024
- Today I'm re-visiting a lens I reviewed years ago, a lens which I've probably used more than any other for so much of my photography. There's no doubt than any fast 50mm lens will be versatile, and get you great pictures...but is this older Canon lens design technically any good? My mission: to be as objective as I can!
Find it here (Amazon affiliate link):
geni.us/canonef50mmf14usm
Links:
50mm lens battle:
• 50mm lens battle: Sigm...
Canon 50mm 'L' lens challenge:
• Canon 'L' lens challen...
Guinea pig's bathtime:
• Guinea Pig's Bath Time...
Busan aquarium:
• Busan Aquarium (Canon ...
Aberystwyth storm:
• Aberystwyth Storm (Can...
If you've found this or other videos I've made to be helpful, then support me on Patreon! www.patreon.com/christopherfr...
All pictures and footage taken by me on Canon 6D and 60D cameras.
Be sure to follow my Photostream on Flickr, to see sample pictures of lenses I've reviewed and to see previews of upcoming lenses, too! www.flickr.com/photos/5633426...
Music:
'Opportunity Walks', Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
creativecommons.org/licenses/b... - Jak na to + styl
I've watched a few of your reviews over the last couple of days, they're all great. Non-distracting background music, concise and to the point. Thanks
This is the first time I heard you say God bless. It's weird but refreshing. BIG fan of your channel. I can watch for hours.
i love this lens!
Christopher thank you so much I'm going to look into both of those God bless
Great video!! Just bought this lens for my 6D.
I just purchased this lens so am very excited to see how it performs with my 6D and my 1500D in low light - I love both of my cameras but I have too many lenses so now have to get the bag down to 3 or 4 instead of 8 lenses
Superb review, please keep it coming. Thank you
thanks for the video! love your voice man!
Very nice. Good work Chris
Great review as always
Great review. Extremely thorough. Answers all questions with beautiful visual examples.
I have a cannon t3i I am looking for the EXACT effect in the first 45 seconds of the video . I have been searching and searching , I would love if you responded! What is the name of the lens you are using to record with?
that effect can be achieved if your using a fast aperture lense like this and focusing close to the subject, I suggest using the canon 50mm f1.8 as it is cheap and can easily get u a shallow depth of field.
Always enjoy your videos. Thanks
Christopher, what an excellent review---clear, concise, and to the point.
I've enjoyed using this lens, but I only shoot video, and I think a lot of the important details for photographers are of less significance to video people.
Anyway, I wish every review was as informative and excellent as yours. I'm subscribing to your channel--even though I have almost no interest in photography (as opposed to video)--though I know there is much common ground.
I think you most certainly succeeded in being objective.
And God bless you!
Thank you so much! God bless
So I use the EOS computer software and I can remotely focus using my 55mm kit lens. Would I be able to do this type of focusing with the 55mm 1.4? I feel like no because it doesn't auto focus...
The 55m f/1.4? You mean this 50mm f/1.4 lens? Well, if that's what you mean, then as you can see in the review, it does indeed have autofocus, so I guess it should work
Chris is an excellent reviewer and his methodology is acceptable. He doesn't even lace his reviews with smart sounding terms. He just tells it like a layman. No pretense. It's hilarious to see some of the negative comments here. Chris, keep it up man. You are doing are tremendous job!
Thanks! :-)
This lens is amazingly versatile, I use it as my default lens on my Canon 5DIV, as portrait on my 700D and also on with an EF(AF)-MFT my Olympus OMD1III as a fantastic 100mm 1.4, and color rendering is very nice, as I don't make video and come from film cameras, I don't really care about image stab (and on Oly it's in-body stab), this lens is a real bargain for its perfs.
It isn't my favorite 50mm but it's one of the best in terms of price vs quality, especially used.
My research of the nifty fifty shows that since 1946 to roughly thr mid 1980s the 50mm was THE standard lens on all its cameras.
Those lenses had a variety of max aperture but they were all 50mm.
When you look at the amazing images that were shot with the 50mm I wonder why we think we need anything else.
I have some serious Canon L lenses and a few non-L primes as well. However, I find myself returning to the EF 50mm f/1.4 USM and the EF 35mm f/2 IS while leaving the others behind.
