Catechism has an excellent range of prime number lenses. This includes ultra-powerful Fifty-series models, merely in that location is also a great selection of standard prime lenses that notwithstanding give fantastic image quality. One such prime lens is the Canon 50mm lens. There are 2 variations of this lens and in this guide, we look at the Canon 50mm 1.4 vs 1.eight models.
The difference in aperture may seem minimal, just this comparing looks at all aspects of the lenses. We look at the full range of technical specifications, build quality, AF system, and overall photo quality. That manner, yous can have a clear idea of which lens is suitable for you.
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Why is the 50mm Lens a Adept Pick?
Outset, let’s quickly look at the 50mm lens category. Why is this such a popular focal distance? Throughout the history of flick and digital cameras, the 50mm lens selection has been a constant – information technology has always been at that place, and information technology remains one of the peak choices today.
A 50mm focal length provides an excellent balance. It could be classed equally a groovy “all-round” lens. It sits right in the middle between wide-bending, and telephoto. At 35mm, you have a much wider lens, whereas, at 70mm, you are zooming-in further. 50mm sits comfortably in the middle and provides a unique mode of limerick.
A 50mm focal length is as well more often than not compared to what our naked eye tin can see. This means that 50mm compositions are natural and have a familiar feeling. It is a groovy beginner lens and can be used for a variety of photography styles and genres including portraits.
Canon 50mm 1.4 vs 1.8 Comparison Breakdown
At present that you can see the benefits of a 50mm focal altitude, we can await at the comparing of the Canon 50mm ane.iv vs ane.viii. These are ii relatively affordable lenses, and both could make an excellent choice for beginners. But how do they compare and is i meliorate than the other? Accept a expect at this comparison to find out!
Technical Specifications
Offset, let’s look at the technical specifications. Y’all tin find full details of both lenses via the official Canon store, just nosotros accept given a breakdown of their main features below:
Item | Canon EF 50mm f/ane.4 USM | Canon EF 50mm f/1.viii STM |
Weight | 290g | 160g |
Dimensions | 78.viii x fifty.5mm | 69.2 x 39.3mm |
Discontinuity Range | f/1.4 – f/22 | f/i.viii – f/22 |
Closest Focusing Distance | 0.45m | 0.35m |
Maximum Magnification | 0.15x | 0.21x |
AF System | Micro USM | STM |
Filter Diameter | 58mm | 49mm |
Notable differences are the overall weight and dimensions. The Canon EF 50mm f/1.eight STM is much lighter and smaller than the f/one.4. This could make it a better option as a travel lens.
Related Post: Canon USM vs STM – What’south the Difference?
Also, the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM has a closer focusing distance. It is marginal at 10cm, but could make a difference, especially when shooting at close objects. As the Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM is larger, it as well has a larger filter diameter of 58mm.
Build Quality & Design
The build quality of both lenses is inferior when compared to Catechism L-serial lenses but nevertheless, these lenses will still withstand a fair corporeality of rough and tumble–both lenses are predominantly made from a durable plastic casing.
Both lenses have a metal lens mount which provides a more secure connection with your camera. In some cases, you might detect a plastic lens mount, though this is rare.
Overall, the Canon EF 50mm f/1.iv USM has a slightly better design and build quality. It feels more than robust when holding it, and information technology also benefits from a focus display indicator on the manual focus ring. The Catechism EF 50mm f/1.8 STM is still a decent quality lens, but information technology does experience cheaper than the f/1.4.
Autofocusing System
Both lenses characteristic a simple switch that allows y’all to change between AF and MF. The f/ane.4 has Catechism’south ultrasonic motor for autofocusing, whereas the f/1.8 has the stepping motor autofocusing system.
Overall, the USM motor is considered the better choice for professional photography, whereas the STM motor is cheaper and is better suited for videography. Both autofocusing systems feature nigh silent operation for autofocusing, only the STM motor is not silent for manual focusing.
For the Catechism 50mm i.4 vs 1.viii comparing, the f/one.iv does feature a better autofocusing system. But the STM system is notwithstanding constructive, and it doesn’t mean you will struggle to focus when taking photos.
Photograph Quality
Finally, and nearly chiefly, we must look at the photograph quality.
The main departure between the Canon 50mm ane.iv vs 1.8 is the aperture. Manifestly, the f/1.4 offers superior control over depth of field. When shooting at f/one.four, your images will look stunning and you can create some artistic, professional-course shots.
At f/1.8, in reality, you lot can exercise most of what you can at f/1.iv. Yous just can’t quite achieve the same end results. Compared to some other lenses, the f/one.8 discontinuity is still a huge advantage, as many lenses only provide a maximum discontinuity of f/ii or higher.
In terms of overall quality and sharpness, again the f/1.iv has the reward. It providers greater sharpness from your images, and when looking at the fine detail, you lot can find the difference. Again, the f/1.8 still produces fantastic quality images, simply the f/one.four is superior in terms of raw quality.
Which is the Better Choice – Catechism 50mm 1.4 vs 1.eight?
So which is the improve option when it comes to the Canon 50mm 1.4 vs 1.eight? Nosotros have provided a summary of each lens below, together with their relative pros and cons:
Canon 50mm f/i.4 USM
The Canon 50mm f/1.4 USM is an splendid lens. Its main downside is that it is over double the cost of the Canon 50mm f/1.eight STM. All the same, if yous can afford this, and are serious near your photography, the extra price tag is definitely worth it.

With a maximum aperture of f/one.iv, you are given greater control over depth of field, and you can create stunning images that clearly separate the bailiwick from the background. It also benefits from the amend quality USM autofocusing motor.
Pros
Greater maximum discontinuity
Better command over depth of field
Produces sharper images
Cons
Slightly heavier and bulkier
Further closest focusing distance

Best choice for professional photographers
The Catechism EF 50mm f/1.4 USM offers superior quality and a ameliorate autofocusing motor.
Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM
The Canon 50mm f/one.8 STM is as well a great lens. It does non provide the same quality equally the Catechism EF 50mm f/1.4, but for a starter lens, it is a not bad choice. If you want a inexpensive lens that allows y’all to experiment with depth of field, this is a practiced option.

At f/1.viii you still take excellent control over depth of field, and the images are still precipitous. The STM autofocusing system is too effective, but it is much louder than the USM system on the f/i.iv. This lens could also be considered the ameliorate option for travel, as it is slightly smaller and lighter.
Pros
Lighter and smaller build
Much cheaper
Cons
Louder autofocusing system
Non as sharp every bit the f/1.4

Best option for beginners
The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM still offers swell quality, but its affordable price make it the better choice for beginners.
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Source: https://www.photoworkout.com/canon-50mm-1-4-vs-1-8/