Canon 50mm F/1.4 vs Canon 50mm F/1.8 STM: I have done a search and didn't find much to help me make this decision, so I am asking it here. Is there enough of a difference between the...

MikeMck Loc: Southern Maryland on the Bay

I have done a search and didn't find much to help me make this decision, so I am asking it here.

Is there enough of a difference between the 50mm F/1.4 and the F/1.8 to account for $200?

I have two STM lenses and have found them to be excellent.

My goal here is to be able to shoot my grandson in plays without the need for a flash, which isn't allowed.

thanks for your help.

oldtigger Loc: Roanoke Virginia-USA

canon has several 50mm lenses, shop carefully.
Quality differs...

haroldross Loc: Walthill, Nebraska

I prefer the images from the f/1.4 over the f/1.8 STM (this is just an opinion).

If you are going to need manual focus, the f/1.4 is the better choice. The STM can be manual focused but the STM lens are very difficult when it comes to manual focusing.

The STM lens have great video AF matched with the newer Canon bodies.

Marionsho Loc: Kansas

MikeMcK wrote:

I have done a search and didn't find much to help me make this decision, so I am asking it here.

Is there enough of a difference between the 50mm F/1.4 and the F/1.8 to account for $200?

I have two STM lenses and have found them to be excellent.

My goal here is to be able to shoot my grandson in plays without the need for a flash, which isn't allowed.

thanks for your help.

I would say yes. I bought the f1.4 and love it. The advantage of the f1.8 would be light weight. Plus, we all need a nifty 50. I was under the misunderstanding, that any 50mm lens was 'nifty'.

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

DxOMark scores both lenses about equal. IMO the extra speed (light sensitivity) of the f1.4 would be worth the cost.

MikeMck Loc: Southern Maryland on the Bay

rjaywallace wrote:

DxOMark scores both lenses about equal. IMO the extra speed (light sensitivity) of the f1.4 would be worth the cost.

Thanks, I didn't think to check DxoMark.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

MikeMcK wrote:

Is there enough of a difference between the 50mm F/1.4 and the F/1.8 to account for $200?

thanks for your help.

Yes! ;-)
SS

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Marionsho wrote:

I would say yes. I bought the f1.4 and love it. The advantage of the f1.8 would be light weight. Plus, we all need a nifty 50. I was under the misunderstanding, that any 50mm lens was 'nifty'.

No, only the $100 lens is nifty!!

The f1.2 if definitely NOT nifty!! :lol:
SS

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

MikeMcK wrote:

I have done a search and didn't find much to help me make this decision, so I am asking it here.

Is there enough of a difference between the 50mm F/1.4 and the F/1.8 to account for $200?

I have two STM lenses and have found them to be excellent.

My goal here is to be able to shoot my grandson in plays without the need for a flash, which isn't allowed.

thanks for your help.

Really, there isn't much difference between 1.4 and 1.8 in speed. It would be the same as setting your ISO to 640 rather than 1000. (2/3 of a stop as I understand it.)

My advice is to buy the cheaper lens and see how you like it. Buy from a place that will take a return without hassle. B&H or Adorama will both do that and you can try a 1.8 lens for 30 days and as long as you don't mess it up...you can return it for the price of shipping.

Gifted One Loc: S. E. Idaho

Keep an eye out at the Canon site for the 1.8. It is currently out of stock at -86 USD. I have seen it as low as -50 USD. I have 1.8 II and love it I don't do video or I would value STM.

I don't believe most people could tell the difference with quality or speed.

Question of the day HOW MANY STOPS is .4?

I have shot on crop and FF.

J. R.

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

Gifted One wrote:

Question of the day HOW MANY STOPS is .4?

J. R.

2/3 of a a stop.

F/1.4,> f/1.6, > f/1.8

Gifted One Loc: S. E. Idaho

CORRECT, dog you win a self funded, self guided tour of the wrong side of the Teton! I would be happy to tag along. Bring the pugs and they can pull the sled!

J. R.

rpavich wrote:

2/3 of a a stop.

F/1.4,> f/1.6, > f/1.8

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

Gifted One wrote:

CORRECT, dog you win a self funded, self guided tour of the wrong side of the Teton! I would be happy to tag along. Bring the pugs and they can pull the sled!

J. R.

Lol..thanks but I know my puggies...they'll ride and not pull thank you!

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

rpavich wrote:

Really, there isn't much difference between 1.4 and 1.8 in speed. It would be the same as setting your ISO to 640 rather than 1000. (2/3 of a stop as I understand it.)

My advice is to buy the cheaper lens and see how you like it. Buy from a place that will take a return without hassle. B&H or Adorama will both do that and you can try a 1.8 lens for 30 days and as long as you don't mess it up...you can return it for the price of shipping.

Actually, unless they've changed their policy, B&H also pays for return shipping. While I don't send things back often, I have done it three times over the last few years and it has never cost me anything.

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

mwsilvers wrote:

Actually, unless they've changed their policy, B&H also pays for return shipping. While I don't send things back often, I have done it three times over the last few years and it has never cost me anything.

Unless the product is not as advertised, you pay return shipping.

You get a return label, but it's not prepaid.