canon 50 mm f 1.8 ii or 50 mm f 1.4?

[Pete Burger]

The 50 1.8 II is a great lens for an unbelieveable price, but the focus-ring is a bad joke… If you can afford it, get the 1.4 – faster and better overall quality.

——————————————
“Tragedy is a close-up; comedy, a long shot.” – Buster Keaton

[Victor Nguyen]

thanks sir 1.4 it is then. I guess the focus ring is 1.8 achilles heel huh? actually can you go into detail why the focus is so bad?

[Pete Burger]

[Victor Nguyen] ” actually can you go into detail why the focus is so bad?”

Well, you can’t relly grab the focus ring, that’s a big problem. Also the lens itself is made completely out of plastic. Feels like a toy – if I might say so. Don’t get me wrong: I like the 1.8 II, but if you have the money, get the 1.4. It’s better built and more ergonomic (and faster).

——————————————
“Tragedy is a close-up; comedy, a long shot.” – Buster Keaton

[David Williamson]

Seconded 100%. I had the 50mm f/1.8 and it’s fine, in fact awesome value for money. But I sold it recently and bought a 50mm f/1.4. Main reason wasn’t to get an even shallower DoF but a) because the focus ring on the f/1.4 is larger and easier to use than on the f/1.8 and b) the build quality and feel of the f/1.4 is so much better. I plan to use it with a follow focus so lack of play (or backlash) in the focus ring is important to me as is ease of access and the f/1.4 wins hands-down in that respect. I have no regrets about the upgrade, in fact I wish I’d got the f/1.4 in the first place rather than trying to save $250 by getting the f/1.8!!