Canon 50/ 1.8 vs. 50/ 1.5?

[Bill58]

Anybody got a hands-on opinion of which is the softest in the center?

Thanks,

Bill

 

[back alley]

tootsi rolls?
😉

i think about equal sharpness in the centre which is to say very good but the 1.5 is a sonnar with the softer edges.
joe

 

[dexdog]

I concur with joe- both lenses are very sharp in the center. The Canon 50/1.5, like the CZJ Sonnar 50/1.5 that this lens is patterned after, is sharp in the center, but exhibits a smooth creamy decline in sharpness away from the center, and provides OOF areas that many people find pleasing. IMO, the Canon 50/1.8 gives a somewhat larger area of center sharpness than the 50/1.5 design, but offers less resolution in the corners than the 50/1.5. I prefer the OOF of the 50/1.5 over the 50/1.8, but that is because the Sonnar is my favorite lens of all time. These are only my opinions of course, and in any case, both are great performers. The 50/1.8 is a real bargain too, usually selling on eBay for about 125 USD, while the 50/1.5 usually sells in the range of 275 to 350 USD, in my experience.

Unfortunately, I do not have any pics to post, due to the fact that I am a lousy photographer.

 

[Bill58]

Many thanks guys--I've found a 1.5 for $299 at an online USA store. No ebay for me, thanks!

Tootsi rolls not near as soft inside as my brain.

 

[Bill58]

Roland:

Thanks for the advice. I expect it will give me quite a different look from the 50/ 1.4.

Bill