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Customers most agreed on the following attributes:
I shoot primarily fine art and portraiture with a 35mm SLR but recently bought a DSLR (Canon Rebel XTi) out of necessity for some projects. I chose this lens as opposed to the kit lens because I wanted a fast prime lens. The main problem I find is that it lacks the necessary sharpness below about f8, which makes it useless for a number of applications.
For anyone just starting out in photography, however, I'd recommend this lens simply because it demonstrates the kind of control over depth of field that's possible with fast lenses. You won't get razor sharp images at full magnification, but you'll be able to print 5x7 shots that look just fine. So if you're on a budget, pick this lens up, learn how to use it and save up for something better with similar specs -- the Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Standard AutoFocus Lens, for instance.
from Barrie, Ontario, Canada on 4/24/2008
This was the first prime lens that I purchased. I ordered it along with the 35mm f2 which would be my normal lens on a Rebel XTi. I seldom take the 50 mm lens off my camera now. I have read all of the comments about plastic build and mount and how cheap it is. That may be, but for such a small, light sharp lens at this price it can't be beaten. Buy it.
I bought this along with my first DSLR (canon 30d) and am happy with how it perfoms, I have a lot to learn so I am sure I can get even better pictures from it.
from Brooklyn Park, MN on 4/16/2008
Great lens for the price, you simply can not go wrong with the nifty fifty. Every photographer should own one. Only prime lens that can substitute this one is the 50mm 1.4 or 85mm 1.8.
Everyone told me that I should get one, so I did, and it was the best decision I've made yet. Great addition to your gear, takes awesome pictures for the price! [...] A++
from Milwaukee, WI on 4/2/2008
If your looking for a cheap plastic lens (not the glass) this is the one to buy.
from Rock Island, IL on 4/2/2008
I use it as a great low light alternative to the kit lens. Also, it is a Canon lens, how can you to wrong?
from Maryville, Tn on 3/30/2008
The "nifty fifty" is in my opinion the most bang for the buck in the digital photograhy world.[...]!Not built as solidly as the Canon "L" series lens it still has tack sharp focus and produces wonderful images.For the price every photographer should have one of these in their bag.
from denver, co on 3/20/2008
this is a great buy, and for the money you cant go wrong. the casing is a little 'cheaper' and the focus is a little on the loud side, but overall its a great buy.
from Michigan on 3/20/2008
It you cant afford an L quality lens, this is the one to get. In my opinion, this is the best lens you can buy and its under a hundred bucks. Perfect for portraits and family shots. The 1.8 aperture allows great blur wide open and help immensely in low light. Seems to be sharpest at around f8 however.
Overall, I am very happy with this lens.
The only thing I did not like was the packaging that it came in when shipped.
from New Jersey on 3/8/2008
Although this lens feels cheap and isnt made of high quality material it takes some a the best shots I have ever seen. The focus is incredibly sharp and clear.
from Ann Arbor, MI on 3/6/2008
Great lens for (gentle) general use.
from Australia on 3/6/2008
This is a cheap and nasty little lens, and the results from this plastic fantastic are sometimes mind boggling. You know you are not buying the fastest or sharpest lens in the EF range when you get one of these...But give it f/4 or higher in a composed shot and you might be surprised with the results. I use this puppy on my 5D when I am storm chasing and have made in the 10's of thousands from sale of prints taken with this lens. Its a cheap introduction to large appertures for those who want to have a dabble in portraiture...Not the Sharpest..But it does give the learner an understanding of the relationship betwenn apperture and depth of field. Has probably not been as popular as it was on film cameras as there are by far more of the APS-C Format cameras and has had a significant impact with the cropping giving the equivilent angle of view of the 85mm Focal Length...A bit more narrow than the "Standard" 50mm it once was. In short...If I were starting out again...Yes...It would be a part of my kit
from ALABAMA on 3/6/2008
I would recommend this lense to any level photographer!! The sharpness is very very good!!!
from Frederick MD on 3/6/2008
This is a great lens for a newbie. A friend recommended this for me and I'm glad he did. It does a great job in low lighting compared to the kit lens. [...]
from Springfield, Massachussets on 2/28/2008
This is a great little lense for night time photography. i have it attached to my canon rebel xt and get great shots in very low dim lighting without flash even at iso 200(steady hands needed)
Auto focus is a bit inconsistent on my xt its probably better on a higher model. Amazingly sharp at f/2.8 and higher from center to the corners.
depth of field is nice, i usually stop down to 2.0 or 2.8 for better sharpness and more consistent shots.
color rendition is phenomenal atleast to me, you can get very creative with this lens because because of its wide aperture, low light capabilities. i shoot with very low light, no flash and manually adjust my wb trims to get colors just the way i like them. i couldnt do this before. atleast not without iso 800 or higher or the use of flash.
if you've used a L series lens like the 24-70 (999)or the L 70-200 (500)non IS, you might not be blown away by this little gem. Now if this lens cost just as much i wouldnt be either, but at for what it costs? wow!.