Out of those two I lean heavily on the 35mm. It has become my favorite lens on my EOS R with the adapter, the EOS 5D MkII and an EOS-1N.
I feel like lightening the load of the camera bag permanently and selling the other lenses.
Great review!
I had this lens for my EOS 5 for a few years and enjoyed its performance a lot, particularly its colour rendition. Unfortunate the motor broke down and after repairs, it went under completely. I am considering getting it used. I really miss its rendering of colours even in low light conditions.
the colors are amazing on this lens
I spend the day out in nature with this lens and 5D today shooting jpegs on auto and pictures are very very nice.
Nice video. Light gathering is 16x more, but bokeh is 4x because it has a linear relation. Greetings from Brazil.
Thanks for this and all your other videos. And while you apparently have been lucky enough to be able to use this lens for years, here is a word of warning for all who are considering to buy this lens: Apparently the focus motor of this lens has a unique design, which seems to make it Canon's mechanically weakest lens. Just search for the lens' name and "focus problem" or "focus issue" on the internet, and you'll understand what I mean. There are even some videos on CZcams that show you how to fix this (for some time) - you shouldn't consider the repair unless you are very experienced in fine mechanics, though. Unfortunately I only found out about this problem, when my own lens began to show this problem (which Canon has not fixed since the lens came on the market in 1993).
+buyaport I do mention that problem in this video. As you say, the focus mechanism of this lens really does wear out
my focus ring became quite sensitive after a year of usage. it's quite annoying, but I still love the lens!
Is it a good value to get a 50mm 1.4 instead of 50mm 1.8 ??? Bokeh of both are quite close as I have seen on youtube,,,
One of the best
very helpful mate ...
Hello, i really like your reviews !
Please will you do a review and compare this 50mm 1.4 with the new 50mm 1.8 stm ? thank you !
Bought this as a 'holiday' lens and it works fine on and old SLR. It's not really a digital lens. It works well for travel.
Just bought this lens today.. Can't wait to play with it :)
Getting mine in the mail this week. Can't wait to try it out!
Can‘t wait to finally be able to afford this lens
Such a shame this lens isn't much cop - especially now it's unlikely Canon will ever do an updated version given the rush to mirrorless. I was really hoping for a new version similar to the EF 35mm f2 IS, which is a cracking little lens as you say.
Ah. This was my favourite lens on my 600D until we fell on hard times and had to sell it. Damned bankers!
I have the 600D and I think im about to buy this lens!
@@Liam760 I wish you many happy snaps!
@@periurban ended up getting a 60mm EF-S f/2.8 macro usm! :D
Would you say this is a lesser lens to the 50mm 1.8 STM then? it appears that way after watching both of your reviews, I have used the 50mm 1.4 USM and I found it really had a lot of issues so I am thinking of going for the cheaper 1.8 STM over the 1.4 USM and saving the rest of the money for a Sigma 30mm 1.4 DC
I am currently using the 700D I don't have much plan to upgrade to full frame unless canon release the 6D II
Thanks again, really enjoyable honest review. I still won't buy this one either though!
Could u tell your picture style settings pls? i got 60D and 50mm f1.4
Can you do a review of the canon 50mm f2.5 compact Macro Lens
Brilliant!
I bought a Canon EF-S 10-18mm because of one of your videos. I paid £249 at Jessops Store in London.
I think I'll buy an EF 50mm 1.4 USM. Is it a good lens for night sky photography (stars and star trail ? I've got a Canon 700D).
Thank You, Christopher!
I'm planning to visit your country next time I travel to the UK.
Hey great video thanks for the upload. I just bought one for a backup. Is it normal that the focusing ring is not that smooth? Feels like paper on paper when turned off cam. Thanks for any ideas/tipps
If it's a second hand lens then yes, that's pretty normal I'm afraid
I have that lens, it'd one of the best purchase that I have ever made! Especially when I want to do some shootings for my blog. But here's the problem, I can easily take pictures with my CANON EOS M3 & that lens but when I want to record, it seems very slow. Please, which Canon camera can you suggest me to buy ? If I want to make some great blogs with this lens. Thank you.
Interesting video enjoyed it very much. Would I get the benefits of this lens on the Canon 80d?
