Canon LTM 50mm f1.8 B&C compared to 50mm f1.4

[Mark W]

given excellent condition CLEAN examples of both the 50mm f1.4 and the later 50mm f1.8 black and chrome. Anyone have a way to explain where the 50mm f1.4 is going to be better? is it resolution? contrast? color? etc.?

I have to beautiful 50mm f1.8 lenses and will shortly be receiving a 50mm f1.2 and since I am in a consolidation train of thought I'm wondering if selling the 50mm f1.2 (it's dedicated hood) and one of the 50mm f1.8's would be a way to improve my lens kit while reducing the number of extra 50mm lenses I have.

Granted many variables in selling prices and purchasing prices but without to much luck I should be able to see 2-3 hundred $ by moving to a 50mm f1.4 and 50mm f1.8 and dropping the 50mm f1.2 and second 50mm f1.8.

That money could go towards improving another part of my RF kit.

Thoughts?

 

[Ronald M]

If you make a lot of 1.2 pics, you need the lens. If you use 5.6, go for the cheaper one.

Personally, I have more than a doxen 50 mm lenses so you can see where I am coming from.

 

[squinza]

I have four Canon 50mm:

The 50/1.8 has just arrived, I haven't tried it thoroughly but I don't see a big difference between the 1.8 and the 1.4 version both in bokeh rendition and resolution/contrast.
As a matter of fact I've been using a lot the 50mm/1.5, it's a magnificent lens. I'd go for it instead of the 50/1.4. It's a pity it is more explensive and somewhat rare!

 

[Sonnar Brian]

Check the optics on the black and chrome lenses: they were subject to haze and coating damage on the surface behind the aperture. The chrome lenses used an older glass that was not so easily damaged.

The 50/1.4 focuses to 3.5ft, the others go to 3ft.

 

[Mark W]

At less then a half stop I'm not concerned with the difference between the F1.4 abd the f1.2 I rarely shoot below f2.0 with any lens.

My big concern is that the f1.4 (yes I know sample will make a big diff.) is better in a noticable way then either of the two excellent F1.8's I currently have.

I can be happy happy shooting with a f1.8 lens if it doesn't show anything lacking in the image quality.

I have long ago passed the collector fasination stage with this stuff and I want to do more shooting. Triming the fat and improving the lean sections of my photo tool box is my current goal.

 

[raid]

I sold the 50/1.4 which was an excellent lens, and I kept the 1.2, 1.5, and 1.8.

 

[Mark W]

Yes but Raid we both know your a packrat LOL. How you been long time no read. Maybe we will bump into each other more now that I'm cycling back to some of my RF toys.

 

[raid]

Yes but Raid we both know your a packrat LOL. How you been long time no read. Maybe we will bump into each other more now that I'm cycling back to some of my RF toys.

Hi Mark,
I have been mainly in RF Land, so to speak, but my heart has never left Canon Country either. It is the logistics of actually reaching my camera gear at home that make it challenging to bypass a few camera bags close to reach for camera bags sitting on hard to reach shelves. Life can be complicated, my friend.😀