I am looking to expand my lens selection and was looking at the Canon 50mm prime on B&H and saw 2 choices in that length the f/1.4 and the f/1.8, I also noticed a vastly different price between the two. The f/1.8 is about $80 and the f/1.4 is $300. Is the 1.4 that much better of a lens to command the $220 price difference? I can afford the $300, that isn't an issue, I just would like to know if the image quality is that much better out of the 1.4 to make it worth the extra $220 over the 1.8.

I own the 1.4 and would not trade it now that I have it. The build is much better than the 1.8, commonly known as the "thrifty fifty." The bokeh is much nicer on the 1.4. That is important to me as I prefer primes or telephotos for portrait photography. I find the 1.4 to be a little sharper across the range although it is a touch soft at 1.4. Also the 1.4 is a USM lens where the 1.8 is not. There are however hundreds or thousands of 1.8 owners that love the lens. And if it gets damaged, you can replace it for under 100 dollars. Best thing to do if possible on this one is to go to a local shop and try them out.

I also have the 50mm f/1.4. But I don't know that I would recommend it unless you have your heart set on it. It is built better and it is faster. But even if the image quality is better, I doubt that it's worth the extra money. Personally, I would recommend buying the f/1.8 version and saving some money. I don't think you'll have any regrets. The f/1.8 lens does have a plastic lens mount, which has always made me a little uncomfortable. But I don't think it's really an issue. It's just a change I haven't been able to get comfortable with. I don't think you'll be able to find any solid evidence of a plastic lens mount actually causing problems, though.

I would get the f.1.8 and put the difference toward an nice L series lens like a 28-105mm IS

I would get the f.1.8 and put the difference toward an nice L series lens like a 28-105mm IS
Yeah thats what I'm leaning towards or a nice tripod with a ballhead.

I have the 1.8 and love it. For the price, I don't think you can beat it. And spending your money else where is a good idea. I used the extra to pick up a tripod and remote.

Don't know if this helps.

I have the 50mm F1.4 FD lense on my Canon AE1 and adore that lense. Its the one I used the most.

Roger

My 50mm 1.8 lens very rarely leaves my camera. I wouldn't be without it.

My 50mm 1.8 lens very rarely leaves my camera. I wouldn't be without it.

I totally agree. It never leaves the body. Even though my lense choice isn't great, the 18-55 lens kit, 75-300mm, all my lenses are under $150. I didn't know it was known as the "thirfty fifty". I really like my 1.8. Gete both since money isn't an issue for you. haha.

I've got both. I use the f1.8 a LOT more than the f1.4. The f1.4 is built poorly for the price, and I have to dismantle and fix mine on occasion. However, my f1.8 is the original version with the metal mount. you can still find the mark I version of the f1.8 on ebay, but you'll pay a premium price for it, but I would still take the f1.8 over the f1.4 unless I needed the extra speed. It's smaller, lighter, and every bit as sharp. The only advantage I would give to the f1.4 is that the out of focus highlights are nicer when shooting wide open.

I'm going to order the 1.8 from B&H this week then see if my tripod or remote release shows up under the x-mas tree:D