This topic is in the 2010 archive. You can read it and like its posts here. It is read only.
Archive 2010Which 50?
p.1 #1Which 50?
Hi Everyone,
I tried not to ask this question, because I'm sure it's been asked millions of times here and elsewhere, but I am really stuck.
I have a 50D and 5DII. I have the 50/1.8 II, Sigma 30, Canon 100 Macro (non-L), 24-105L and 70-200f4L IS. I have some focusing issues on the Sigma 30, but they are not that bad. The lens seems to be inconsistent when focusing. But, the Sigma 30 produces very, very nice images. Compared to my 50/1.8 on my 5DII, I can really tell the difference. I would say it's mostly the sharpness and the bokeh quality, the colors also seem better, but that might be more psychological or something.
Anyways, I have been debating with getting a Sigma 50, or the Canon 50L. If I go Canon, then I would probably have to wait like 1 year. If I go Sigma, I would have to wait a lot less, probably within a few months. What do you all think?
In the future, I am also planning to get the Canon 85/1.8 and the Canon 35L. I know the 35 and 50 are close, but whenever I try to shoot at 24, it seems just too wide for me.
I think the 50mm FL is one of the most useful for me, but it seems that for Canon, a very good 50 does not exist (at least according to reviews). The 50L seems to have focusing issues and it not that sharp at 1.2. The Canon 50/1.4 is prone to breaking (my friend had his AF fail). The Sigma 50/1.4 has the inconsistent focus/QC issues and the Canon 50/1.8 is flimsy and not as good IQ as the others. So, my reasoning is that with the Sigma, I'll be getting top notch IQ, with a chance at getting a good copy (and a good price).
I mostly do portraits. My subjects are kids and family.
What do you all think? I would really like to know your opinions.
I tried not to ask this question, because I'm sure it's been asked millions of times here and elsewhere, but I am really stuck.
I have a 50D and 5DII. I have the 50/1.8 II, Sigma 30, Canon 100 Macro (non-L), 24-105L and 70-200f4L IS. I have some focusing issues on the Sigma 30, but they are not that bad. The lens seems to be inconsistent when focusing. But, the Sigma 30 produces very, very nice images. Compared to my 50/1.8 on my 5DII, I can really tell the difference. I would say it's mostly the sharpness and the bokeh quality, the colors also seem better, but that might be more psychological or something.
Anyways, I have been debating with getting a Sigma 50, or the Canon 50L. If I go Canon, then I would probably have to wait like 1 year. If I go Sigma, I would have to wait a lot less, probably within a few months. What do you all think?
In the future, I am also planning to get the Canon 85/1.8 and the Canon 35L. I know the 35 and 50 are close, but whenever I try to shoot at 24, it seems just too wide for me.
I think the 50mm FL is one of the most useful for me, but it seems that for Canon, a very good 50 does not exist (at least according to reviews). The 50L seems to have focusing issues and it not that sharp at 1.2. The Canon 50/1.4 is prone to breaking (my friend had his AF fail). The Sigma 50/1.4 has the inconsistent focus/QC issues and the Canon 50/1.8 is flimsy and not as good IQ as the others. So, my reasoning is that with the Sigma, I'll be getting top notch IQ, with a chance at getting a good copy (and a good price).
I mostly do portraits. My subjects are kids and family.
What do you all think? I would really like to know your opinions.
May 16, 2010 at 03:42 AM
p.1 #2Which 50?
Those that get a good Sigma love it.
For the cost I would try one from a good retailer that allows returns. then you have the fall back. sending it to sigma would also be another option.
you caould also always go the Alt route with a good manual focus and use the 50/1.8 when you need AF
For the cost I would try one from a good retailer that allows returns. then you have the fall back. sending it to sigma would also be another option.
you caould also always go the Alt route with a good manual focus and use the 50/1.8 when you need AF
May 16, 2010 at 04:00 AM
p.1 #3Which 50?
Ah dunno, Ah loves mah 50 1.2L, but I bought it for the bokeh and mainly use it at F1.2-2.8. I've owned multiple copies of the 50 1.8, the 50 1.4 USM, 50 2.5 CM and the Sigma 50 2.8 and the 50 1.2L has the fastest and most reliable AF. Actually the part of your subject in the 1mm of DOF is very sharp at F1.2, the rest is a beautiful blur. I guess if you want everything sharp you can stop down to F16 but that's kind of a waste of this lens.
