Opinions please about this lens.

[Jose Luis Silva]

Good day to all.

While I'm saving to buy another Canon body, I'm thinking to buy the Canon 50mm f/18 II lens.

I've ready some reviews about it, but I would like to have the members opinion who use it.

Can I have your comments about it?

Thanks in advance for your attention and time.

Best regards

[arnie]

The attached picture shows another lens, the 50mm 1.4 version.

The 1.8 II is all plastic (including the mount !) and its focus can be quite unreliable. It is the cheapest lens from Canon (around Germany, you can get this lens under 100 EUR). I have this lens; usually I hit the focus button several times and then the focus sits.

The first version is better regarded (has a metal mount, for example). At least from a mechanical point-of-view. Optically, they are the same. Although you can buy this lens only used, its price is *higher* than the second version new!

Some do not like the bokeh.

[twagenknecht]

Jose,
The lens in the picture is the F 1.4, rather than the F 1.8. Which one do you mean. The 1.8 feels like a cheap toy, but for the money delivers really nice images. The 1.4 version is more expensive by a factor of almost 3 times, but delivers a very fast lens, and better handling of CA, distortion, etc. If you want to move into stratospheric pricing, then by yet another factor of over three times, the 1.2 version is the best 50mm Canon makes, and does really deliver the goods as promised. One thing to note: ALL of these lenses lack IS...but for a prime lens in this range, that fact is rather moot. Going back to the 1.8...this lens is not as sharp as one would expect wide open, thus needing to be stopped down to gain that razor's edge. The loss here is speed. If you are looking to gain something for aviation photography that performs on an angle as the naked eye sees things, the 50mm is the lens to go with. With this lens on a cropped sensor though, one does lose the outside edges, but at the same time retains the sweet spot in the middle where most lenses excel.

All that being said, the 50mm F1.8 USM II is a great starter prime lens, which, if you choose to buy it, will bring you a lot of happiness, and some great shots. Good luck...
Tim

[Jose Luis Silva]

Thank you both of you for your time in help me. It was my fault to mess the picture. My gol is the F/ 1,8. It will not be used for plane spotting, but for portraits, weddings and stuff like that.

I can not spend more money. I'm trying to upgrade from my old, but reliable CANON 350D to a Canon 40D or the new Canon 500D. The problem in this country that I live now (Brazil) is the stupid taxes!!! ( HOW I MISS PORTUGAL).

For general information: If you bought a lens on Ebay, which costs you 300 USD, in here you will be taxed with 60%. The gift and low cost buy doesn't count anything for customs here. Plus, they tax you on article cost plus shipping.

For the new camera, I'm trying to find some one, that comes and go to USA and buy it from me. Of course, I will pay for it.

Thanks a lot again for yr kind attention and help.

[NeilA330]

I have the Nikon version and I love it, alot of bang for the buck.

Here are a few photos

http://www.flickr.com/photos/neilmcd/2621530761/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/neilmcd/2622353934/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/neilmcd/2621530521/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/neilmcd/2621531545/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/neilmcd/2648625927/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/neilmcd/2649457380/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/neilmcd/3017471378/

[tommyalf]

The Nifty 50 is a fantastic and fun lens to use! Quality is outstanding and is one of my favorites!

[Jose Luis Silva]

Thanks Neil and Tommy for your reply and time. I receive it yesterday and make several tests here in the house and I really like it. A cheap lens with a nice image quality!

Once again thanks a lot to all .

Regards
José Luis