Improvements in focusing distance, body / build (not so "plasticky," and the new metal mount that replaces the old plastic one is very welcome. Focusing is lightning sharp, as are the images it produces - I believe the optics are precisely the same as the previous model, which was superlative, edge-to-edge. Every Canon photographer should have one of these - I always say, if I am to be stranded on an island and can choose only one lens to take with me, this would be it. It's pricing is the same as for previous models, so you're not paying more, despite the improvements.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I bought this lens for its fast aperture of f1.8, lightweight, compact size and highly usuable focal length for close up portrait photography. The focusing is fast and responsive and relatively quiet compared to my Tamron zoom lens. The focusing does hunt in low light conditions, but the manual focusing is easy to handle (I'm used to using manual from the film days)because the lens is bright and sharp in the viewfinder. Sharpness is best from around f5.6 upwards, but still better than most standard zooms under that aperture. The bokeh (out of focus highlights) are, despite what some forums say, acceptable and no means ugly and makes a pleasing image. Combined with an APS-C sensor (1.6x crop) on most Canon SLRS (350D, 400D, 30D, 40D) it has an effective focal length of 80mm, which is ideal for candid photography at a wedding, or intimate close up portraits. Not quite as good as Canon 85mm f1.2 L Lens but they are over $2000. To sum up, this lens is a great little addtion to any SLR hobbyist's camera bag and it will produce wonderfully sharp images and will push you to be more creative because of the fixed focal length. It only missed out on an 'Excellent' rating because of the plastiky cheap feel and the tiny focusing ring.Read full review
Nice, sharp and excellent in natural light. Very grainy in artificial light at night. Noisiest lens I own but that doesn't matter to me. If you want a fixed focus lens for daytime outdoor use this is quite schmick for the price.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I bought a 50mm for my Canon 7d, it’s a great starter lens and takes nice clear pictures with a tripod. A little rough on handheld as there is no image stabilisation unfortunately. But all in all a great product for its price from Canon.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I bought this lens as I was considering a prime but wasn't sure if I could live with being stuck at one focal length so I decided on the Canon 50mm f/1.8 for 2 reasons. First being that at 50mm on a crop body I was really at 80mm which is what is to be considered a great portrait length and secondly for the price of $100 is was the cheapest way to see if I would like primes. Well a month after using it I am so hooked on this lens my zooms are getting dusty, and if my framing is wrong I just move around till it's right. I also have a friend with a 50mm f/1.4 and for 4 times the price I only see a 10% increase in quality, features and functionality. Some people with complain that this lense is fragile with it's plastic mount but if you are careful with it then there is no need to worry and should get many years from this little dynamite. Later this year I will be doing a wedding and plan to take this with me for use there as I have no doubt in it's ability to produce great images especially when stopped down a little to f2.8 and when you hit f/4 this thing is as sharp as anything else on the market.Read full review
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