I've gone back and forth on this for so long that it's funny.
50mm 1.4 vs. 50mm 1.8 vs 50mm 2.5 macro.
I know many people love the MkII as a real bargain. It's just that it is so butt ugly, and that focus ring looks useless!
The resolution info at photozone.de had me leaning toward the f1.4, but it's so hard to translate numbers in to noticeable differences.
In the end, I bought it because I know I can always resell it on B&S. I paid $71.94 from Amazon...shipped. They go for that on B&S all the time ('cause apparently very few people know how to compare prices).
For a price like that, and the ability to resell it here for about that price, it's worth taking a look at. Amazon has a really nice return policy as well if you decide it's not for you.
Every time I put it on the camera I'm amazed what the lens can do.
Enjoy,
Eric
PS - Did you ever work for an insurance company in IT? Your name is very familiar.
Whenever I help someone pick and choose their first D/SLR (hey, some people still want film) I tell them to skip whatever POS kit lens Canon is trying to push that month, and just get a 50 1.8. Of course, a lot of people say 'but the 18-55 is a lot of lens for that money' - but it's really not, and the 50 1.8 is proof that you can do better. I actually bought a 350D + 50 1.8 for a friend yesterday, I'm sure he'll be a lot happier with it then he would be with the 17-55, and the price was the same.
I have a 50 1.8 MkI that's been in my family since my brother bought it new in '90 or '91 and I absolutely adore it.
For a price like that, and the ability to resell it here for about that price, it's worth taking a look at. Amazon has a really nice return policy as well if you decide it's not for you.
Every time I put it on the camera I'm amazed what the lens can do.
Enjoy,
Eric
PS - Did you ever work for an insurance company in IT? Your name is very familiar.
No Eric,
Never around insurance.
There are more Maniscalcos then you might imagine.
Yay! for the nifty fifty. I'm just about to pop out for the day, camera in hand (but not particularly to take photos, I'm just taking it out with me). Lens of choice? 24-105mm f/4L? My fancy Sigma 30mm prime? Naaah. On goes the fifty, and out I go to have fun.
Who cares if the front focus ring feels like it's about to drop off? Not me. I'd bet good money this one stays in your bag. Have fun with it.
).