The sharpest 50 I've owned is the EF 50 2.5 CM. It's also the most distortion free (my 50 1.8 & 50 1.4 suffered massive barreling at 2 meters or less). AF is a bit whinny and slow but it's an inexpensive lens and the true bargain of the 50s herd.
Edited on May 16, 2010 at 04:12 AM · View previous versions
The sharpest 50 I've owned is the EF 50 2.5 CM. It's also the most distortion free (my 50 1.8 & 50 1.4 suffered massive barreling at 2 meters or less). AF is a bit whinny and slow but it's an inexpensive lens and the true bargain of the 50s herd.
Edited on May 16, 2010 at 04:12 AM · View previous versions
May 16, 2010 at 04:11 AM
p.1 #4Which 50?
The Sigma has excellent IQ and a bokeh that is sublime IMO. Do as Ian says and get one from a shop you can return it if you have AF issues. The 50L is afflicted by similar issues so even if you go that way also make sure you have a return policy. The 50L would be my choice if money was no object, but really the difference between f/1.2 and f/1.4 is not that great.
Hers'a few samples from the Sigma showing the smooth bokeh. I love the look, others may not.
f/1.4
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/ufiles/48/432548.jpg
f/1.8
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/ufiles/46/432546.jpg
f/2.8
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/ufiles/47/432547.jpg
Hers'a few samples from the Sigma showing the smooth bokeh. I love the look, others may not.
f/1.4
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/ufiles/48/432548.jpg
f/1.8
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/ufiles/46/432546.jpg
f/2.8
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/ufiles/47/432547.jpg
May 16, 2010 at 04:12 AM
Chris Beaumont
Offline
Activity
[X]
Details
p.1 #5Which 50?
Another vote for Sigma, I've even got a 'duff' copy (horrendous back focus from 20ft away and further) and I still love it to bits, when a subject is that far away I use a longer lens anyway 
More Sigma stuff -
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e163/csbeaumont/Tanya/Tanya_096blog.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e163/csbeaumont/Tanya/Tanya_183blog.jpg
More Sigma stuff -
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e163/csbeaumont/Tanya/Tanya_096blog.jpg
http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e163/csbeaumont/Tanya/Tanya_183blog.jpg
May 16, 2010 at 04:42 AM
p.1 #6Which 50?
cmaeda wrote:
the Canon 50/1.8 is flimsy and not as good IQ as the others. So, my reasoning is that with the Sigma, I'll be getting top notch IQ, with a chance at getting a good copy (and a good price).
Flimsy, yes, but I've used all 3 Canon 50's and I have to say the 50 f/1.8 II is the sharpest out of all of them (though I have only tested one sample of the 50 f/1.2...which has AWESOME bokeh, but is soft till about f/4)
It's strange you say you aren't happy with the IQ of the 50 f/1.8 II, have you microadjusted it? This 100% should be the kind of result you get
http://dawei.zenfolio.com/img/v5/p112313801.jpg
the Canon 50/1.8 is flimsy and not as good IQ as the others. So, my reasoning is that with the Sigma, I'll be getting top notch IQ, with a chance at getting a good copy (and a good price).
Flimsy, yes, but I've used all 3 Canon 50's and I have to say the 50 f/1.8 II is the sharpest out of all of them (though I have only tested one sample of the 50 f/1.2...which has AWESOME bokeh, but is soft till about f/4)
It's strange you say you aren't happy with the IQ of the 50 f/1.8 II, have you microadjusted it? This 100% should be the kind of result you get
http://dawei.zenfolio.com/img/v5/p112313801.jpg
May 16, 2010 at 06:33 AM
Chris Beaumont
Offline
Activity
[X]
Details
p.1 #7Which 50?
Agree with Dawei, the IQ/sharpness was bottom of the list of reasons why I wanted to upgrade it.
May 16, 2010 at 07:38 AM
p.1 #8Which 50?
The problem with the 50/1.8II actually appears when you stop it down. At f/2, there's already a hint of 5 corners and at f/2.8 the pentagonal OOF highlight is clearly present. That really ruins this lens for me.
This is an example at f/4.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2801/4306209867_69d600d7f5_o.jpg
This is an example at f/4.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2801/4306209867_69d600d7f5_o.jpg
May 16, 2010 at 07:42 AM
p.1 #9Which 50?
