Looking for the best value in a less-sleepy 50mm

[David R Munson]

While I will always be primarily an SLR shooter, I'm really getting along well with my Canon 7. Problem is, when I bought it the lens that came with it was a 50mm f/2.8. Performance is fine, but with my shooting habits I need something faster than that. I'd prefer f/1.4, but something at f/2 would be adequate. I can't justify throwing a ton of money at this, so I'm wondering what my best bets are in terms of something that will perform well enough wide open and won't break the bank. Thoughts?

 

[payasam]

I had a Canon Serenar 50/1.8 which was good. If you're not worried about brand names, the Jupiter-8 might be for you.

 

[dexdog]

The Canon 50/1.8 in chrome or chrome and black, is a good performer, and pretty cheap at less that 150 USD.

 

[newspaperguy]

Canon 1.8 is great.

FSU lenses like the J-8 (50/2) and J-3 (50/1.4) might be much less $.

 

[David R Munson]

I'll keep an eye out for the 50/1.8 then. I can always pick up something faster still down the road when budget permits. Have I heard about compatibility problems with the FSU lenses playing nicely with the Canon rangefinders? Or am I confusing myself with something else?

 

[crawdiddy]

I bought a Jupiter-8 for $40 on the 'bay. It performs well, and couples with my Canon 7 and P just fine. Also very compact and lightweight. Mine is the newer black model. Some people spend more than that on a filter.

 

[squinza]

If you want to stay in Canon's realm, stick to the 50mm/1.8 (really a nice lens, and cheap). The 50/1.4 and 50/1.5 are quite expensive in comparison, expecially the latter. 50/2 e 50/2.2 are much rarer, and certantly surpassed by the f/1.8 in performance.
Do you have some photoes taken with the 50/2.8? I'm very curious about this little tessar lens, but can't find anything online...

 

[Pickett Wilson]

Another vote for the Canon 50 1.8. One stays on my IIIF.

 

[David R Munson]

Do you have some photoes taken with the 50/2.8? I'm very curious about this little tessar lens, but can't find anything online...

I've got several rolls I've shot with it, though no examples online presently. I may have something to show eventually, but presently am living overseas for an extended period of time without a scanner...

 

[LeicaTom]

Yeah, great "all around" lens, I use a 1955 Canon f1.8/50 on my M8 often....... 🙂

Tom

 

[Wahoo]

Canon 1.8 is great.

FSU lenses like the J-8 (50/2) and J-3 (50/1.5) might be much less $.

That's a good idea because I have some J8's (chrome & black) and maybe 6 J3's though I've never used them on a Canon, definitely time to try or the OP could try one of these, I'm sure their price will be well down from the peak of a couple of years back.

 

[David R Munson]

After looking around and comparing prices, etc, I'm now leaning towards an FSU 50/2. It definitely fits my budget much better than even the 50/1.8 and still gets me another stop of light when I need it.