Just posted! Canon EF 50mm F1.4 USM lens review
In the second instalment of our latest series of lens reviews, we focus on Canon's mid-range standard prime, the EF 50mm F1.4 USM. With a distinctly traditional optical formula dressed up in a modern AF body, and designed as a standard lens for 35mm film but now more frequently serving as a short portrait lens on APS-C, how does this relative veteran compare to Sigma's brand new 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM which we reviewed last month?
NOTE: Just a reminder that comparative test data for the Nikon AF-Nikkor 50mm F1.4 D lens is also available through our lens review widget.
Click here for our lens review of the Canon EF 50mm F1.4 USM
Sigma, Canon, Nikon, and Pentax 50mm F1.4 lenses compared
| |
 Sigma 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM |
Canon EF 50mm F1.4 USM |
Nikon AF-Nikkor 50mm F1.4 D |
Pentax smc P-FA 50mm F1.4 |
|---|
| Street price |
$500 |
$325 |
$290 |
$200 |
|---|
| Maximum format size |
35mm full frame |
35mm full frame |
35mm full frame |
35mm full frame |
|---|
| Focal length |
50mm |
50mm |
50mm |
50mm |
|---|
35mm equivalent focal length
(APS-C) |
• 75mm (1.5x)
• 80mm (1.6x)
• 85mm (1.7x)
|
80mm |
75mm
|
75mm
|
|---|
| Diagonal Angle of view (FF) |
47º |
47º |
47º |
47º |
|---|
| Diagonal Angle of view (APS-C) |
31º |
31º |
31º |
31º |
|---|
| Maximum aperture |
F1.4 |
F1.4 |
F1.4 |
F1.4 |
|---|
| Minimum aperture |
F16 |
F22 |
F16 |
F22 |
|---|
| Lens Construction |
• 8 elements/6 groups
• 1 aspherical element
|
• 7 elements/6 groups
|
• 7 elements/6 groups
|
• 7 elements/6 groups
|
|---|
| Number of diaphragm blades |
9, rounded
|
8 |
7 |
8 |
|---|
| Minimum focus |
0.45m |
0.45m |
0.45m |
0.45m |
|---|
| Maximum magnification |
0.14x
|
0.15x |
0.15x |
0.15x |
|---|
| AF motor type |
• Ring-type ultrasonic
• Full-time manual focus |
• Micro-type ultrasonic
• Full-time manual focus |
• 'Screw drive' from camera body |
• 'Screw drive' from camera body |
|---|
| Focus method |
Unit, internal to barrel |
Unit |
Unit |
Unit |
|---|
| Image stabilization |
• None
|
• None
|
• None |
• None |
|---|
| Filter thread |
• 77mm
• Does not rotate on focus |
• 58mm
• Does not rotate on focus |
• 52mm
• Does not rotate on focus |
• 49mm
• Does not rotate on focus |
|---|
| Supplied accessories |
• Front and rear caps
• Hood
• Soft Case
|
• Front and rear caps |
• Front and rear caps |
• Front and rear caps |
|---|
| Weight |
505 g (17.8 oz) |
290g (10.2 oz) |
230g (8.1 oz) |
220g (7.8 oz) |
|---|
| Dimensions |
84.5mm diameter x 68.2mm length
(3.3 x 2.7 in) |
73.8mm diameter x 50.5mm length
(2.9 x 2.0 in) |
64.5mm diameter x 42.5mm length
(2.5 x 1.7 in) |
63.5mm diameter x 38mm length
(2.5 x 1.5 in)
|
|---|
| Lens Mount |
Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Sigma, Sony |
Canon EF only |
Nikon F only |
Pentax K only |
|---|
Click here for our lens review of the Canon EF 50mm F1.4 USM
|
|
|
|
|
Aug 23, 2011
|
Aug 23, 2011
|
Aug 23, 2011
|
Aug 23, 2011
|
Full-frame Canon and Nikon shooters have a new 50mm F1.4 lens to consider. The Tokina 50mm F1.4 FF features an ultrasonic motor, weather-sealed design, and a focus ring that rotates the same direction as native Canon and Nikon glass.
If you own a Canon EF 50mm F1.4 USM, you'll want to check your serial number. Some lenses are experiencing a focusing issue that Canon will fix for free.
DPR regular Steve Badger says that there's 'no excuse to be bored' when there's a camera at hand. His love of photography began when he borrowed a friend's superzoom, and eventually invested in a DSLR system. His home on the east coast of Australia provides plenty of spectacular scenery, but he's eager to travel and grow as a photographer. See gallery
The Nikon Z6 may not offer the incredible resolution of its sibling, the Z7, but its excellent video quality and faster performance make it an impressive camera at a considerably lower price.
The Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is the centerpiece of the brand's new Travel Line - it's pricey but awesome. Other components of the line are pricey and less-awesome.
The Panasonic Lumix DC-LX100 Mark II is a rather belated update to one of our favorite enthusiast compact cameras. Is it enough of a refresh to keep up with the times?
Wacom's latest pro tablet can help take your editing workflow – and most importantly, the final image results – to the next level.
Many cameras today include built-in image stabilization systems, but when it comes to video that's still no substitute for a proper camera stabilization rig. The Ronin-S aims to solve that problem for DSLR and mirrorless camera users, and we think DJI has delivered on that promise.
If you're looking for a high-quality camera, you don't need to spend a ton of cash, nor do you need to buy the latest and greatest new product on the market. In our latest buying guide we've selected some cameras that while they're a bit older, still offer a lot of bang for the buck.
A question frequently asked on the Internet is 'what's the best DSLR?' In this buying guide we've answered that question – but also whether it's the right question to be asking in the first place.
What's the best camera for under $500? These entry level cameras should be easy to use, offer good image quality and easily connect with a smartphone for sharing. In this buying guide we've rounded up all the current interchangeable lens cameras costing less than $500 and recommended the best.
Whether you've grown tired of what came with your DSLR, or want to start photographing different subjects, a new lens is probably in order. We've selected our favorite lenses for Sony mirrorlses cameras in several categories to make your decisions easier.
Whether you've grown tired of what came with your DSLR, or want to start photographing different subjects, a new lens is probably in order. We've selected our favorite lenses for Canon DSLRs in several categories to make your decisions easier.
Comments