Dude u ROCK!!! One of the best, most informative videos i've ever seen on here... This helped me TREMENDOUSLY in this process of choosing my lenses for my (yet-to-be-purchased) Canon T3i or T4i lol THANK YOU! -B
I bought a steadycam - Glidecam HD 2000 and mounted a Canon 5D Mark II with a lens 24-105 and have have a strong pendelum effect because of the wight of the lens. Now I am thinking to buy the Canon 50mm f/1.4 to get the camera lighter. Or do you recommend me the f1.8?
@TKTnetwork Cool rig! In order to counteract the pendulum effect, try repositioning your camera on the glidecam, maybe moving it further back. Steadicam apparatus of any description is all about getting the balance and center of gravity right. When it comes to f1.8 vs. f1.4...if you have the money, get the 1.4!
So would you say this lens would not be good for video blogging, since you have to constantly adjust the focus, and you can't do that when taping yourself?
@digigen It would be a nightmare. 50mm on an APS-C camera is really zoomed in. Your camera would have to be on the other side of the room!! You'd need a wide angle lens. You can't use constant autofocus while shooting on any Canon DSLR, unfortunately
@christopherfrost that sucks. i wanted to avoid buying a wide angle lens since they make me look fat, but i guess its necessary if i want to shoot video. is there any lens that you would recommend that can double as both a good video lens and a good portrait lens?
@therondoshow It depends on the lens. The picture is sharpest at f5.6. HOWEVER, when shooting video, it's all pretty much the same. The resolution of video (even 1080p) isn't quite high enough for lens issues to come through
helpful video, thx. But I still have a ques. I have the 18-55 mm, if I use the 18mm on it can I get the same result of the 50mm ? or the f numbers still different?
@ShinotamaTakemuro Thanks for the comment. I'm not sure what you mean though. Canon cameras do not have image stabilizers built-in - only some of the lenses do. If you get a lens with a stabilizer, it can be used during filming
Does this lens have auto focus? And I'm wanting to buy this lens for weddings. Do u think I should buy it for weddings? I'll be using it for everything
Got this lens today and I just love it! So bright image when shooting video compared to standart lens! And sharpness at f2.8 is incredible! The only thing that I don't like about these lenses is that focusing ring is not smooth. It would be great to have focusing ring like from one of my old FD lenses.
Absolute brilliant review on this lens and extremely well presented. It was refreshing to hear an original opening greeting other than the standard 'Hey guys" like every other Youtube blogger. After watching your film I feel very well informed to make my purchase of the Cannon 50mm f1.4 lens but as a film maker will be using it on the sticks during low light. Keep up the excellent work Chris!
@bijayranjana For the 60D (a crop sensor camera) I would defo say stay wide with the 50mm because it acts as 85mm on crop sensor cameras. The 85mm lens will act as 136mm with the 60D.
Great review chris I'm getting into Video making for the first time and need a lens for shooting Guitar lessons. I was thinking of this lens for my 60D but now I'm going to look at the 17-55 and perhaps get the 50m 1.8 for stills. Wish the 17-55 wasn't so dear, What you think?
I'm no expert can you change the aperature on this 50mm lens to take a pic of a group of people or at least change the depth of field so more of the pic will be in focus or should a wider angle lens be used. I've got a canon 7d with 15-85 kit lens but want a lens that takes up less space and is a good all around lens for group/portrait, landscape, sports or animal/wild life shots.
Thank you for this review. I have been looking for a Len that works well in Low Light for night time location filming & night club filming, but I need it to be handle wide shots also & easy focusing on film.
I've only sold my Sony vx2100e last month & now am moving into the world of video dslr this has given me food for thought
@Smalskin Prime lenses are supposed to be sharper, better lenses all round. That's because they're easier to make. As you can see in this video, the lens is a bit soft at f1.4 but extremely sharp at f4 - it depends on your aperture
I also own the Canon 17-55 f/2.8. i was considering buying the 50mm 1.4, but i'm afraid i wont use it that much because i heard that it isnt sharp at f/1.4 so i wont use it because i have the 17-55 witch has a 3-stop image stabilization so i can get similar result at low light conditions. i want an f/1.4 for portraits but if its not sharp wide open i wont be happy. whats your opinion? and what do you think about the equivalent sigma 50mm 1.4? is it better wide open? thanks!
