Canon 50mm f/1.4 USM Reviews, Samples and References

Last update (Jun 11, 2009): Canon T1i / 500D review samples with the 50/1.4 at DPReview.

This post is a personal compilation of links to Canon EF 50mm f1.4 USM professional reviews, user opinions and experiences, tests, ratings and conclusions.

I also link up to images, sample photos and galleries of pictures taken with this lens.

Full attribution is given by linking to the source.

The Canon 50/1.4 USM lens finds its way into many a photographer's bag on account of the tremendous image quality offered in a package that's small and light.

Corner-to-corner sharpness is one of its hallmark qualities and critical sharpness is attained when stopped down to f/2.

Having a pretty snappy autofocus performance doesn't hurt the appeal of this optic either.

Reviews

50/1.4 USM review at The Digital Picture

For a comprehensive review of this lens, please read The Digital Picture's article.

Sample Photos

Canon T1i / 500D review samples with the 50/1.4 at DPReview

There are four portraits of a female model to be found in DPReview's gallery of 38 sample images photographed with the EF 50mm f/1.4 USM mounted on a Canon T1i / 500D / Kiss X3.

Here are the direct links to the 1024-pixel photos, which you can then click through to the full-sized pictures.

1. Image 27 (female model portrait)
2. 28 (female model portrait with fill-flash)
3. 29 (female model portrait)
4. 30 (female model portrait, ACR conversion)

Rediscovering the magic of the 50mm f/1.4

Voland shoots three superb portrait / candid images (at f/4, f/2 and f/1.4) and finds that the lens beautifully complements the EOS 5D's (Mark 1) full-frame sensor.

Voland adds that 50mm lenses are suitable for full or half-body shots, but for tighter head shots, lenses in the 85mm or 135mm focal lengths would be better.