Canon FD 50mm f1.4 v f1.8

[David Jones]

I have a Canon FD 50mm f1.8 and was wondering if it was worth getting the 1.4 version, not for the larger aperture, but for general image quality? Does anyone with practical experience of using the 1.4 notice a difference?
Thanks
Dave

 

[frobozz]

I think the Canon FD 50/1.4 is one of the most amazingly sharp lenses around, period. For the relatively low cost to get a nice usable one, it's well worth it.

Duncan

 

[darinwc]

The f1.8's are good lenses but the f1.4's are better. And at the price, there is no reason not to buy a f1.4.

 

[Jeff Kubach]

You could get in touch with KEH and sell the 1.8 and then buy the 1.4.

Jeff

 

[loman]

I think they are both great lenses. I've kept the 1.4 simply because it lets in a little more light not because it's a lot sharper.

 

[holmburgers]

I asked myself the same question and the answer is yes.

It has a better multi-coating, it is the "reference" lens in the FD line, and something I didn't consider is that its minimum focusing distance is closer by nearly half a foot. Although that doesnt' sounds like a lot, it makes all the difference.

If they made a fixed lens camera with this lens on it, I could use it happily for life

I will add however, if you really don't need the extra light or the minimum focusing distance, the f1.8 is much smaller/lighter.

 

[darinwc]

You can get more info about the various FD 50mm lenses here:
http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/companies/canon/fdresources/fdlenses/50mm.htm

Now I doubt anyone would be able to tell the difference between shots taken with the f1.8 vs the f1.4.
But there is not a wide gap in price and so why not have the better lens?

 

[David Jones]

Thanks very much for those replies. It was the single coating that I thought might make the 1.8 not so good.
Dave

 

[patrickjames]

I have an extra 1.4 I don't use. Make me an offer. It has almost no wear.

 

[benjiboy]

The 1.4 was the industry standard with many official organizations, and as other people have written none of the models FD 50 1.8 50mm lenses are multi coated

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

The 1.4 is a better lens, but keep the 1.8, because it's smaller and lighter and better than the 1.4 or 1.2L when reversed for macro, and you can't sell it for much.

 

[Greg Campbell]

Looking at two images side by side, I seriously doubt you'd ever be able to tell the difference. Shoot your 'lowly' 1.8 and be happy!

 

[Andrew Horodysky]

The 1.4 is a better lens, but keep the 1.8, because it's smaller and lighter and better than the 1.4 or 1.2L when reversed for macro, and you can't sell it for much.

Ditto.