@romanhit I heard the Sigma is better wide open, but not very sharp when it's stopped down. So it's better for f1.4. With portraits, I find that you don't really need the sharpest lens. You might not use the 50mm f1.4 much - your current lens will also be very good for portraits. I use the 50mm f1.4 for quite specific filmmaking purposes, to get enough light for a fast shutter speed.
@christopherfrost Sorry, I didn't detail my question enough! - Does having a 50mm lens on a crop sensor look different than a 50mm on a full frame sensor? Would I need to get an equivalent lens to make images look as if they were taken with a 50mm lens on a crop sensor?
@Jonnyriffic Yes, it does. With a crop sensor camera you need to apply a 1.6x difference. So 50mm on crop is the equivalent of 80mm. In order to get the equivalent of 50mm on your crop centre camera, you need about a 30mm lens
One question on my mind... I'm a dancer, could I film a person in fullbody (dancing or just standing around) with a distant background with this lens and this camera and achieve a background defocus?
@LunaCherry2 Hmm, right. Trying to get a full body in shot but an out of focus background is hard with any lens, because the full human body is a large subject, so you have to stand quite far back. I just tested it on my mum, and it doesn't really work. At f1.4, I'm seeing a background that's only very, very slightly out of focus, because I have to stand 4 meters away. The best thing to try might be the Sigma 20mm f1.8. You should rent / borrow it from somewhere and try it.
@christopherfrost Thank you SO much for answering! Follow-up, if you have the time; Did your mom have a distant background when you tried it (ex outside), or was she close to a wall or something of the like? And would I aim for a shorter focal lenght or longer to have the highest possibility to achieve it? Thank you thank you thank you! : )
@LunaCherry2 There was a wall about 10 meters behind her and there was only very gentle blurring. It's really not gonna work with this lens, I'm afraid. Yes, like I said, you'll have a chance with the Sigma 20mm f1.8 lens. It's a wide angle lens so you can get close to your subject, but f1.8 is a nice wide aperture, so MAYBE you can throw out your background. It's a strange lens though - you will have to borrow one from somewhere and try...
Now when you say "This lens lets in 16x more light than your kit lens does at f5.6" are you saying that this happens when apertures on both the 50mm and the kit lens are set to 5.6, or when the 50mm is at 1.4 and your kit lens is at 5.6? I'm just a little confused, not because of how you said it, but because of the way I'm looking at it I guess. Haha Great review though, and your review on the 60D made me go out and get one. I've been using it non-stop! =)
I was first thinking of getting this lens but then people say it is too long on a cropped sensor so I went towards the Sigma 30 1.4. It's a bit more expensive but it's pretty sharp apparently. You would recommend it yeah?
@CYNFELYN23 Apparently, the Sigma 30mm 1.4 is only okay for sharpness. Check the reviews on the-digital-picture (website). I saw it in a shop for like, 600,000KRW or-so. See what Jessops can do for you! ...I can't wait to get back to the UK and visit Jessops heh heh.
Dude u ROCK!!! One of the best, most informative videos i've ever seen on here... This helped me TREMENDOUSLY in this process of choosing my lenses for my (yet-to-be-purchased) Canon T3i or T4i lol THANK YOU! -B
brandonelliot 12 hours ago
I bought a steadycam - Glidecam HD 2000 and mounted a Canon 5D Mark II with a lens 24-105 and have have a strong pendelum effect because of the wight of the lens. Now I am thinking to buy the Canon 50mm f/1.4 to get the camera lighter. Or do you recommend me the f1.8?
TKTnetwork 4 days ago
@TKTnetwork Cool rig! In order to counteract the pendulum effect, try repositioning your camera on the glidecam, maybe moving it further back. Steadicam apparatus of any description is all about getting the balance and center of gravity right. When it comes to f1.8 vs. f1.4...if you have the money, get the 1.4!
christopherfrost 4 days ago
Couldn't have asked for a more thorough review.
I am looking at buying a 550d body with this lens.
Thank you, fantastic review.
