EF 50mm f/1.2 L

RattyMouse · May 10, 2017

This lens has consistent complaints over in the digital world regarding focus shift. Do any Canon film users here shoot this lens? Does the focus shift ruin a lot of shots? I dont see a lot of talk about this lens so I'm thinking it's not commonly used.

Ko.Fe. · May 10, 2017

I used it for years. Including film bodies. Focus shift isn't big deal, honestly. It is most popular with digital users. And to be honest it is not worth of it on the film. Only if you really need f1.2.
The reason I sold mine is very bad construction of this lens. Plastic and sticky tape. Entire front part is hold by sticky tape and focus ring hold by fragile plastic ring. As result focus ring is loose and lens front is wobbling. I gave it to Canon Canada, they took money, put new parts in, gave me warranty, but it was never as good as it was.

Apache 10.

Horse racing.

Robin Nest.

Nashville, North, Canada.

Christiaan Phleger · May 10, 2017

Yes I've done some repair/CLA on a few of these for a local rental shop and I was APPALLED at the very cheap internal construction of this particular lens. Its really a joke especially considering the cost of these lenses new. The Nikon 50mm 1.2 AIS is 1/3 the price and actually constructed correctly. This particular lens represents what I've been pointing out about Canon products; Fine optics but an absolute rip off especially the whole 'L' line of lenses. The pro's who shoot Canon are in a sorry spot; they need these lenses to do the job yet the tools Canon brags about are made so cheaply that they don't last and should be considered an expendable expense. Shooting Leica for example you are assured a quality professional tool designed and built well for the price. Nikon used to be made well and most of their pro lenses are build fairly solid. That Canon 50mm 1.2 L is such a pile of crap, ask any wedding pro shooting that lens how many times they've either bought another one or had multiple repairs.

GRHazelton · May 10, 2017

Interesting. My Pentax 50mm f1.2 A is heavy, and seems to be all metal save the optical elements and the rubbery focus ring. Wonderful bokeh, and truly sharp stopped down just a bit. But that's the way superspeed lenses are....

ctrout · May 10, 2017

I considered this lens for about thirty seconds until I went over to a website that does a visual results comparison of both side by side and I found that the 50mm 1.4 actually looks better at most apertures. The only reason I would spend over 5 times the money for a lens that produces inferior results in most cases is if my life depended on f1.2 vs f1.4. I realize that this is a very controlled test under very narrow parameters but it showed me that for my purposes, the f1.4 lens was by far the better decision. Dead Link Removed

Skai King · May 11, 2017

I've bought the Canon 50 f1.2 used in 2006. Used it professionally on approx 500 weddings, many other photo sessions, used it extensively on a number of international trips.

Love it! But... stupidly, on a trip to Japan, the bag I used had the camera, positioned back down. I would be picking up/putting away the attached 5D M2 by the attached lens hood. I made it through the trip, but the front came off a few weeks later! CPS repaired and it's been good since 2010.

Colin Corneau · May 11, 2017

Shot just a few times on it, digital and film, since picking mine up -- knock on wood, it's been fine.

I've heard nothing but bad things about the EF 50 1.4, just not worth the money. Honestly, I'd just look at the Sigma ART 50mm if you're worried. Or buy an adapter to fit the Nikkor model on your Canon body..?

Skai King · May 11, 2017

Oh... forget to address the 'focus shift' issue. I've not experienced focus issues. What exactly is this 'focus shift'?

locutus · May 11, 2017

Focus shift means that the exact point of critical focus moves slightly (forwards or backwards) when stopping down the lens, usually this amount of movement is still within the depth of field which gets bigger at the same time, if focus shift moves a significant part within the DoF zone this becomes a issue.

Skai King · May 11, 2017

I've heard of some less than stellar zooms that shift focus when zoomed, but not quality primes when changing the f-stop. Interesting.

To the OP, of the fifteen Canon lenses I own, I'd put the 50/1.2 in the top five in terms of performance. Fringing at wide open is the only issue I've noticed. It is razor sharp as well and makes for some very pretty backgrounds.

EF 50mm f/1.2 L

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency