Previous/current owners of the Canon EF 50 1.2 L..

moosemunch1
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Previous/current owners of the Canon EF 50 1.2 L..

After much thought and consideration, I think I'm set on the older Canon EF 50 1.2 (with the Sigma and Tokina 1.4s being a close 2nd + 3rd).

I have never handled the Canon, so I don't quite know how good the manual focus ring feels (I only own one EF lens, the 16-35 F4 IS L, and although I really like the zoom ring, the focus ring feels a tad flimsy).

I appreciate a smooth/resistant turning motion, and a tight build. The only RF lens that currently has (IMHO) the best focus ring is the 100mm 2.8 L IS (which I own and love).

I'd love to hear from those that have handled the Canon. Thoughts on your experience with the focus ring. Yes, I know the Sigma is a "better" lens albeit without weather sealing, but I prefer the "character" of the old Canon 1.2 and current prices for a mint copy are hovering around $750.

Sep 14, 2024 at 02:06 PM

jcolwell
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Previous/current owners of the Canon EF 50 1.2 L..

I have both the EF 50/1.2L and EF 16-35/4L IS stitting in front of me. The 50 has more rotational resistance than the 16-35/4L. The 50/1.2 has less than twice the torque, or resistance to rotating, but it's noticeable. The 50/1.2L focus ring has no slop/hysteresis or undershoot/overshoot. I'm good with it, esp. in comparison with the EF 85/1.2L II, which has a featherweight focus ring (but it still works).

Sep 14, 2024 at 04:00 PM

garyvot
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Previous/current owners of the Canon EF 50 1.2 L..

The focusing ring on the EF 50 1.2L is fine, among the best of the USM lenses with full-time manual focusing, IMO. I really like how this lens is put together.

By now I think this lens is a rather well-known quantity, so I might not be sharing anything new, but it does have some focus shift that makes it hard to obtain critical sharpness when stopped down to f/2 or so.

Ironically, this was not as big of an issue on DSLRs, in part because focus was less consistent on DSLRs, but also because you could use MFA to calibrate focus to your preferred shooting aperture. (For example, I liked to shoot mine at f/1.6.)

But with R bodies, focusing is more precise and consistent, and there is no way to calibrate it to be otherwise.

So as much as I have fond memories of this lens, I would suggest obtaining a return privilege, if possible, and testing with it to see if this is an issue for you (assuming you are using it on mirrorless).

Good luck.

Sep 14, 2024 at 04:38 PM

Gochugogi
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Previous/current owners of the Canon EF 50 1.2 L..

I bought the EF 50 1.2L USM in 2007 and owned it until last year. Compared to a manual lens like a Nikkor AIS, manual focus feels cheap and plastic but works okay. Compared to other Canon AF lenses, it is better than average. AF is really slow but faster than my EF 50 1.4 USM.

I didn't have problems with focus shift but I mainly used it at F1.2 to F1.8 for people or at F8-16 for landscapes. Portrait shooters at a couple meters out seemed to have the most problems with focus shift. My main complaint is my copy suffered terrible coma along the periphery even at F4 or 5.6, so it wasn't good for city night scapes (streetlights looked like comets).

Sep 15, 2024 at 12:25 PM

moosemunch1
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Previous/current owners of the Canon EF 50 1.2 L..

I appreciate everyone's insight. I went ahead and purchased a copy on eBay that was described to be in excellent condition (with all original accessories and box) from a fellow who purchased it new but only used it a handful of times, for $700.

I sure hope it is a copy with few flaws. Either way, I think at this price point, one can be forgiving. Especially when considering how wide the diaphragm opens up to.

Sep 16, 2024 at 12:52 PM

moosemunch1
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Previous/current owners of the Canon EF 50 1.2 L..

The lens arrived, and to my surprise, the focus ring is VERY smooth (great resistance). It balances fairly well with my R5, and renders lovely images. The cosmetic condition is basically like new. Thanks again folks!

Sep 24, 2024 at 08:36 PM

melcat
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Previous/current owners of the Canon EF 50 1.2 L..

As detailed in the PDF instructios, this lens requires a filter on the front to complete the weather sealing.

Sep 24, 2024 at 09:43 PM

sirimiri
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Previous/current owners of the Canon EF 50 1.2 L..

The EF 50 1.2 got a fussy reputation for many of the above things mentioned.

However when you hit the intended focus point with it, wide open it does "draw" really nicely and is a lens type of a bygone era. Canon's raw processing software (and maybe others) can help clean up some of the more egregious lateral CA. Every lens is of course different, but my 50L has really nice manual focus feel for an AF/MF lens of its vintage.

For what it's worth, I found the Nikkor Ai-S 50mm 1.2 to peform almost the same at the Canon - being manual focus of course. It's also nice and small. Look at the Canon's block diagram and you'd logically think "what did Canon put in the 50L's housing to puff it up so much?"

Sep 24, 2024 at 11:42 PM

mdvaden
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Previous/current owners of the Canon EF 50 1.2 L..

I found the EF 50mm 1.2 L focus ring to be rather smooth.

As a lens, it felt cheap. And once I bought the RF 50 1.2 L, the new RF buried the EF version for "character". I even sold my Zeiss 50mm after getting the RF

The past couple weeks I've been watching a rash of videos again for many types of gear, and happened to watch one video about why some guy loved the EF 50mm 1.2 L and it's rendering. I don't recall much of what he said, but did take-away that it can be a good lens option nowadays in light of reduced used prices. The light weight of the EF is wonderful. And if someone likes the images from a lens, that can't be argued with.

If I spota copy someday for $400 or so, I'd consider getting one for an extra and spare.

...

Sep 25, 2024 at 07:48 AM


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