Canon 50mm 1.2 vs. Canon 50mm 1.4

[35mmdelux]

I got a Canon 50mm/1.2 and Canon 50mm/1.4. I have not had time to test. For now, can someone tell me the differences between the two besides the obvious and what are their best f-stops. Thanks

PS: yes I've Googled. I'd like to hear your opinion.

PSS: the f/1.2 sure is compact for a fast lens! thanks again.

 

[tennis-joe]

I would like to read the comparison also as I have a Canon 50 1.4 and really like the Nikkor LTMs better. Although I have a Canon 35f1.8 that I really like.
Joe

 

[Mackinaw]

I own both lenses. The 50/1.2 is one lens that has to be properly calibrated to a particular body for best results. Wide-open, the central 1/2 of the image area will be relatively sharp but the corners will be soft. Stopping down to F1.6 will improve performance all across the image area. Like many 1950-vintage lenses, at F2.8 or so, the image quality becomes first rate. Bokeh is a subjective thing and the 50/1.2 will deliver somewhat wild bokeh (which I personally prefer). The 50/1.2 also has a tendency to haze up over time (outgassing) though this is an easy do-it-yourself fix.

The 50/1.4 is sharp in the center of the image and in the corners wide-open at F1.4. Like the 50/1.2, image quality is top notch from about F2.8 on. Bokeh is smoother than the 50/1.2 and the lens is much smaller and lighter than the 50/1.2

The 50/1.4 is now my standard normal lens, mainly because of it's better image quality wide-open and smaller size compared to the 50/1.2.

Both lenses have their own character. As you use both you will draw you own conclusions. Let us know what you think.

Jim B.

 

[raid]

I had both lenses, and I kept the 50/1.2 but sold the (great) 50/1.4 and got a 50/1.5 instead. I prefer Sonnar lenses over the other types of lenses.

 

[raid]

Canon 50/1.4:

It was a very good lens for me.

50/1.2 with grainy film:

 

[Mackinaw]

Since we're showing pics, this was taken with the Canon 50/1.4, wide-open at F1.4.

Jim B.

 

[stupid leica]

i've owned both, and loved both.

1.2: VERY unique look, it is "the rangefinder experience". Very "dreamy", but still has a decent little bit of center frame sharpness wide(or close to)-open.
Stopped down a little, it is absolutely wonderfully sharp.

1.4: My favorite RF 50. For the price, it is an absolute steal. If you get a good one, i think the only weakness is the min focus. GREAT glass, wonderful pictures from it. I miss this one.