50mm LSM - Advice pls.

[Hibbs]

Hi...I'm a new member to this forum and wanted to hear from other users. I want to get a 50 for my Canon but there are so many different types. I am looking for a little more speed as my 35 is a 2.5 and the 100 is 3.5

I've read about how the Canon sonnar 50/1.5 can exhibit magical qualities and wondered if I should hold out and find one of these or should just get a good condition 1.4 or 1.8? Also...what about the 1.9? How does it measure up?

I'd appreciate comments from users that have these lenses...especially users of the 1.5 sonnar.

Thanks kindly in advance.

 

[back alley]

canon 1.8 is a fine lens and i'm very happy with mine.

there is a canon 1.5 for sale here at a good price, maybe check it out.

joe

 

[Sonnar Brian]

Canon 50mm F1.8 is probably the best bargain in the Canon line-up, although prices have been creeping up. The F1.5 is a Sonnar copy, and was not around for very long. I do not have one, but have the Zeiss Sonnar that it was derived from. A fine lens. The F1.4 is sharp, a "Xenon" copy, and also a fine lens. The F1.2 is FAST, a bit softer and has less contrast. The latter three cost in the same ballpark.

Click on my "gallery", I have shots sorted by each lens. The Sonnar and Nikkor F1.4 are my closest to the Canon F1.5.