Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM - Full Format Review / Lab Test Report
Lens Reviews - Canon EOS (Full Format)
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Introduction
Analysis

Review by Klaus Schroiff, published November 2010

Introduction

The Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM was introduced back in June 1993. Price-wise it sits in-between the extremely expensive EF 50mm f/1.2 USM L and the "cheap" EF 50mm f/1.8 II. There have been calls in forums out there that the lens is outdated by now (e.g. due to the non-circular aperture) but so far Canon had different priorities. However, the lens has received excellent scores in our APS-C test so the situation doesn't seem to be desperate anyway. However, let's have a look whether it can convince us on a full format body as well.

The overall build quality is very decent with a metal mount and an outer barrel made of good quality plastics. Manual focusing feels quite smooth albeit not damped. The broad, rubberized control ring is certainly a plus compared to the tiny focus ring on the EF 50mm f/1.8 II. The inner lens tube extends slightly (~1cm max) when focusing towards closer distances.

The lens is a little unusual in the global Canon lens context - it features a micro-USM AF drive including full-time manual (FTM) override in AF mode. This is a quite unique combination because FTM is usually available on Canon's ring-type USM drives only. The AF operation is fast and silent but slightly inferior compared to e.g. the 85mm f/1.8 USM.

Specifications
Optical construction7 elements in 6 groups
Number of aperture blades8
min. focus distance0.45 m (max. magnification ratio ~1:6,6)
Dimensions74 x 41 mm
Weight290 g
Filter size58 mm (non-rotating)
Hoodoptional, barrel-shaped
Other features-



Canon EF 50mm f1.4 USM Lens #608
Auction price: 138.25 USD
Condition: Good - Refurbished
Time left: 29d,4h,52m
Accepts Paypal: NO
Canon EF 50mm F1.4 F/1.4 USM Prime Lens
Auction price: 149.00 USD
Condition: Used
Time left: 23d,13h,1m
Accepts Paypal: NO
MINT Canon 50mm F/1.4 USM Fast Prime Lens (2515A003) #9
Auction price: 160.00 USD
Condition: Used
Time left: 30d,12h,54m
Accepts Paypal: NO
Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Standard & Medium Telephoto Lens +filter
Auction price: 162.00 USD
Condition: Used
Time left: 30d,14h,50m
Accepts Paypal: NO

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