Lens Love // 50mm f/1.4 {trusty dusty}
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Lens: Canon 50mm f/1.4
Nickname: Trusty Dusty
Started using it: Fall 2013
On my camera: 50% of the time
Bought it: new
For anyone starting out in their photography journey, it will not take long for you to be introduced to a 50mm lens. They call the 50mm f/1.8 the “nifty fifty” for a reason. At just a little over $100, that nifty fifty lens will help you achieve results that (at the beginning) might kind of blow your mind.
I had a nifty fifty for a while, but it didn't take too long for me to upgrade to the f/1.4. For a couple hundred more dollars, it is a better piece of glass that will get you nice, consistent results. Being able to open up to f/1.4 is awesome, but I find this lenses sweet spot to remain at about f/2.8 and that is where I usually find myself with this one.
This lens is fantastic for all occasions although being indoors you might find it a little too tight depending on the room. Its awesome for couples and families with older children, portrait time during weddings and even just a general walk around lens if you are traveling or sightseeing. The perspective on a 50mm lens on a full frame camera is extremely close to what we see naturally with our own eyes so the images have a very pleasant feel to them. The lens is relatively quick although from time to time I have had some trouble locking focus. Both the 85mm and the 35mm trump this lens also in sharpness. Despite that, because of its versatility, this lens does spend quite a bit of time on my camera.
I will likely upgrade this lens in the future to either a Canon 50mm f/1.2 or the Sigma Art f/1.4, but in the meantime it was well worth the purchase price. Most photographers have at least one 50mm lens and for good reason. If you are just starting out and only have kit lenses and want to invest in some better class, definitely try the 50mm f/1.8 or f/1.4. You will not regret it!
