EF 50mm f1.8 AKA nifty fifty.

[Guest]

Well lets get this section started off with a lens most of us either have, want or at the very least, know about!

I purchased my mk II version a few months back. A compact little lens with a 52mm thead. The main thing about this prime lens for me is being able to get f1.8 for under £80. Bargain, in anyones eyes! At this kind of price, it almost disposable (not a suggestion!).

In my limited experience I can only generalise about what I know, but I have been happy with it throughout the aperture range. The AF has been quick (I have not used it on MF as it is a bit fiddly on this lens).

The crop factor on APS-C sensors makes this an ideal portrait lens especially for those starting out and who cant afford the f1.4 or L series big brothers.

So I am sure there are loads of users out there who have experience with this little lens, but in my humple opinion - for the money and even a little more, there is not a better lens out there!

Rob

[carregwen]

Re: EF 50mm f1.8 AKA nifty fifty.

They fall to bits, the build quality is naff, they leak like a Dutch battleship, and other photographers think you are poor. But it's sharper than a Samurai sword, and the bokeh is amazing. Would never do without it. If Canon stop making it I will switch to Kodak in protest.

[Dave]

Re: EF 50mm f1.8 AKA nifty fifty.

It's nice and light too, so makes a good lens for walkers. I also found that it works very well with extenders for close-up work. A most under rated lens.

[Colin]

Re: EF 50mm f1.8 AKA nifty fifty.

I have a mark 1 that I managed to pick up at the right price and it is fantastic. One lens that I will never part with.

[Gary - Fulham]

Re: EF 50mm f1.8 AKA nifty fifty.

Yep, there was a time when we all had this 'cheap and fast' primes. When I got my first camera - a Canon F1 in 1973 - the kit of choice was a 28mm f2.8, a 50mm f1.8 and a 135 f2.8. Zooms were esoteric and until about 1985, just weren't up to it. The kit you carried was a lot lighter and optically very good (and camera bodies were only replaced every 7-10 years!).

[Petros]

Re: EF 50mm f1.8 AKA nifty fifty.

other photographers think you are poor

Well. maybe not quite but finding it difficult to justify high expenditure for a hobby. This little lens may have its limitations but at last I can sometimes produce properly sharp pics with great contrast and colour!

[sinisterpictures]

Re: EF 50mm f1.8 AKA nifty fifty.

and other photographers think you are poor.

They'd be right in my case!

[Gary - Fulham]

Re: EF 50mm f1.8 AKA nifty fifty.

50mm f1.8 were and still are very versatile lenses and should be at the heart of all systems

[Rob.Richards]

Re: EF 50mm f1.8 AKA nifty fifty.

They'd be right in my case!

I thought it was just me!

[Undercrank]

Re: EF 50mm f1.8 AKA nifty fifty.

The crop factor on APS-C sensors makes this an ideal portrait lens especially for those starting out and who cant afford the f1.4 or L series big brothers.
Rob

Rob, this is a cracking lens and very useful -- you're spot on. But be careful with portrait work.

While it seems to be a longer lens due to the crop factor it does of course retain the characteristics of the 50mm due to its physical construction. This means it will slightly distort features if used too close -- farther away than some might think. But for shots from the waist up it's very useful.

Regards,

Sam

[jtmwood]

Re: EF 50mm f1.8 AKA nifty fifty.

Dropped my first went broke to bits - but got a replacement same day as I wanted it that much - amazing bit of kit for the money.

[tmphotos]

Re: EF 50mm f1.8 AKA nifty fifty.

Dropped my first went broke to bits

If you are prone to dropping your lenses, then it's probably best to stick to cheap lenses.

[Gary - Fulham]

Re: EF 50mm f1.8 AKA nifty fifty.

The 85mm (or equivalent) remians one of the classic '35mm' prime lenses. I have had one with every camera system I am have owned. The current EF 85mm f.18 is classic lens that I have taken some of my best shots on - film or digital. I also like the EF 100mm f2.0. Gary

[Petros]

Re: EF 50mm f1.8 AKA nifty fifty.

Don't question the quality and versatility of the 85mm or 100mm lenses (I don't possess either but have a 17 - 85 zoom), but the 50mm suits for shooting in tight spaces - which probably describes the average room in the average home. At 85mm I find I am generally well backed up against a far wall! Peter.

[digger58]

Re: EF 50mm f1.8 AKA nifty fifty.

As well as reviews of the lens maybe folks could post a few of their favorites captured with it