Just picked up the f/1.2L 50mm

Hi all. I finally made the plunge for the Canon 50mm f/1.2L lens. The f/1.4 has been an amazing lens (I have a brilliant copy) and I have absolutely no complaints. But, there have been a few times where I've needed a little extra light at 50mm (mainly wedding receptions) and I found a pretty good price online.

I don't know if I'll be able to post an in-depth review (there are a ton already out there) but I will certainly report back any issues if I find them. I was worried about the [back]focus issue that some people have had, but my understanding is that Canon has addressed that, and that the scarcity of some lenses in the past few months has been to dry up supplies and pass down new stock from the company itself. We'll see.

Also, if anyone has experience with the lens and how it behaves (bad or good) - I'd love for you to share your thoughts.

Thanks for the link -- I hadn't seen that review. It must be somewhat old, as it is talking about the lens when it was new. I know that Canon has tweaked a few focus kinks out. Word on the street is that it is a sensitive lens - ie. you can't be trigger-happy and expect great results. Being deliberate about each shot is something that we all should do, but this lens may force me to really think about everything that I am doing.

f/1.2 is pretty extreme, and I imagine that I'll be around 1.4, 1.6, or 1.8 most of the time.

I haven't tried the Sigma, but I've heard good things all around.

pprior said:

I own the 85/1.2L, as you do. Can you comment on why the need to buy the 50 as well? Seems those two are so close in focal length. the 85 certainly doesn't focus quickly, 50 faster?

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Great question, and one I've been asking myself for almost a year. The 85mm, as a longer lens, provides even lusher bokeh at an equivalent aperture setting. But, for weddings, events, etc. the 85mm is occasionally just long enough that I am back too far. In close quarters, or with lots of people milling about, I find that someone will walk into the shot. Or, to properly use the 85mm, I'd have to shoo people out of the way so I can back up.

I can't imagine going to an event without my 85mm, but the 50mm should add some flexibility for the times when I need to remain closer to the subjects.

fiercetiger224 said:

Haha well I find myself using my 135mm a lot for weddings and such, thanks to the amazing DOF and sharpness. You should keep it. You've got pretty much the whole range of prime lenses! Nothing beats prime...Ever.

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Fiercetiger, you provide such sage advice. I constantly tell people that primes are unbeatable, and that we should just "zoom with our feet" more and stop being lazy. Now it's time to heed my own advice!!

I'll keep it for a while, and hope the finances hold up!