at the risk of missing something blaringly obvious, i am going to ask the following question. what is the difference between these lenses?



on B and H the 50mm 1.4 USM is $ 289.95

and the 50mm 1.8 is only $ 74.95


i can see the .4 in aperature and the USM on the 1.4 but is the difference in quality significant enough to justify this $200 price gap?

which one is better (in our opinion) for weddings and low light situations?

links to the lenses.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1214..._Autofocus.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1214...50mm_f_1_8.html


thanks,

tony g.

my questions is...for only a $200 gap, why wouldn't you want the better one?

There is a significant difference in build quality, lens elements, and resolving power. There's always notable differences in higher priced lenses.

When I owned the 1.8 it felt like a toy, and was inconsistant when I used the AF in low light. I upgraded to the 1.4 and noticed a big difference overall in image sharpness and body quality in the lens. The bigger aperture is nice too!
I say get the 1.4 so you won't have to upgrade soon after.

i have them both.

the cheap lens is a CHEAP lens. hunts terribly. much slower than you would think. plastic mount. a good lens if you just don't have the cash, but i'd save my pennies and go for the 1.4. if you are going to use this in low light you will definitely see a difference - the 1.8 is useless (IMHO) in low light.

there's $0.02 for ya!

I have both and the 1.4 is worth it. I broke 2 1.8 lenses before getting the 1.4.... that's a tough cookie to break! (not that I'm trying!) 1.8 is plastic and flimsy, 1.4 is metal and solid. I think the 1.4 is worth it.

The big selling point for me is the aperture blades. Take a look at this review and look at the difference in the shape of out of focus portions, it really smooths and enhances an image.

thanks everyone for all of this helpful info (and saving me from spending $75 now only to spend $300 later anyway).

tony g.

Get the 1.4. I have both and it is worth it. However, that being said, that 1.8 is TRULY amazing for the money. My daughter still shoots with it.

or really go all the way and get the L 1.2 ¬!!!!!!!!

No way!! If you're going to do that buy 2 of the 1.4's and give me one!