It depends what you mean by 'the benefits'
It would be great for headshots and portraits. The crop sensor will give you a 75mm equivalent. Get a 35mm if you want a wider view.
Hey Christopher! I have a Canon 70 d and wanting a good lens for wedding/family portraits and was thinking of getting this one but not sure after your review....what do you think? Please help! I have my first wedding on the 27th of August.
Just buy my today.allready my favourite lens
I can't believe this lens is already five years old. I wonder if Canon has an upgrade/next version coming in any time soon.
This lens was introduced in 1993.
Hey Chris, great video as usual! I have a question for you. I am looking into getting my first upgrade from my kit lens. I use a canon T3i. What are your thoughts on the 24-105 f4L? I've seen so many opinions on it. And do you know how the Tamron 24-70 f2.8 compares to it? I was recommended that over the 24-105. What would you do? I also do video, but i've been told both are fine in that aspect. Thanks, and keep up the videos, I love watching them!
Thanks! Check out my video about upgrading your kit lens.
Am just getting hard times on both manual focus and auto at the lens stops to search a subject on auto focus and also hard to scroll on Manual focus...Any solution plz
That’s a grant naylor red dwarf book behind your Konica. Infinity welcomes careful photographers.
What would you recommend for a updated 50mm lens that's in the same price range as the Canon 50mm F/1.4 USM?
@Poof that's harsh. People have lives and have other stuff to do besides run a CZcams channel. Not replying to some comments is a common thing and frankly not that big of a deal. Damn.
Poof as someone said if you’re asking a CZcamsr about a lens recommendation then chances are you don’t know what you’re looking for. Rent them for yourself and quit asking everyone else.
@Poof this video is 6 years old
Hey Christopher. I want to ask what gears you use for filming this video?
I can't remember, probably a Canon 6D and 35mm f/1.8
Hi, Chris. Love ALL your videos made. I am a beginner and just got my very first DSLR Canon 80D with 50mm 1.4USM (the only lens) to start with. May I have your suggestion for lens choice on both wide angle and telephoto side? Sigma 17-50mm or Canon 10-18 or 24mm 2.8 pancake? Canon 55-250 STM or 70-300 IS II USM? Other suggestions? Thanks !
I would go for the 10-18, and the 55-250 :-)
Oh man, haha.
Watching this video at the end of 2019, hahaha.
The channel has changed a lot hehe
@@christopherfrost Absolutely. Great seeing the changes over time, haha.
LOL at "The image is just about usable." I want a bit more than "just about usable" from my camera lenses.
Me too hehe
does it pair with 80D ?
Hey Christopher first of all great videos lots of information I have a question I am buying my first DLSR the Canon 70D and one of the lens that I want to buy is the sigma 18- 35 what other lens do you suggest please let me know thank you.
Well, it depends what kind of photography you want to do
Chris I have a question. Did your T2i/550d dslr come with am 18-55mm kit lens or did this canon 50mm f1.4 come with the camera?
I bought it separately
Chris, can you please compare that one to the new STM fifty? I have recently bought the STM version but thinking about changing it to 1.4 USM version - but will it be as sharp at f1.8 as STM? I have seen your 50 mm comparison video, and you rated STM higher, but what i am particularly interested to know is, what is theor sharpness in comparison at 1.8 (maybe anyone in the comments care to answer as well?)
+Dani Timo They're not very different really in terms of sharpness alone. Take another look at my 50mm comparison video and have a good think about what you need in a 50mm lens :-)
Hi Chris! I'm thinking about selling my 50 1.4 from Canon and replace it with Sigma's older 50 1.4 (non Art). Why? Because the Sigma has a bit more field of view than Canon, according to DRTV, and the Sigma has nine rounded aperture blades, compared to eight straight aperture blades on the Canon. I usually use the 50 for BOKEH photography and street shooting. I don't need the newer version with better image quality and built, plus I'm also saving for a Tokina 16-28 :)
What do you think?
