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What is the lifespan of an EF 50mm f/1.4 USM?

Started May 25, 2016 | Discussions thread
Steve Balcombe Forum Pro • Posts: 15,582
Re: What is the lifespan of an EF 50mm f/1.4 USM?
4

Digital Imaging Technician wrote:

I have a bunch of photographer friends that shoots Canon. All of those that bought the 50mm f/1.4 has had the same problem: the AF breaks down within a couple of years. Were they just unlucky or does this lens have some serious quality issues? Searching the web doesn't make me more sure about buying it. Should this lens be seen as a consumable?

I don't have one myself but this is a well-known issue. The 50/1.4 has a unique AF mechanism not used on any other lens - micro USM with a clutch to provide full-time manual focus so it masquerades as Ring USM but it's actually inferior to the real thing. It seems to be prone to mechanical damage if there is pressure on the extending inner barrel.

The solution I often see suggested is to keep a lens hood attached to protect the inner barrel from pressure, and always remember to retract the barrel before putting in a bag.

I wonder if someone has actually had the EF 50mm f/1.4 for, say, over 7 years and still has a working copy.

I'm sure there are many.

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