ron_miller's reviews

  • Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

    7 out of 10 points and not recommended
    Bright due to large aperture F1.4
    Very soft at large aperture (F1.4 to <F2.8)

    I recommend the much cheaper Cannon 50mm F1.8.
    Although this F1.4 has a better construction quality, it is more than 3X more expensive at the same image quality.
    Even if this lens has a wide aperture of F1.4, I find it unusable at that setting - it becomes very soft especially on the right side to the point you feel the image is not focused properly. I think this lens is useful only from F2.8 beyond.

    reviewed December 4th, 2010 (purchased for $420)

  • Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

    9 out of 10 points and recommended
    Light, Small and Good IQ for price
    Construction quality and noisy during focus.

    Although soft at F1.8 until less than F2.8, i cannot complain because this lens is a bargain. But it produces very good enlargements at smaller apertures (F2.8 and beyond).
    On a Canon 7D, this makes a good portrait lens.

    reviewed December 4th, 2010 (purchased for $96)