Sincerely
MrRapala91
Hi Chris, I have the 70d and i am on tight budget at the moment. I really need your help. can you please help me choose which one to get, the 50mm f1.4 or the 15-85mm f3.5,5.6 for videography from your experience? I have seen all your reviews and I can see that you love both lens, this made me want both but can only choose one for starter. Really appreciate your help...thanks
Well, it's a tricky question because they're totally different lenses in every single way. If there must be Only One then certainly the 15-85. You could combine it at a later time with the cheap little 50mm f1.8
That barrel distortion just kills me
Thanks for review, great stuff.
I have this lens and find at 1.4 the Manual focus is incredibly unreliable through the view finder. I've done tests with a tripod and sometimes it is front focused, sometimes the focus is behind - I can't even get it reliably bad!
Is this to be expected through the viewfinder at 1.4? Or is it like my lens or camera is a dud? I do have problems on my other fast lens as well, especially when it's farther from subject.
I'm using 70d. I've seen people complain about auto focus but I'm using manual and having problems.
You will always find it difficult through the viewfinder on any f/1.4 lens, to be honest. I always use liveview
You can't really manual focus through the viewfinder in modern autofocus cameras. In order to ensure that the viewfinder won't be dark when using zoom lenses with f/3.5 or smaller as it's largest aperture, the microprism screen is made, so that it will show you an image in the viewfinder as it looks when stopped down to circa f/2.8 even though the lens is actually at f/1.4. So when manually focusing through the viewfinder, pictures taken at f/2.8 or larger will be hit and miss. Try setting your camera to aperture priority and start at the lens' largest aperture. Stop down the lens using depth of field preview and close down the lens one step at a time. Then you'll see that the image doesn't change until you reach about f/2.8.
On many cameras you can swap out the microprism screen to one that let's you focus manually, if you need to do that often. If you do choose to swap out the microprism screen you'll need to be aware that you have to set it up in the camera's settings, otherwise it'll screw up the exposure. You can also use liveview of course.
I'm very interested in this lens because it is very bright. I know it is very good for portraits, but I wonder if it's a great lens for landscape photography?
Greetings, your channel is so interesting.
Any lens is useful for landscape work - it depends what focal length you need. 50mm (on an APS-C camera) will give you some good compression so it will be good for certain shots
I'm still using it with my sony a6300
Hey Christopher, I purchased a canon rebel t5 but I'm not really sure if I can use these lens. I searched up many times What lens I can use for my t5 in many articles it said the 50mm 1.4 fits right on it? Is that right?
+Johnny Castro All Canon lenses made since 1987 will work on your Canon APS-C Digital SLR camera, except EF-M lenses
the later models of the Canon 50mm f1.4 with the center pinch cap are waaay sharper ....
What about if 50mm 1.4 USM vs 85mm 1.8 USM, which the better ?
Irsyad Amk Two different lenses for two different purposes
Great review, thanks Christopher! I'm also an English teacher in Korea and this was the first non kit lens I brought for my 650d! I was thinking of swapping this for the new Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC HSM, what are you thoughts on this? I just want a bit more width! Thanks!
Go for it! Make sure it's the 'Art' version of the lens you're getting. Check out the review on my channel
Great, thanks, checked out the review too, is the 30mm Art much sharper than this 50?
olly2989
It's definitely sharper, but shows more chromatic aberration
so what is the better choice if you want better image quality, since as I understand this lens is kinda suck? What is the alternative which is better and probable same price point? I found a brand new one for $250, should I get it or there is a better one available for the price?
Take a look at my 50mm lens comparison video :-)
Do you goes with 7d mark ii
Hey Christopher! I currently bought the EOS canon rebel t5. Can I use this lens for it?
+Kevin castro All Canon mount lenses made since 1987 will work on your Canon APS-C digital SLR camera, except EF-M lenses
At f/1.4, how much of the blurriness is the fault of the lens, and how much is actually background-bokeh? i.e. The front door, etc.
In todays time can i go for for sir?
Retest this with an eos r pleaseeeee
Hi , pls i need answer , which better the canon 50mm 1.4 or sigma 50mm 1.4 hsm ?
Thank you
I think the Sigma, although it's AF is bad. Check out my comparison video
Hi, may i ask your opinion about which works better for video, Samyang 50mm f/1.4 AS UMC Lens or Canon 50mm f1.4 USM?
