Canon 50mm f1.8 II

[NexusPhoto]

Is probably the worst built lens I've ever used. My main question - even though I was stupid enough to buy it - is why did Canon decide to use plastic for the mounting ring? Somehow the lens got stuck to the camera. So in my infinite wisdom:idea: , I decided to force it off and wound up breaking the mounting ring off the lens, and breaking the auto-focus connector pin on the camera!

That's what you get for trying to go cheap! :mad2: :mad2:

[Photo-John]

Wow. Never heard that before. The old version had a metal mount and the plastic mount has to be one of the most common complaints - if not the only complaint - about the new lens. Most people love it, in spite of the plastic mount.

Please post a review for your lens in the reviews. Since your review covers something I've never heard of before, I think it's important that it's in the review section:

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Lens Reviews >>

Sorry about the lens. Hope you replace it with something you like much better.

[NexusPhoto]

This only happened a few days ago. It's been really humid in the Chicago area. Around 75%. I wonder if this has anything to do with it.

[Photo-John]

Humidity shouldn't make any difference. Heat might. But I'm sure there are plenty of people using that lens in Arizona in the summer. My guess is you just pulled the short straw. It happens. No matter what, it's a bummer. That lens does have great glass and it's super cheap. I know you aren't too happy with it right now. But maybe when you cool off a bit you might give it another chance. I don't mean the one you have now - but another one. One famous pro photographer I talked to told me that he loves that lens because it's so cheap and good. It's like a disposable L lens

[NexusPhoto]

Thanks. I should have stated in the first post that the lens always gave me outstanding images. Crisp, clear, excellent contrast, focus always spot-on. It's just frustrating that some stuff is just not made to last.

[mwfanelli]

Is probably the worst built lens I've ever used. My main question - even though I was stupid enough to buy it - is why did Canon decide to use plastic for the mounting ring? Somehow the lens got stuck to the camera. So in my infinite wisdom:idea: , I decided to force it off and wound up breaking the mounting ring off the lens, and breaking the auto-focus connector pin on the camera!

That's what you get for trying to go cheap! :mad2: :mad2:

Polycarbonate just doesn't break that easily. Either the lens had a problem to begin with or you really applied a lot of force to it. Ripping the mounting off and one of the pins? Wow, I bet you were angry before the "operation" was attempted.

If something is stuck, force is not the answer! I doubt that metal would have faired any better. The lens is not cheap because of the materials or cutting corners. A 50mm lens is about the cheapest lens to design and manufacture these days.

[kornphlake]

I was debating the quality of this lens on another forum with someone who is a professional photographer. His argument was that the f1.4 lens is superior in every way and more durable. I agree, the f1.8 lens isn't the best lens available, but if your budget is $80, it's the best you can get and better than many lenses costing 3-4 times as much. As far as Canon lenses go, lots of lenses under $300 have a plastic lens mount, if you are looking for a durable lens you need to be thinking about spending a lot more than $80. Personally I think Canon made the right decision to give the f1.8 lens a plastic lens mount and bring it within reach of the amature photographer who wants a really fast lens with sharp optics but doesn't have $300 for a f1.4 lens, or doesn't use a 50mm enough to justify the cost.

As much as people hate plastic lens mounts I've never heared about one failing the way the OP described.

[Lionheart]

I was debating the quality of this lens on another forum with someone who is a professional photographer. His argument was that the f1.4 lens is superior in every way and more durable. I agree, the f1.8 lens isn't the best lens available, but if your budget is $80, it's the best you can get and better than many lenses costing 3-4 times as much. As far as Canon lenses go, lots of lenses under $300 have a plastic lens mount, if you are looking for a durable lens you need to be thinking about spending a lot more than $80. Personally I think Canon made the right decision to give the f1.8 lens a plastic lens mount and bring it within reach of the amature photographer who wants a really fast lens with sharp optics but doesn't have $300 for a f1.4 lens, or doesn't use a 50mm enough to justify the cost.

As much as people hate plastic lens mounts I've never heared about one failing the way the OP described.

My experience with the f1.4 lens is that the build is extremely suspect. I've taken it apart at least 3 times that I can remember to re-attach a ribbon cable inside the darn lens that keeps the lens motor working and communicating with the rest of the camera. I've bumped the front of the lens against a wall once, and the lens jammed, had to take it apart and re-align a guide screw on the plastic (!!!!) helix frame that guides the internal lens assembly during focusing. The image quality is identical in most respects to the much cheaper f1.8 lens, but the build on my f1.8 (original version with the metal mount) is easily superior to the more "professional" f1.4 version. The body on my f1.8 is much more robust than the plasticky feeling f1.4, but the noise can be irritating now that I'm spoiled by all the USM lenses I'm accustomed to using. I've checked out the new version, and I agree, it does feel cheesy, but not much less than it's much more expensive f1.4 sibling. The f1.4 is a tad quicker on the focus, and much quieter, but I use my f1.8 more (smaller, more rugged, takes less space in my carry bag.). Just my two bits, couldn't help myself-I'm not a fan of the f1.4 (anybody out there want one?).

[Photo-John]

I haven't taken my 50mm f/1.4 apart and I haven't had any problems with mine. But I agree that it doesn't really feel that sturdy. I wouldn't really consider it professional quality lens in terms of build. And I don't know that the larger aperture is really worth the extra $200. Being a sometimes camera snob I bought it, though. And I have been very happy with it. But it might have been better to buy the f/1.8 lens and spend the remainder elswhere.

I also have the 50mm f/2.5 Macro, which I bought used a couple of years ago. That's also a good alternative. I actually use it more than my 50mm f/1.4 because it's great for product photography. I keep wondering if I should sell the 50mm f/1.4 but haven't been able to part with it.