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Canon EF 50mm f1.4 USM Lens Worth Getting?

Started Jun 1, 2013 | Discussions thread
Y Hafting
Y Hafting Contributing Member • Posts: 787
Re: Canon EF 50mm f1.4 USM Lens Worth Getting?

DaniellllD wrote:

Hey everyone!

I have recently been looking at the Canon EF 50mm f1.4 USM Lens, but I have a few questions before I dish out the bucks. So first off I am more of a video shooter so I need to know if the focus is noisy, as in when you use the focus manually and automatically does it make a lot of sound? It does say USM but I would like an answer from someone who has actually used it. I know a lot of the cheaper lens do but I wouldn't be sure. Second question is what is the focus actually like is it quite good and easy to use? Last off how amazing is the low light performance for photos and video? Even though it would seem obvious since it is f1.4, you have to factor in that it is quite an old lens (Released in June 1993). Also I use a Canon EOS 7D with a RĂ˜DE VideoMic Pro for audio. Anyways thanks in advance!

Daniel

the 50mm 1.4 isnt as noisy as old servo motors, but it is no stm either. I'd reccomend reading up on this:

http://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/3217548

Basicly you do not want to use AF on an USM lens during video- it will never look or sound pretty. USM is fast, but CDAF is moving stepwise, so there will be noticable sound and steps. The new stepper motor lenses should be a much better choice for video.

Focusing the 50mm 1.4 while shooting video is better done manually, and unless you are on a tripod or need fast glass in particular a lens with stabilization would normally be a better choice.

Other than that im quite satisfied with my 50mm 1.4, but i normally don't use it for video.

Good luck!

-Yngve

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