I saw your Samyang 50mm f/1.4 AS UMC Lens review and found out that you are agree the lens works fine for video, but because i couldn't find any comparison reviews between these two lenses, so i want to know about your opinion.
Can i ask for attention? It's been a week since i asked.
Mic Liebhart The Samyang is much sharper at wide apertures but this makes no difference in 1080p video and arguably in 4K as well. The Canon, while not being as sharp, has a really nice dreamy look. The Samyang is manual focus only and focuses much more smoothly than the Canon. The canon can autofocus but is not made for smooth video focusing. You will be able to hear it clicking and juddering as it focuses. If autofocus is vital to you, or you really like the look of the images it produces, go with the Canon. If you can deal with manual focus and manual aperture, I would say the Samyang is better technically for video.
should i buy this lens or any better lens u can recommend under the same price range or a lil bit higher?
+maham rafi Check out my 50mm lens comparison video, it'll help you decide
Got this lens to use it at f1.4 mostly but unfortunately the image quality is not that good at f1.4, so I end up using it at f2.8 mostly. Pretty disappointing tbh.
How do I get it to f2.8
Hi is this good for Canon 700D for vvideo? thank you
It won't have image stabilization but apart from that it will be quite good
Have they improved this lens since? Thanks!
it's 2020, and no even rumors about that
Hello,what is the difference between 50mmf/1.4 USm and 1.8 STM? . i use canon 70d ... thanks
Take a look at my review of the f/1.8 STM lens, and you'll be able to compare them
I used to have the Canon EF 50mm F1.4 and I had problems with the lens which is if you make a mistake and end up been hit at then it end up not working and it will cost You over £100 getting it fixed so I got rid of it and got the Canon EF 50MM F1.2Lc
I should said I got the Canon EF 50MM F1.2L
Hi Chris! How are you? Excellent video, I've been watching many of them and I've been quite impress. I was wondering if you can help me decide which 50mm lenses I should buy. I initially decided to buy between the Canon 50mm f/1.8 and Canon 40mm f2.8 "pancake" for budget reasons, but I manage to have a better budget over these past months. So I'm considering buying the Canon 50mm f/1.4, but after watching your video it kinda made me doubt if I should get this 50mm lenses. I've been in photography for about a year and a half, so I do have a bit of experience. I own a Canon rebel t3i with the kit lens and a zoom lens (75-300mm f/4-5.6) since then so I wanted to have a lens with wider apertures for low light photography. So, do you think I should get this lens or consider other options?
PS: Happy New Year! Well, almost :^)
Hmm, another lens to consider is the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 or 30mm f/1.4 ART
Christopher Frost Photography
Okay, I`ll check them out. Thanks Chris!
please how to get clear image at youtube 360p . i dont know if inside youtube editing or programme exporting format
You won't get a very clear view at YT 360p because it's only 360p.
your video clear at 360p how to get it . witch format you export .and do you change anything inside youtube when you load your video
1080p / 20Mbps. Nothing gets changed
I got a little bit confused when you talked about aps-c vs full frame. So if I use this lens on my t5i , I dont exactly get 50mm ? or is it only when taking videos ? does this mean that to actually get 50mm with my t5i I would have to buy something like a 35mm ? hope this is not to confusing, thanks.
It's okay. On a Canon APS-C camera, you have to multiply the focal length by 1.6. So 10mm is the full frame equivalent of 16mm, and 50mm is the full frame equivalent of 80mm, no matter what lens you use. So, if you want a lens that will give you the angle of view that a 50mm lens will give on a full frame camera, then you'll need about a 30mm lens
Christopher Frost Photography Thanks a lot ! I just ordered one and I can't wait to try it out ! keep up the videos :)
As u said. this is not good for
aps-c. Cameras so should i go for for the 50mm 1.8 .?
Take a look at my review of that lens :-)
What lens should I buy now? It is very important for me to have a great bokeh. I need it for videography 80% of the time, filming in my home gym and at the fitness center. I'll get the Canon D5 Mark III. My budget for the lens is max. 1000 Euro. I thought the 50mm 1.4 as my first lens would be right, but after this review I'am not sure any longer. Do you have a advice?
Do you need a lens with image stabilization?
