50/1.4 vs. 50/1.8 vs. 50/2.5 Macro?

[krwl]

Trying to decide on a "normal beater lens" - which one is hands down the best value 50 millimeter? The f/2.5 is non-USM, but I hear people say its quality is superior.

Who has experience with two or more of these lenses? How do they compare? IQ? Focus speed? Quality? Weight? Which one would be the best 'all-rounder'?

Also, is the Sigma 50/2.8 EX worth considering?

 

[krwl]

Dayum!

 

[Mathieu L]

I have no experience with the macro lens, but it is probably the sharpest of all three since it is a macro. However, I have used the 50mm f1.8 and I own the 50mm f1.4. The latter is sharper at f1.8, is better built (but it feels really cheap compared to any L lens) and has a relatively silent micro USM. Still, the best value is the 50mm f1.8 since it is so unexpensive and still produce nice images.

 

[Rick Bucich]

I've owned the 50 macro and 1.4. After having full-time manual focusing on USM lenses, I can't go back.

The 1.8 is supposed to rival the 1.4 but like I stated, I want the USM. The focus on the macro is SLOOOOW. But perhaps I'm spoiled.

With MY priority being fast AF with FTM, I have kept the 1.4 and added extension tubes. The most expensive option but compared to other Canon lenses, not too bad.

--
Seriousness & competence are different

 

[Erik Magnuson]

The f/2.5 is non-USM, but I hear people say its quality is superior.

My f/2.5 macro was better than the 50 f/1.8 MkI I had, but not by much. Center sharpness on all of these lenses are probably too close to call for equivalent f-stops. The primary advantage of the macro is that it's flat field.

Which one would be the best 'all-rounder'

It dpends on what you value more: close focus, low price, at least one full stop more light, or faster focus. Pick 2.

Also, is the Sigma 50/2.8 EX worth considering?

Again, sharpness is probably too close to call. CA is the main issue as it's a bit higher than I like (I own this lens in Sigma mount.) It does go to 1-1 w/o an adapter.

If you own an EF-S camera, then the 60 macro is worth considering as well.

--
Erik

 

[xtoph]

by other posters, the lack of usm is a big hurdle for me. the 50/1.4 is a good lens, very sharp, faster than any of them and--provided you use the canon lens hood always--amazingly durable in terms of knockabout. the ability to instantly use manual focus is a big advantage.

you can even make it perform as a passable macro with an extension tube:

 

[trsvax]

I had be using a 50 1.8 and an XTI to copy artwork. I've switched to a 5D and the edge sharpness is not as good as I would like. Is the 50 2.5 Macro any better that the 1.8 at the edges on a FF camera?

 

[pikeface]

knockabout. the ability to instantly use manual focus is a big
advantage.

Not sure if I have missed something. If you want manual focus surely you must goto to manual forcus switch or set focus only biutton to achive focus and then maually focus or else when you press the shutter button it will refocus.

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[xtoph]

yup, the macro performs very well out to the edges. that lens is basically designed for copy work--very good too.

 

[xtoph]

is that if you use custom fxn to remap the autofocus actuation to the rear button, then you quite usefully separate focus from shutter release. now you can focus when and only when you want, and focus how you want (auto or manual) into the bargain.

if you don't want to take such a radical step , then you can also just half press the shutter, hold it there, and then refocus manually to your heart's content. (only works in 'one shot' focus mode.)

as good as the autofocus is (and most of the time i do use it, at very least to get in the ballpark), there are myriad reasons why i prefer to be in control of focus, rather than letting the camera decide--and even more annoying, decide again every time i take another photo.

 

[pikeface]

Interesting, thank you. Must be my week for learning new things
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