its kind of cheap in construction, so treat it like the jewel it is. i dont think anybody will be truthfully dissapointed with this lens. Do get to know this lens, see what it can do for you and what kind of applications you intend to use it for. Patient is required, as with anything you intend to phothograph. Anything this lens cant do it probably wasnt meant to do, or you probably dont know what you're doing, in which case its not the lens fault. I know i didnt in the beginning (who does)
ive used this lens for portraits and im very pleased with it, i havent tried it for action photography after all is about creativity.
i love using it, i think you will too.
from St. Paul, MN on 2/26/2008
This lens needs to be in every Canon DSLR owner's bag. Great in low light. Can't be beat for the low price. This lens is light in weight light on the pocket and is incredibly fast at this or any price range. Only thing that could make this better is if it had a brother in the 35 mm fixed focal range.
It's a good lens but the AF is loud. bought as a back-up and it takes very nice pics
from Wayne, NJ on 2/24/2008
This is the first lens I purchased, in lieu of the kit lens. I don't regret losing the zoom in exchange for such a bright lens. This lens makes getting decent bokeh very easily. It can take pictures in relatively low lighting conditions -- perfect for those indoor family events.
For a general walkaround lens it works well, though I quickly picked up a decent quality zoom for my bright outdoors photography, where some things are too far away to fill the frame with this 50mm.
from Sikeston, MO on 2/21/2008
This lens is a nice lens for someone who is starting out, but I prefer the older metal mount lens with the distance window. It seems to focus faster, is more durable, and is Japanese made. The optical quality of the older lens is also better, but this is an excellent fixed lens for someone who is on a tight budget.
from Wisconsin on 2/21/2008
Normal lens, general applications
from Phoenix, AZ on 2/21/2008
One of the best bargains in excellent overall lenses from Canon. I use this lens with low available light and it's never let me down so far.
from Los Angeles, CA on 1/30/2008
Light and cheap
from Wisconsin on 1/22/2008
In the short time I've had this lens, I've used it at some elementary school functions and I really love how it will completely focus on the image and the background is slightly blurred. You won't be disappointed with your photos while using this lens.
I love the fact that it is so lightweight but a little nervous about the plastic housing, so I proceed with great care.
from Scotts Valley, CA on 1/22/2008
I used the lens to take portrait photo of my toddler using natural lighting. Photos are amazing! I have no regret I bought this budget-friendly lens!
from San Jose, CA on 1/21/2008
All previous reviews were dead-on. Was expecting even more flimsy construction, but, was actually close to the kit lens[...]
from Los Angeles, CA on 1/21/2008
A nice fast back up lens for a super cheap price
from Cape Girardeau, MO on 1/21/2008
I use this lense for taking indoor photos of family members, and it works great without flash or extra lighting. It provides me a bit of distance, so that the camera is not in the subject's face. The lense is also great for indoor still life photos, allowing use of natural light.
from Aurora, IL on 1/21/2008
I love this lens. Can't beat it for the price.
from San Diego, CA on 1/21/2008
at [$], IMHO it must be present in every kit. You cannot ask for more at this price. It way too sharp beyond f/4.5. I just love this lens and love it so much that I have made over 2000 picture in over one month. The build quality can be a little better, but at [$] you should not be complaining.
from Livingston County, MI on 1/21/2008
I've had this lens for a few weeks and so far I love it. This is the first lens that I've gotten aside from the kit zoom lens which came with my Canon Digital Rebel XT.
from Palm Desert, CA on 1/21/2008
The lens is great. The only thing I fear is the plastic construction. Will it be durable? Time will tell. I was surprised at how fast the autofocus really is and how sharp the lens is for the money. The majority of my other lenses are f/2.8, so having the extra speed has really helped for dark gyms.
from St. Petersburg Florida on 1/21/2008
I LOVE THIS LENS. SHARP FOCUS & WORKS VERY WELL FOR ME IN LOW LIGHT INDOORS. EX.CONTRAST/COLOR .COMPLETELY SATISFIED NO PROBLEMS/NO COMPLAINTS
I have this lens on a 40D.For the Price It doesn't get any better.
I purchased this lens and have been pleased with it, but there is a problem- it won't autofocus, even outside in good lighting conditions. Is there something I am doing wrong? Is it a setting on my camera?
from Wi on 10/3/2007
Great lens for the price.
from Copley, Ohio on 10/2/2007
I've never owned a lens that is this fast before. I can get a lot of shots without having to use a flash.
from Northcentral Montana on 9/27/2007
After about a week I decided I can use my 18-55 as effectively. Felt limited to what I could get in the frame especially indoors.
from Tennessee on 9/27/2007
For the price, you really can't beat it. I've gotten really good pictures out of it. I just wish it was a little more ruggedly built - a little more durable.
