Canon - EF 50mm f/1.8

[davis61375]

Hello

Anyone have or had this lens (Canon - EF 50mm f/1.8) Just wondering for any reviews on it

[ebiggs1]

If it is not the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens version, I don't like it.  I had three of the older version and they all failed eventually. They are throw aways, not a candidate for repair.  The newer STM version seems to be a good lens but I have not used it professionally in business.

Canon is the world leader in lenses.  Of this there is little debate.  However, the first version of the nifty-fifty was not one of their better designs.  

[ScottyP]

Ernie is right that you shouldn’t expect too much from a $115.00 lens but it all depends on your budget and on whether you already have any lenses other than the kit lenses that come with the cameras. 

I had the old version of this lens and it did feel plasticky but it was a great intro to bright, large aperture lenses and the shallow DOF you can get with them.  The new STM focuses more quietly and also gives smoother, more rounded out-of-focus highlights in the backgrounds.  It also works in1/4 the light your kit lenses need so you don’t have to jack up your ISO so horribly in indoor light. 

Do you have any bright lenses yet?

[davis61375]

Thanks

I was told to pick up the EF 85 mm? Is that a better option? I picked up the EF 50 mm but from what I'm seeing here, I should maybe return it?

[ebiggs1]

"I was told to pick up the EF 85 mm? Is that a better option?"

Is it a better option for what?  We need to know what the intended purpose of the lens is.  If it is supposed to be a normal all around general purpose lens, no it is not a better option.  Most of the time a prime lens like an 85mil is a poor choice.  Primes are more difficult to use especially since zooms have become so much better than they once were.  Even the 50mil if it is your only lens isn't a good choice.

If on the other hand you need a fast constant aperture lens either of the two primes is a great choice.  if you wanted to do some portraits, pretty good choice.  You need to have a purpose in mind before you lay your money down.

[davis61375]

Thanks

I purchsed the lens for portaits

[ebiggs1]

What camera?  On a Rebel the 85mm is too long most of the time.  The 50mil would be perfect.  On a FF the 85 is a better choice.  This is for portraits that is.

[ScottyP]

Is your camera a crop sensor or full frame?  Both 50mm and 85mm are ideal focal length on a cropper, with 50mm at the wide end of perfect and the 85 at the long end.  The 85mm will be pretty tight/long though so the 50 will be more versatile. 

[davis61375]

I have the Canon 6 D Mark ii

[ebiggs1]

You want the 85mm.