Canon 50mm f/1.4 EF USM. If you’re looking to purchase this lens I always check Adorama and Ebay for good deals. It helps me if you purchase it through one of these links here in this review. When you purchase through these links it financially enables me to devote time to develop this site further. Thanks for the help! -Todd

Barrel
Plastic.

Weight
9.5 oz (268g)

Focus Type
Auto Focus.

Focus Ring
Rubber on Plastic.

Close Focus
1.5 feet (0.45 meters).

 

Filter Threads
58mm, Plastic

Aperture Ring
None.

Diaphragm
8 blades stopping down to f/22.

Mount
Metal.

Made in
Japan

Bokeh

The blur is decent but fairly distracting and not very smooth.

 

 

 

Sharpness
f/1.4 Soft due to coma hazing, with low contrast and very little chromatic aberration.
f/1.8 Sharpens up with better contrast but still a little chromatic aberration.
f/2 Nicely sharpens up with great contrast and way less chromatic aberration.
f/2.8: Very sharp with fantastic contrast and almost no chromatic aberration.
f/3.5: Sharper yet.
f/4: Sharper yet.
f/8: Very sharp with the beginning of a little diffraction.

Vignetting

There is a bit of heavy vignetting at f/1.4 and quickly clears around f/2 and almost gone by f/2.8.

Distortion

There is some noticeable Barrel Distortion but typical or less then most 50mm’s

Recommendations
Optics:        ★ ★ ★ ★
Mechanics: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Usefulness: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Availability:  ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Overall:        ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Out of 5

This is a fantastic lens with a really large aperture. With the release of Sigma’s version and anticipation of a Canon 50mm f/1.4 Mark ii people seem to be selling this great lens for less and less as the months pass. They can easily be picked up for a bargain price these days and are an incredible lens for your buck.

Mechanical build is plastic-ey but still really good and the Auto Focus is decently fast. The lens is not very sharp at f/1.4 but becomes very sharp at f/2.8 with great color and contrast.

My biggest complaint about this lens is that the sides are a bit soft so when doing group shots of people for a family portrait or something can leave the people on the sides looking soft.

Anything under f/2.5 becomes very soft on the edges which was a huge letdown and the bokeh is not the greatest. However for the price they sell for now, if you want one grab one. You will love it.

 

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My hopes are to take the time to continue developing this website with more test photo based reviews. If you are ever interested in purchasing this lens or other photography equipment please do so through these links here in this review. I always check Adorama and Ebay for good deals. This helps support my family and allows me to take more time for the site. The best part is this site is free for you and I link good deals I find!

Sometimes these links will actually give you better deals then typical retail prices! I personally buy from the links I have listed whether looking for new gear or fun old stuff. I can personally attest to their good & safe service from years of experience. Thanks again to you, our readers, for supporting us! -Todd