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Archive 2010Just got 50L - mixed feelings.
p.8 #1Just got 50L - mixed feelings.
I am baffled by this response. Both the 50/1.8 and 50/1.4 have issues, period. Many Canon shooters just want a high quality 50mm prime. Are you suggesting that if you want 50 @ f1.2 then have the 50L and when you shoot at anything else swap out to one of the other 50's? I don't think most photographers want a 50mm just for special effects at f1.2... most realize that most photos are better with more DOF. Also, if you are just after super thin DOF, the 85L or 135L are probably better... sharper and prettier rendering IMO too.
I just want a quality 50 from Canon. Maybe Sigma will push them into releasing a 50/1.4 II... *I* can only hope.
jkurkjia wrote:
I agree with you about the "not everyone" and "all" parts of your statement but also believe the vast majority of 1.2L owners would almost always shoot wide open; I mean really, why else would they waste money purchasing this lens when the lower cost f/1.4 (or even the f/1.8) option is available?
Please don't take my comment as justification of Canon's choice of design (i.e. lack of floating rear element). I'm merely trying to point out why most owners don't care about the issue and are happy with their purchase decision. Certainly there are going to be a few folks...Show more →
I just want a quality 50 from Canon. Maybe Sigma will push them into releasing a 50/1.4 II... *I* can only hope.
jkurkjia wrote:
mh2000 wrote
Focus shift does not occur when the lens is shot wide open... not everyone wants to shoot all their photos wide open.Please don't take my comment as justification of Canon's choice of design (i.e. lack of floating rear element). I'm merely trying to point out why most owners don't care about the issue and are happy with their purchase decision. Certainly there are going to be a few folks...Show more →
Mar 03, 2010 at 12:29 PM
brainiac
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p.8 #2Just got 50L - mixed feelings.
Thank you for this very well made and clear demonstration of the problem. I think your pictures show that focus shift is significant with this lens, and will hurt image quality at several apertures. The only workaround for this, as I have said earlier, is to focus while the lens is stopped down. Some people are prepared to work within that constraint, and some are not. Unfortunately it is easier to do that with a Rokkor 58 f1.2 on a Canon body than it is with a Canon lens on a Canon body.
edean wrote:
Overall my conclusion was any issues are barely noticible and that the other factors when taking a picture are more significant. I have had some great pictures and a good hit rate with this lens once I had learned how to use it.
Be interested in any of your thoughts?
NB: The first few which look like backfocus are most likely that I have slightly missed focus on the central black target bar due to it being ~2mm from 5 ft. The white text in the central bar is less than 1mm tall in print!!. Even live view has it's limitations at...Show more →
edean wrote:
Overall my conclusion was any issues are barely noticible and that the other factors when taking a picture are more significant. I have had some great pictures and a good hit rate with this lens once I had learned how to use it.
Be interested in any of your thoughts?
NB: The first few which look like backfocus are most likely that I have slightly missed focus on the central black target bar due to it being ~2mm from 5 ft. The white text in the central bar is less than 1mm tall in print!!. Even live view has it's limitations at...Show more →
Mar 03, 2010 at 12:59 PM
brainiac
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p.8 #3Just got 50L - mixed feelings.
mh2000 wrote:
I just want a quality 50 from Canon. Maybe Sigma will push them into releasing a 50/1.4 II... *I* can only hope.
There are two: 24-105, and 24-70, Canon's best 50's. ;-0
I just want a quality 50 from Canon. Maybe Sigma will push them into releasing a 50/1.4 II... *I* can only hope.
There are two: 24-105, and 24-70, Canon's best 50's. ;-0
Mar 03, 2010 at 01:02 PM
p.8 #4Just got 50L - mixed feelings.
I think there are more problem with this particular copy than just focus shift as shown by the chart sample. Focus shift will not show up at f/1.2 and f/1.4. Granted, the 50L is soft wide open at 5ft, but the shots at f/1.2 is very soft, I can't even read the letter on the charts, it's all fuzzy.
My copy can do better, not perfect but at least I can read the chart letter and numbers at f/1.4.
My copy can do better, not perfect but at least I can read the chart letter and numbers at f/1.4.
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Mar 03, 2010 at 01:48 PM
p.8 #5Just got 50L - mixed feelings.
ahendarman wrote:
I think there are more problem with this particular copy than just focus shift as shown by the chart sample. Focus shift will not show up at f/1.2 and f/1.4. Granted, the 50L is soft wide open at 5ft, but the shots at f/1.2 is very soft, I can't even read the letter on the charts, it's all fuzzy.
My copy can do better, not perfect but at least I can read the chart letter and numbers at f/1.4.
That is very nice, lucky you. I wish the copy I returned was like that, but it was more like the one from the poster above you.
I think there are more problem with this particular copy than just focus shift as shown by the chart sample. Focus shift will not show up at f/1.2 and f/1.4. Granted, the 50L is soft wide open at 5ft, but the shots at f/1.2 is very soft, I can't even read the letter on the charts, it's all fuzzy.
