CANON EF 50MM F/1.8 II (Page 2): I think you actually have the "nifty fifty" Mark I version, not the Mark II. The Mark I has the same optics but better build quality. You can confirm...

marki3rd Loc: Columbus, Indiana

Scoutman wrote:

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I also have the "nifty fifty" - probably not the f/1.8 II, because I do not see the "II" on the lens barrel and have not researched the difference.

I think you actually have the "nifty fifty" Mark I version, not the Mark II. The Mark I has the same optics but better build quality. You can confirm this by looking at the mount on the bottom of the lens. If the mount is plastic it is a MarkII, if metal it is a Mark I.

The Mark I commands a somewhat higher price in the used market because it is more desired. If one wants to try the 50mm 1:1.8 the Mark I model in good condition on the used market would be the best option IMHO.

Anvil Loc: Loveland, CO

I have the nifty fifty. On a crop frame camera (mine is a 70D), the 50mm lens becomes a very nice portrait lens. When I got it, I was experimenting with self portraits, just to see how well the background will blur, when wide open. Here is a sample of my experiment, using f/1.8.

Fullframe Loc: Bucks County, Pennsylvania

sdavid631 wrote:

Seeking advice on this lens. Who has it? What are advantages? What kind of photos did you use it for? Overall level of satisfaction?
Thanks

It's a no brainer for $100. I have it, and it takes wonderfully sharp images, and is very light.

Here's a caged bird. Taken through the cage so the foreground cage bars are blurred out. Took it at 6400 ISO so kind of grainy, but still sharp considering the lighting and not optimal shooting conditions.
I'm happy with it, but use my Sigma Art 50 most of the time, since it's sharper yet (but $750 more expensive)

Canon 50mm 1.8 II

(Download)

imagesintime Loc: small town, mid-America

sdavid631 wrote:

Seeking advice on this lens. Who has it? What are advantages? What kind of photos did you use it for? Overall level of satisfaction?
Thanks

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-50mm-f-1.8-II-Lens-Review.aspx

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

jeryh wrote:

I have this lens; if I were you, I would steer clear of it- the af is marginal, build quality sucks, and it rattles. Not a good buy; I would advise getting the Canon 85mm F2.8- much better all round.

It is a great lens for the price as you can see from the photos provided. Works well, no it is not USM and is plastic but still very well built.
Goes with me everywhere and I use it when the situation calls for it.

Kubie Loc: SE Kansas

Got mine for $75 used and have never regretted a penny of it. Can be a life saver in low light and it makes you think about the shot composition over just twisting the zoom which is a good thing in itself.

Denisedancer Loc: Sydney Australia

Kubie wrote:

Got mine for $75 used and have never regretted a penny of it. Can be a life saver in low light and it makes you think about the shot composition over just twisting the zoom which is a good thing in itself.

I agree with you here. I have always relied on my zoom and it was a completely different experience when I went out the other day without my zoom and with only the 50mm and my wide angle 10-20mm. I really did have to think more about composition and I'm trying to learn how to best use both these lenses.

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

sdavid631 wrote:

Seeking advice on this lens. Who has it? What are advantages? What kind of photos did you use it for? Overall level of satisfaction?
Thanks

You get what you pay for. Well it's IQ is actually pretty good for what it is, a cheap, cheaply build -plastic thing. Not worth the money they're asking for it (even though it's just a hundred bucks)! I would opt for the 50/f1.4 instead, still a very cheap lens, but it will last longer (and not just simply fall apart) and it has better IQ and it is faster!

Denisedancer Loc: Sydney Australia

speters wrote:

You get what you pay for. Well it's IQ is actually pretty good for what it is, a cheap, cheaply build -plastic thing. Not worth the money they're asking for it (even though it's just a hundred bucks)! I would opt for the 50/f1.4 instead, still a very cheap lens, but it will last longer (and not just simply fall apart) and it has better IQ and it is faster!

And is more than double the price. Not everyone can afford to pay that much for one lens. This 50mm f1.8 is a great little lens for the price and does a good job. It's certainly robust enough unless you are a professional and careless with your equipment.

davidrb Loc: Half way there on the 45th Parallel

Skneemiller wrote:

Can someone post pictures taken with this lens, would be interested in viewing them also.

The-digital-picture.com will give you more info than any other site. They do complete work-ups on all Canon lenses. Anything you want to know can be found there. Try it, it's free.

sdavid631 Loc: West liberty, ia

Awesome I ll check it out

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Denisedancer wrote:

And is more than double the price. Not everyone can afford to pay that much for one lens. This 50mm f1.8 is a great little lens for the price and does a good job. It's certainly robust enough unless you are a professional and careless with your equipment.

Fully agree it is a great little lens and holds up extremely well and is very sharp. Mine is several years old and is just fine. Love it. Worth the price.