Unacceptable reliability !

I took a big pleasure with this lens, so sharp and bright.
But it’s so delicate !
If something push a bit the front, that break the AF :’(

Sharp it is not until you get over f2.4. It lacks contrast wide open to about f2.2. It does work well and yes it is fragile. Focus is not accurate. There are many posts/threads on this subject.

Ian

Nice Review. Just warn us next time if you expect it to run-on so much!

You really have a flare for writing. In the words of Steve Martin: "Some people have a way with words, and other people....oh, um, not have way I guess"

And your sample size is?

rsn48 wrote:

People seem so ready to jump on some one if something isn't done their way. My take on the guy is that he doesn't speak English very well, or at least written English....

Well, I guess I could say the same about you: Quick to criticize.....if something isn't done their way.  Right?

rsn48 wrote:

People seem so ready to jump on some one if something isn't done their way. My take on the guy is that he doesn't speak English very well, or at least written English, he paid in his mind good money for a Canon lens that isn't that great. So out of frustration he comes here, says durability sucks and gives it one star.

What counts for him is that he gave the lens a thumbs down with the one star so when unsuspecting newbies do a review of this lens, his "review" will be one of them. Why Canon hasn't pulled this lens is a mystery to me, its had problems for years.

Yes, usually all it takes is a click on the user name to see that - like in this case - Goood is from France.

Sadly when I see the King's English butchered in horrific ways I often click on a user's name expecting to see Taiwan or Uruguay, and instead see Boston or San Francisco. So I'm happy anybody who has English as a second language tries. At least they're trying. And in this case, giving a valid warning.

You're absolutely right - this lens has been a sad example of a too delicate and fussy design for ages. With Canon having released some world-class leading designs in the past 2 years, there's no excuse they can't blow Sigma's Art series out of the water with a 35/1.4 and 50/1.4 that redefine the genre.

I bought the Sigma because the Canon is awful. Heck, my 38 year old Nikkor 50/1.4 AI is better.

Hi folks, a little bit of history and my use of two 50 1.4s.

In 2004 I was at a late night concert using a 50 1.4 on my 10D and having a hard time focusing. I talked to a Pro who was using the 50 1.4 on a 1 series camera and he said focus was quick and accurate and he was getting lots of keepers at 1.4.

My results with the 50 1.4 have improved as I have upgraded my cameras.

So, some experiences for what they are worth.

Ian M

always leave the lens hood on ... forget about the lens cap!

Suave wrote:

And your sample size is?

I've personally broken two of them.

It doesn't just break the AF. You can't manually focus either.

Scott Larson wrote:

Suave wrote:

And your sample size is?

I've personally broken two of them.

It doesn't just break the AF. You can't manually focus either.

Sorry for that Scott

But how did you do that?

My EF 50mm f/1.4 has been rock-solid for now

gaul wrote:

Scott Larson wrote:

Suave wrote:

And your sample size is?

I've personally broken two of them.

It doesn't just break the AF. You can't manually focus either.

Sorry for that Scott

But how did you do that?

My EF 50mm f/1.4 has been rock-solid for now

I don't know exactly how I broke the first one. When traveling to an event I discovered it had no MF and no AF. CPS fixed it for free because CPS was awesome in those days.

I know exactly how I broke the second one. I lightly bumped the lens on the camera against a wall while trying to get around someone. That's all it took. CPS charged me for that repair and now I never use the lens although I'm sure a lens hood would protect it.

Scott Larson wrote:

gaul wrote:

Scott Larson wrote:

Suave wrote:

And your sample size is?

I've personally broken two of them.

It doesn't just break the AF. You can't manually focus either.

Sorry for that Scott

But how did you do that?

My EF 50mm f/1.4 has been rock-solid for now

I don't know exactly how I broke the first one. When traveling to an event I discovered it had no MF and no AF. CPS fixed it for free because CPS was awesome in those days.

I know exactly how I broke the second one. I lightly bumped the lens on the camera against a wall while trying to get around someone. That's all it took. CPS charged me for that repair and now I never use the lens although I'm sure a lens hood would protect it.

Thx for the explanation Scott

I should use it with a lens hood too I guess

The_Pirate_Shoots -  what prompts you to resurrect a post from 2015?

Q