My copy can do better, not perfect but at least I can read the chart letter and numbers at f/1.4.
That is very nice, lucky you. I wish the copy I returned was like that, but it was more like the one from the poster above you.
Mar 03, 2010 at 01:51 PM
p.8 #6Just got 50L - mixed feelings.
ahendarman wrote:
I think there are more problem with this particular copy than just focus shift as shown by the chart sample. Focus shift will not show up at f/1.2 and f/1.4. Granted, the 50L is soft wide open at 5ft, but the shots at f/1.2 is very soft, I can't even read the letter on the charts, it's all fuzzy.
My copy can do better, not perfect but at least I can read the chart letter and numbers at f/1.4.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2790/4404771156_5ebc276215_o.jpg
Interesting...what distance did you shoot yours from? It certainly seems to be sharper; mine were taken from 5-6 feet away.
Edited on Mar 03, 2010 at 02:12 PM · View previous versions
I think there are more problem with this particular copy than just focus shift as shown by the chart sample. Focus shift will not show up at f/1.2 and f/1.4. Granted, the 50L is soft wide open at 5ft, but the shots at f/1.2 is very soft, I can't even read the letter on the charts, it's all fuzzy.
My copy can do better, not perfect but at least I can read the chart letter and numbers at f/1.4.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2790/4404771156_5ebc276215_o.jpg
Interesting...what distance did you shoot yours from? It certainly seems to be sharper; mine were taken from 5-6 feet away.
Edited on Mar 03, 2010 at 02:12 PM · View previous versions
Mar 03, 2010 at 02:09 PM
p.8 #7Just got 50L - mixed feelings.
Yeah, I had the 24-70L... nice slow, HUGE and HEAVY lens... too bad that wasn't what I was looking for from Canon.
I'm really happy with my TS-E 45 and Leica Summicron-R 50... but somethings I want high quality, small, fast and AF.
brainiac wrote:
There are two: 24-105, and 24-70, Canon's best 50's. ;-0
I'm really happy with my TS-E 45 and Leica Summicron-R 50... but somethings I want high quality, small, fast and AF.
brainiac wrote:
mh2000 wrote
I just want a quality 50 from Canon. Maybe Sigma will push them into releasing a 50/1.4 II... *I* can only hope.Mar 03, 2010 at 02:12 PM
p.8 #8Just got 50L - mixed feelings.
This is the un-cropped version of the chart that I shown. Judging at the framing, it should be from around 3ft - 4ft away.
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Mar 03, 2010 at 02:21 PM
p.8 #9Just got 50L - mixed feelings.
Original poster here... I have returned the 50L and replaced it with Zeiss 50mm f/2. You can see some initial captures in this thread - there are two posts with pictures - https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/864916/4#8195480. They're not artistically interesting, but you may get some sense of how it draws.
It's obviously a very different lens besides also having 50mm focal length. It's going to be an interesting challenge to manual focus all the time, hopefully I'll learn that skill soon. I must say there were not very many quality 50mm choices for Canon. Oh how I wish there was 50L 1.4 for general use. In any case, thanks for the civilized discussion on this topic.
It's obviously a very different lens besides also having 50mm focal length. It's going to be an interesting challenge to manual focus all the time, hopefully I'll learn that skill soon. I must say there were not very many quality 50mm choices for Canon. Oh how I wish there was 50L 1.4 for general use. In any case, thanks for the civilized discussion on this topic.
Mar 03, 2010 at 02:27 PM
p.8 #10Just got 50L - mixed feelings.
Apology to the OP for continuing this thread, I hope he doesn't mind. I just want to show that there is an acceptable copy of 50L floating around. Please excuse the pixel peeping. I hardly notice the focus shift on my copy. I know it's there but I just can't see it. Maybe my test method is wrong.
This is all from 3ft away on tripod with mirror lock up and timer.
f/1.4
f/2.8
f/4.0
This is all from 3ft away on tripod with mirror lock up and timer.
f/1.4
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f/2.8
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f/4.0
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Mar 03, 2010 at 02:40 PM
p.8 #11Just got 50L - mixed feelings.
Ahendarman, no focus shift ? Well, you obviously don't know how to use that lens. 
Mar 03, 2010 at 02:47 PM
p.8 #12Just got 50L - mixed feelings.
ahendarman wrote:
Apology to the OP for continuing this thread, I hope he doesn't mind.
I don't mind at all. I got the feedback I was looking for and so this thread is as good as any to post opinions and experience with 50L. Congrats on your copy.
Apology to the OP for continuing this thread, I hope he doesn't mind.
I don't mind at all. I got the feedback I was looking for and so this thread is as good as any to post opinions and experience with 50L. Congrats on your copy.
Mar 03, 2010 at 02:48 PM
p.8 #13Just got 50L - mixed feelings.
ahendarman wrote:
This is the un-cropped version of the chart that I shown. Judging at the framing, it should be from around 3ft - 4ft away.
