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KM 50mm 1.4 v's 1.7 - Is the $155 price difference worth it?

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paddycochrane

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Hi All,

I know that this issue of which is better the 50mm F1.4 or the F1.7 has been debated before on this forum, however I'm literally about to buy one of these lenses today/tomorrow and would like to know whether Im really going to notice the difference between the 1.4 and 1.7, becuase I'm certainly able to notice the $155 price difference between them.

The 1.4 is selling for $255
The 1.7 is selling for $100

Many thanks,
Paddy

P.S. You may wonder why I'm paying more for these lenses than advertised, this is becuase I live abroad and shipping one in would be more expensive.
 
I should have mentioned that I think I may have had on camera sharpening set at +2 when I took that shot. I think this, combined with the onboard flash, gives it the somewhat harsh look.
 
I would have a tough time paying the extra for the 1.4. My 1.7 is super sharp, great colors and the 1.7 gives me all the creative control I need. Keep in mind at 1.7 at 1 meter your dof is only 3.84 cm. Dropping to 1.4 gives you 3.23 cm. If you shoot anything at that aperature, you have to be super careful with your focus point. Speed wise, taking the square of 1.4 (1.96) and 1.7 (2.89) you see it is about 1.5 times 'faster' but in real life, I don't really think you will notice the difference.

You would be better saving your pennies and getting another prime to go with it later on.

Hope this helps.
D.
 
The 1.7 is tested and rated with a better vallue in a German Prof. foto magazine. save the money I think
--
Best regards

Iggy
 
Oops I forgot, I have both and think of selling my 1.4
--
Best regards

Iggy
 
I remember an extensive online review of the two and the results were that past F2, the performance was identical. There was a slight difference at at F2 and below but very slight.
 
I bought both lenses used and from my tests concluded that the f1.4 is sharper in the corners below f4. Both lenses are close but my sample of the f1.4 is also very usable at f1.4 so I kept that lens for the extra half a stop and DOF control and sold the 1.7 Buy the way the 50 1.4 is my favorite lens and I use it whenever possible.

tm
 
I love my 1.4 and use my 1.7 as a secondry lens. took pics of roses in the garden in almost darkness, just an outside lamp on the house and they came out great... now this is making your decisen hard I bet ;-)
Leslie.
--
It doesn't matter how much light you have, you can't see in the dark.
 
This would improve the appearance of the out of focus objects.
Another plus of the 1.4.
 
I have both
perfect for m7

both have problems with AF on 7D - and I have NO problems with my 28-75/2.8 70-210/4 100-300
Ivan
 
christer hultberg said:
I have both, and the 1.4/50 is much sharper then the 1.7/50 at 1.7 !
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7D 70-210/4, 17-35/2.8, 50/1.4 Christer
Click to expand...
Hi Christer
Many people ask for differences between these two lenses. I have doubts either.

I own 1.7 and am pleased with it. I'm pleased becase it was cheap lens (35$ with shipping to Poland included) and it's a fine lens. However I have never had a chance to try 1.4 and would really like to see the difference between these two.

Since you have both would it be possible for you to take some sample photos with both of them and post the results?
Both photos of the same subject, with crops of the center and corners?
It might be used as a reference for those looking for differences.
 
What sort of problems? I haven't encountered any.
 
I only have the 50/1.7 and no 50/1.4.
It works well with my 7D and 7.
No problem with AF.

The circular blade for 50/1.4 definitely have better out of focus effect as you can see from the KM brochure.
 
For some reason this question is rarely asked, but I believe that it is an important one.

If you only plan to use occasionally, no question... go with the 1.7. However, if you plan to use it often, go with the 1.4 (new version). The improved handling alone will make it worthwhile.

I went with the 1.4 and have never regretted it.
--
Cheerio...
Rich
 
paddycochrane said:
Hi All,

I know that this issue of which is better the 50mm F1.4 or the F1.7
has been debated before on this forum, however I'm literally about
to buy one of these lenses today/tomorrow and would like to know
whether Im really going to notice the difference between the 1.4
and 1.7, becuase I'm certainly able to notice the $155 price
difference between them.
Click to expand...
I have had the old original AF 50 1.7 for 14 months, and I just got a brand new 50 1.4. The features of the 1.4 I was looking for was the nicer rubber focus ring, the 55mm filter size which I have filters for - and several of my lenses are 55mm. It also has 7 circular blades. Also, having the ML screen installed I thought the 1.4 would give a slightly brighter view, but I can't really tell.

Optically the 1.4 has a slight edge, but without a doubt the 1.7 is a great optic also.

If money is no object get the 1.4 of course. If you want an excellent lens at an economical price, get the 1.7.
 
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