When I tested a 50 f/1.8 II vs 50 f/1.4 USM the f/1.4 was sharper at f/1.8 and had slightly better colour and contrast up to around f/4. It's OOF highlights were better too, although not great. The ugly pentagonal OOF highlights on the f/1.8 are a real turn off as is the AF and tiny focus ring.
May 16, 2010 at 07:53 AM
p.1 #11Which 50?
Based on my experience I can't recommend the 50/1.2L
Note that the performance of my copy is a bit erratic at best.
On my 1D3 it is reliable at MA -3, I use it mainly between f/2 and f/4, but of course also wider if it benefits the shot.
With my new 5D2 I still can't get a clear idea on how to counter focus shift and back focus. In any case it handles differently than the 1D3. So it is either a matter of learning and fine tuning, or ...
Today I used the 1D3 combo again with a very high in focus rate, 90% with AI Servo most f/2 - 2.8
At the moment I only like to use it on the 1D3, where it is not a true 50mm due to the crop factor. I may even give up trying/using this lens on FF altogether. My experience with this lens on both 5D and 5D2 is one of frustration.
My Canon 50/1.4 is fine, reliable and sharp even at f/1.4 - great little lens.
I prefer the 35/1.4 over the 50-ies.
Ruy
edited for clarity
Edited on May 16, 2010 at 02:17 PM · View previous versions
Note that the performance of my copy is a bit erratic at best.
On my 1D3 it is reliable at MA -3, I use it mainly between f/2 and f/4, but of course also wider if it benefits the shot.
With my new 5D2 I still can't get a clear idea on how to counter focus shift and back focus. In any case it handles differently than the 1D3. So it is either a matter of learning and fine tuning, or ...
Today I used the 1D3 combo again with a very high in focus rate, 90% with AI Servo most f/2 - 2.8
At the moment I only like to use it on the 1D3, where it is not a true 50mm due to the crop factor. I may even give up trying/using this lens on FF altogether. My experience with this lens on both 5D and 5D2 is one of frustration.
My Canon 50/1.4 is fine, reliable and sharp even at f/1.4 - great little lens.
I prefer the 35/1.4 over the 50-ies.
Ruy
edited for clarity
Edited on May 16, 2010 at 02:17 PM · View previous versions
May 16, 2010 at 12:45 PM
svetljo
Offline
Activity
[X]
Details
p.1 #15Which 50?
my vote would definitely go for the 50L f1.2
bokeh is just so better then the sigma (might be just me)
AF speed and reliability too
bokeh is just so better then the sigma (might be just me)
AF speed and reliability too
May 16, 2010 at 02:02 PM
p.1 #16Which 50?
I think you have to try the Sigma... look at all the samples all over the place... looks ideal for portraiture...
I think the 50/1.8 is fine and that you maybe are having your negative reaction to it for "psychological" reasons as you already suspect.
The pentagons can be annoying from the 50/1.8, but so can the brightlines from the 50/1.4... I'm sure you will find something to be annoyed by from the Sigma and the 50L as well... nothing is perfect... but the focus problems in the L seem the most determental to my needs...
I think the 50/1.8 is fine and that you maybe are having your negative reaction to it for "psychological" reasons as you already suspect.
The pentagons can be annoying from the 50/1.8, but so can the brightlines from the 50/1.4... I'm sure you will find something to be annoyed by from the Sigma and the 50L as well... nothing is perfect... but the focus problems in the L seem the most determental to my needs...
May 16, 2010 at 02:10 PM
p.1 #17Which 50?
A good Sigma 50/1.4 has the best IQ for the money within the FL, IMO. Unfortunately the lens is plagued with AF issues. If you are a gambler try one or two out. If it doesn't work out go for the Canon 50/1.4. IMO the 50/1.2 is grossly overpriced for what it is...I'm sure many will disagree, ymmv.
May 16, 2010 at 02:25 PM
p.1 #18Which 50?
The only 50 I've used is the Sigma 1.4, and I heartily endorse it. On a 1.6x camera, it'll be as close as you can get to the 85L on full-frame. (In my opinion...)
May 16, 2010 at 02:30 PM
p.1 #20Which 50?
While I have had the 50 f/1.4 I have often looked at the Sigma, but just when I wanted to pull the trigger I keep reading about so many bad samples of the lens with AF issues. While the Canon 50 f/1.4 needs to be stopped down to f/1.8, it remains quite sharp at that aperture and above.
May 16, 2010 at 05:11 PM