Thanks i'll stick one up with the same framing to compare.
This is the un-cropped version of the chart that I shown. Judging at the framing, it should be from around 3ft - 4ft away.
Thanks i'll stick one up with the same framing to compare.
Mar 03, 2010 at 03:05 PM
p.8 #14Just got 50L - mixed feelings.
PetKal wrote:
Ahendarman, no focus shift ? Well, you obviously don't know how to use that lens.
Count me as another one.
Ahendarman, no focus shift ? Well, you obviously don't know how to use that lens.
Count me as another one.
Mar 03, 2010 at 03:05 PM
p.8 #15Just got 50L - mixed feelings.
PetKal wrote:
Ahendarman, no focus shift ? Well, you obviously don't know how to use that lens.
You know, I am glad you pointed out.
I have yet been able to produce an image that make me proud and worth showing with this lens. I mostly shoot my 4-month old kid indoor and most of the result are out of focus or focus in the wrong area. I have much better result with my 24-70mm actually. It makes me wonder if it's the lens. I think this lens does have a steep learning curve and I know I still have a lot to learn.
Ahendarman, no focus shift ? Well, you obviously don't know how to use that lens.
You know, I am glad you pointed out
. I have yet been able to produce an image that make me proud and worth showing with this lens. I mostly shoot my 4-month old kid indoor and most of the result are out of focus or focus in the wrong area. I have much better result with my 24-70mm actually. It makes me wonder if it's the lens. I think this lens does have a steep learning curve and I know I still have a lot to learn.
Mar 03, 2010 at 03:07 PM
p.8 #16Just got 50L - mixed feelings.
wow, wow, wow.
how come this thread manage to go to page 7 now?
Canon should re-design this bad-boy. I still love mine though
how come this thread manage to go to page 7 now?
Canon should re-design this bad-boy. I still love mine though
Mar 03, 2010 at 03:14 PM
p.8 #17Just got 50L - mixed feelings.
ahendarman wrote:
You know, I am glad you pointed out .
I have yet been able to produce an image that make me proud and worth showing with this lens. I mostly shoot my 4-month old kid indoor and most of the result are out of focus or focus in the wrong area. I have much better result with my 24-70mm actually. It makes me wonder if it's the lens. I think this lens does have a steep learning curve and I know I still have a lot to learn.
Good man. You keep practicing until you start getting backfocused images with a good regularity. Then you may come back as fully certified. We have no room on FM Canon Gear Forum for "my lense focuses accurately" newbs.
PetKal wrote
Ahendarman, no focus shift ? Well, you obviously don't know how to use that lens.. I have yet been able to produce an image that make me proud and worth showing with this lens. I mostly shoot my 4-month old kid indoor and most of the result are out of focus or focus in the wrong area. I have much better result with my 24-70mm actually. It makes me wonder if it's the lens. I think this lens does have a steep learning curve and I know I still have a lot to learn.
Good man. You keep practicing until you start getting backfocused images with a good regularity. Then you may come back as fully certified. We have no room on FM Canon Gear Forum for "my lense focuses accurately" newbs.
Mar 03, 2010 at 03:18 PM
p.8 #18Just got 50L - mixed feelings.
PetKal wrote:
We have no room on FM Canon Gear Forum for "my lense focuses accurately" newbs.
Funny, very very funny ... you just made my day!
Joe
We have no room on FM Canon Gear Forum for "my lense focuses accurately" newbs.
Funny, very very funny ... you just made my day!
Joe
Mar 03, 2010 at 05:28 PM
p.8 #19Just got 50L - mixed feelings.
jkurkjia wrote:
Funny, very very funny ... you just made my day!
Joe
Happy to be of service, Joe.
PetKal wrote
We have no room on FM Canon Gear Forum for "my lense focuses accurately" newbs. Joe
Happy to be of service, Joe.
Mar 03, 2010 at 06:04 PM
p.8 #20Just got 50L - mixed feelings.
ahendarman wrote:
Apology to the OP for continuing this thread, I hope he doesn't mind. I just want to show that there is an acceptable copy of 50L floating around. Please excuse the pixel peeping. I hardly notice the focus shift on my copy. I know it's there but I just can't see it. Maybe my test method is wrong.
This is all from 3ft away on tripod with mirror lock up and timer.
How were these processed?
Any sharpning at all, at any level, including defaults from whatever conversion software you are using.
I have found the the focus shift is most apparent when shooting at an angle, not straight up like that.
Apology to the OP for continuing this thread, I hope he doesn't mind. I just want to show that there is an acceptable copy of 50L floating around. Please excuse the pixel peeping. I hardly notice the focus shift on my copy. I know it's there but I just can't see it. Maybe my test method is wrong.
This is all from 3ft away on tripod with mirror lock up and timer.
How were these processed?
Any sharpning at all, at any level, including defaults from whatever conversion software you are using.
I have found the the focus shift is most apparent when shooting at an angle, not straight up like that.
Mar 03, 2010 at 07:28 PM