Affordable 50mm

[nation_of_pomation]

Does anyone have any suggestions for which 50mm lens by Canon is the best deal? I have been seeing a lot of lenses with optical problems that are overpriced on the used market, regardless of model/version. Am I imagining this, or is 50mm the hardest focal length to buy nowadays for lenses made by Canon?

 

[Bingley]

The Canon 50/1.8 (any version) is an outstanding and undervalued lens IF you get a good sample. Clean versions are selling these days for around $200 USD. Frankly, I think this is one of the best deals out there in 50 mm lenses. You can find samples of photographs taken with this lens on flickr.

 

[nation_of_pomation]

The 50mm 1.8 is one of the double Gauss lenses, correct? I wonder if it would be worth my while to try for that optical formula, since all the Russian lenses I have are either Tessar or Sonnar lenses.

 

[nanthor]

Agreed, the 50 1.8 is a good choice, the 50 1.4 LTM is also a nice lens for the price. If you keep on the lookout the 50mm voigtlander 1.5 LTM is an outstanding lens you can sometimes get for around $300. Bob.

 

[ottluuk]

The 50mm 1.8 is one of the double Gauss lenses, correct? I wonder if it would be worth my while to try for that optical formula, since all the Russian lenses I have are either Tessar or Sonnar lenses.

Depends what you´re looking for. A modern-ish medium-speed double Gauss 50 will generally be very good optically, regardless of the maker. A cost-effective, successful, high quality design, to the point of being boring, even. If you are interested in optical "character" - as in using optical imperfections to your advantage - look elsewhere. If you are looking for a steady workhorse with few surprises, the 6/4 pattern f/2-1.7 lenses are a good choice.

Also worth noting is that you can get many models of double Gauss 50 f/1.8 SLR lenses for under $100, including camera.

 

[rover]

Just run as fast as you can to the classifieds and buy the 50/1.4 which was listed today. Or the 50/2 Nikkor in the same ad. Or both. You won't find another deal like either of those in a while. They are all good. Don't sweat the small stuff, the time to jump is upon you!!!

 

[goamules]

The Canon 1.8 is definitely the best deal. I like the early chrome ones. Their build quality will amaze you after shooting FSU.

 

[Dez]

This is a topic of interest to me in another thread.

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=129255

I tend to agree about the Canon 50 f1.8 lens: it's excellent value for money. I have an excellent black barrel one that I got on ebay for $130, but that was lucky. They are typically more in the $150-$200 range.


One thing you must watch out for in this lens is internal fog. In some cases, it cannot be removed, as there is a tendency for the coatings on the lens surfaces next to the aperture to rot. It is trivially easy to open up the lens to get at this area to clean out internal fog- just grab the front ring and twist, and usually it cleans off very easily with a bit of lens cleaning fluid and a tissue. But sometimes it is there permanently, and your lens becomes a paperweight. So if you buy one of these, make sure there is no internal fog, or if there is, that you have the right to return the lens if the fog cannot be cleaned out.

The f1.4 and f1.2 also have a tendency to gather fog here, but I have never encountered the problem of etching the coating. I have no clue why this problem seems to be specific to this particular lens. Surprisingly, I have never heard of this problem occurring in the older and heavier chrome barrel Canon 50 f1.8 lens.

Cheers,
Dez

 

[Dez]

Available now: Canon 50mm f1.8 lens

Available now: Canon 50mm f1.8 lens

There is what looks like a very good example of this lens ending today on ebay.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/160971774246?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

I have dealt with this vendor a number of times for cameras, lenses, and repair parts, and I have always been happy with what I received. You might want to have a look at this auction.

Cheers,
Dez

 

[Dez]

The ebay Canon 50 f1.8 ended up going for $133. I hope it ended up with an RFF member.

Keeping an eye on ebay is generally a very good idea. Prices vary so widely that it's very hard to determine how much something will go for. I recently bought a rangefinder Canon 50mm f1.4 lens, that was in such splendid condition that I would be willing to accept it as new old stock, for $204, including shipping. This is very unlikely however, and a lens in this condition could easily go for almost twice that much; competing bidders must have been asleep.

Cheers,
Dez

 

[mike rosenlof]

I have a 50mm f/1.8 LTM Yashinon. It's a pretty decent lens, but they're not all that common. The Canon 50/1.8 can be great as many have said, and they're usually not too expensive.