from Rochester, NY on 9/26/2007
This is a great lens and worth every cent. Its a fast lens that takes incredible shots!!!! I would of given it 5 Stars but it has a hard time finding the focus (sometimes). Once you have your focus (the eyes are the best for portraits) you will get a sharp beautiful photo. This is a perfect lens for everyone! You can't go wrong with this Canon lens for under $80.
from Chicago, IL on 9/26/2007
This is a great lens for all around use and pretty much is needed 90% of the time. Its produces clear shots. I just wish it would have a depth of field meter and be made of stronger materials.
from chicago on 9/26/2007
fast and durable
from Grafton, MA on 9/26/2007
Love it.
from Rochester, NY on 9/26/2007
light lense is great for portrait with blurry background eliminate need for background prop
from Knoxville,TN on 9/26/2007
Great,I mean GREAT lens for the money, casing is plastic but if used as intended will not have a problem.I havent!
from Genoa on 9/26/2007
Everyone should have this lense. It is cheap, but it works fine. You have to be carefull with it, but image quality is great.
from CONCORD CA on 9/26/2007
OVER ALL IT GOOD ONE TO HAVE
I use this lense for up close shots and it gives a great portrait with a shllow depth of field at 1.8. Has a great sharpness when shooting indoors and is great to have on for outdoor scenery shots. Shooting in family settings, I have to get far back in the room w/85mm lenses to get a portrait type shot of my subject. This lens eliminates that problem and it can not be beat for the few dollars it costs.
If you are considering buying one of these there's nothing to consider. Buy it! If you're worried that you'll be disapointed, DON'T you won't. This lens is probably the best value for the money out there and did I tell you it was sharp. Sharp is something you like when people are paying you. People like sharp. So buy it already!
About 90% of photos I shoot are with this lens. They come out incredible. I don't know what I would do without it. It's also dirt cheap, so even if something goes wrong with it, I can always buy another one. It's absolutely the best dSLR lens out there. It has to be.
Not quality wise, but taking all things into account (i.e. price+usability+quality of pics).
For the price, you really can't go wrong
I bought this lens to take portrait type photos of our baby. The colors are amazing! Alot of times baby pics turn out too washed out, even when adjusting for white balance. Their skin is too perfect! This lens is wonderful at capturing her coloring. It focuses quickly and silently even in lower light settings.
I gave it five stars even though I did list the construction as a "con". It is a very light lens. The case is entirely plastic. It is great to not have the weight, but I am not ultra-careful with my camera and have a concern that I may eventually crack the case on this lens.
That said, for under a hundred dollars? Who cares if it breaks-- i'll go buy a new one.
from Chicago on 7/18/2007
I chose this lens based on it incredible price and great reviews, and it hasn't disappointed. On my 1.6x digital body it is slightly longer than perfect at times, but I in no way hold that agains it. Takes great pictures in very low light situations!
from plano,texas on 7/11/2007
i would buy this lens again
from Dallas, TX on 7/10/2007
I bought this lens as a backup, because the price was very good and it is made by Canon. All of the pictures look great on my Canon DSLR 30D. I like to use this lens inside of a building and my yard.
from Cleveland OH on 7/10/2007
Nice sharp images, great price
from Maple Ridge , B.C. Canada on 7/10/2007
I was not disapointed, great lens for the price.
from Richmond, Virginia on 7/10/2007
I LOVE this lens! I use it as my everyday lens. It takes great photos inside and in low light situations. I also use it to take photos of my children playing in the yard and it blurs the background somewhat so you can take great portraits - my best photographs have been taken with this lens. This can either be good or bad, but it is a fixed lens so there is no zoom in or out, but the other features make up for the lack of zoom.
from San Mateo, CA on 7/10/2007
I ordered these lens based on recommendations from friends who are good photographers. I've been very happy with them and use them all the time for portrait and "around the house" type photography.
from Eureka, CA on 7/10/2007
This thing is unbelieveably light weight. Takes a great portrait.
from MD on 7/10/2007
I highly recommend this lens. It is very useful in night shots, or where there is low light.
Great for short depth of field shots.
Great lens, perfect for selective focus and portrait shots
What can I say that hasn't been said? It's a great, fast lens that is perfect for portraits or low light. Yes, the build quality is quite low, but if you don't go dropping it you won't have a problem as long as you stay out of the rain. The focusing is noisy, but in my experience pretty accurate, and the focusing speed is fine. The image quality is great though -- excellent from f/2.8 up, and still very good wide open, where I use it all the time. Unless you already have the 50mm f/1.4 there's no reason you shouldn't have this lens (and even then, it would be a good backup).
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from ft worth,tx on 5/9/2007
sharp, great on kids in wild flowers with dog
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from Chicago, IL on 5/8/2007
Great lens, sharp, great portrait lens for those on a budget and with a 1.6 crop body
Great bokeh with 1.8, sharp corners, clear edges. All You wouldn't get from kit lens.
Very affordable quality.
from Los Angeles/London/Warsaw on 5/8/2007
Nice upgrade for kit lens owners.
With those all Your portraits are ready for cover of magazine. ;)
Now I now why red stripe is so expensive.