Christopher Frost Photography I don't know if a Glidecam would be enough, because I haven't any experience with one. I want to move the cam definitely, but if the image quality and bokeh would suffer (if I would buy a lens with IS) I would buy a second lens (with IS) for the purpose of moving the cam (if a glide cam wouldn't be enough). I think the answer you're looking for is, that approx. 50 % of the videography time the cam will be on a tripod. 50% it will be moving. I would buy a second lens if the bokeh and image quality would suffer with a IS lens.
limebulls Well, it may be a case of trial and error for you. One lens to try might be the Tamron 24-70 f/2.8 VC USD. Zoom lens, narrow depth of field, image stabilization, good quality :-)
Hey Buddy. Did you face any issue in focusing on 50mm 1.4 USM till now ?
Thats the disadvantage of a low f lens
What equipment did you record this video with?
I can't remember. I think it was the Canon 6D and some lens with a fast maximum aperture
It was between this and the Tamron 45mm I think I'll go 45mm
Thank you for this video.
I love my 50mm but I have to say I do have problem on focus
it never fall where I need it too. :( I am frustrated
I forgot to say that I use this lens on my t3i rebel.
NUNZIA WRIGHT I just bought this lens and I to have a t3i rebel/600d. I'm crossing my fingers I don't come across this problem. How do you manage to fix it or make it work?
banke balogun hi.
someone say is practice. I will suggest u to shoot a lot.
find a subject and shot at it for far from close.. and check your picture to make sure u get your focus right.
I will also check the spot metering. it will help u.
I have it too (use it with a 70d) and find focus incredibly unreliable at 1.4. I thought manual focus would fix it but it's even more difficult. Live view helps.
Please redo this review with your new test chart!!!
Take a look at my review of the YongNuo 50mm f/1.4, you can see a comparison there where I used the test chart
Nice review but why pics is not cool ? Some pics look like out of focous
is this better than sigma 50mm f1.4 art lens or not? i am so confused which one to go for with my canon 70d
The sigma 50mm art 1.4 is better for its optics and sharpness and build quality. and it has its downsides.
+maham rafi search in flickr photos from the canon and from sigma, and take your own conclusions, sharpness means nothing in lens comparations
How big would you have to print so that the softness in the middle at f1.4 becomes a problem?
Not huge, but big
@@christopherfrost What is big? DIN A4?
@@Universal_Craftsman A4 might be okay
What is a camer?
does it compatible for full frame body camera?
Watch the video, and you'll find out!
Hey is this good for vlogging?
no
unless you shoot a b-roll
I have this lens and I've had to have it replaced four times :( I thought the softness of the photos was because the lens had stopped working, maybe its just normal? I found that when I got the new lens it works amazingly and is extremely sharp on the subject with a very blurry background, however after a few months auto focus stops working properly and the subject becomes very soft when taking photos. I was told at Jessops the reason why it broke was because I turn the dial when I am using autofocus which breaks the mechanism instantly and thats why it broke, however the last three times it broke I have never turned the dial while in autofocus, so I have no idea what I'm doing wrong :( I noticed in this video you are turning the dial while in autofocus which shocked me because I was thinking oh my god, aren't you going to break it??? I literally treat my lens as if its a new born baby I am so careful with it. I can't understand why it keeps not focusing, I've had it replaced four times over the past year and a half and its happened to every lens so far :( Someone please help me!!!
Are you using the f/1.4 version, or the f/1.8?
Christopher Frost Photography The f/1.4 :(
Christopher Frost Photography On a Canon 60D if thats at all relevant aha (thanks so much for replying)
*****
Hmm. Well the focus ring is designed to be turned at any time, so I have absolutely no idea how you keep wrecking your lenses...sorry!
Failing auto-focus motor is a common problem with this lens, and the reason for it might be the type of the motor used in this lens by canon, which is Micro USM as opposite to the "normal" USM used in other lenses. It just seems to be too weak for the design, and it breaks after a while. Mine broke after few years of very light use. The cost of fixing it is almost half of the price of the new lens, and there is no guarantee it won't break again, as canon service just swaps the broken USM with a new part which is still the same weak Micro USM.
Im gettingbone ofvthese alongbwithnconvertor for my nikon 1
Why it’s vulnerable?
Where about in wales are you from?
The Cardigan area