Canon 50mm lens

[bindows]

Is there a noticable image quality difference between the Canon EF 50 mm 1.4 versus 1.8? The 1.4 is three times as much and is glass and metal, but is it crucial for a novice? Thank you in advance.

[MB1]

They are both very good quality lenses, the 1.4 gets more light to the sensor so you can shoot a higher speeds or in darker conditions. The 1.4 also gives the photographer the ability to get less depth of field which can be useful in some conditions.

Not enough difference to matter for a novice.

[brmill26]

Absolutely not enough difference for a novice, or even most photographers. I have the 1.8, and there are few times I've needed to use it wide open. As far as image quality, I'm pretty sure the answer is no; the 1.8 takes amazing photos. I'd take the money you save and put it towards another good lens - you'll need the flexibility in focal length much more than you'll need an extra half stop of light.

[MB1]

Absolutely not enough difference for a novice, or even most photographers. I have the 1.8, and there are few times I've needed to use it wide open. As far as image quality, I'm pretty sure the answer is no; the 1.8 takes amazing photos. I'd take the money you save and put it towards another good lens - you'll need the flexibility in focal length much more than you'll need an extra half stop of light.

The reason I like the big aperture lenses (I use the 50mm 1.2) is for the shallow DOF you can get with the things shooting wide open. The low light capacity is nice too but not my real reason for liking them.

[Alison]

I'd take the money you save and put it towards another good lens

Here here! :thumbsup:
Oh yeah, and while you're in the shop buying another lens buy another 50mm.