P0UR 2 weeks ago
So would you say this lens would not be good for video blogging, since you have to constantly adjust the focus, and you can't do that when taping yourself?
digigen 4 weeks ago
@digigen It would be a nightmare. 50mm on an APS-C camera is really zoomed in. Your camera would have to be on the other side of the room!! You'd need a wide angle lens. You can't use constant autofocus while shooting on any Canon DSLR, unfortunately
christopherfrost 4 weeks ago
@christopherfrost that sucks. i wanted to avoid buying a wide angle lens since they make me look fat, but i guess its necessary if i want to shoot video. is there any lens that you would recommend that can double as both a good video lens and a good portrait lens?
digigen 4 weeks ago
@digigen You'll want a 30mm lens, like the Sigma 30mm f1.4. 30mm (on an APS-C camera) is as wide as you can get without making you look fat :)
christopherfrost 4 weeks ago
Very very helpful thank you. I have ordered this lens cant wait to try it out!
xgreenymeex 1 month ago
Who plays badminton at night? That's just crazy
mcgotes 1 month ago
Just bought it yester day :;D
mambowe 1 month ago
Wait so.. the higher the f/ number the better the quality? Does that apply to video as well?
therondoshow 1 month ago
@therondoshow It depends on the lens. The picture is sharpest at f5.6. HOWEVER, when shooting video, it's all pretty much the same. The resolution of video (even 1080p) isn't quite high enough for lens issues to come through
christopherfrost 1 month ago
nice review Chris.)
monorailmusic 1 month ago
So is gonna be good for Portrait shots ?
nawaryoussef1 1 month ago
@nawaryoussef1 Yes! Especially on an APS-C camera
christopherfrost 1 month ago
helpful video, thx. But I still have a ques. I have the 18-55 mm, if I use the 18mm on it can I get the same result of the 50mm ? or the f numbers still different?
nawaryoussef1 1 month ago
@nawaryoussef1 thank you I got the answer :) I watched the video for the finish and got it thx
nawaryoussef1 1 month ago
@nawaryoussef1 At 18mm, the kit lens will be at f3.5. It'll look totally different
christopherfrost 1 month ago
@christopherfrost I am sorry I mean at the 55mm not 18 mm, but still I think its gonaa be different because of the f number. thanks
nawaryoussef1 1 month ago
gr8 vid....
kmlgaard 1 month ago
Comment removed
ShinotamaTakemuro 1 month ago
@ShinotamaTakemuro Thanks for the comment. I'm not sure what you mean though. Canon cameras do not have image stabilizers built-in - only some of the lenses do. If you get a lens with a stabilizer, it can be used during filming
christopherfrost 1 month ago
Comment removed
ShinotamaTakemuro 1 month ago in playlist Liked videos
@ShinotamaTakemuro I'm happy to report that that is actually wrong - image stabilization is (thankfully) not disabled during filming on Canon lenses.
christopherfrost 1 month ago
You seem like the nicest person on the face of the earth.
joeyisfunny 1 month ago
35 mm 1.4 samyang !! a bargain
VIDARMATHISEN 1 month ago
Does this lens have auto focus? And I'm wanting to buy this lens for weddings. Do u think I should buy it for weddings? I'll be using it for everything
mervie17 2 months ago
Got this lens today and I just love it! So bright image when shooting video compared to standart lens! And sharpness at f2.8 is incredible! The only thing that I don't like about these lenses is that focusing ring is not smooth. It would be great to have focusing ring like from one of my old FD lenses.
Brutalexecution 3 months ago
Absolute brilliant review on this lens and extremely well presented. It was refreshing to hear an original opening greeting other than the standard 'Hey guys" like every other Youtube blogger. After watching your film I feel very well informed to make my purchase of the Cannon 50mm f1.4 lens but as a film maker will be using it on the sticks during low light. Keep up the excellent work Chris!
BeachMediaTV 3 months ago
should i get EF 50mm f/1.4 USM or EF 85mm f/1.8 USM for my 60d plz reply asap thank u
bijayranjana 5 months ago in playlist More videos from christopherfrost
@bijayranjana For the 60D (a crop sensor camera) I would defo say stay wide with the 50mm because it acts as 85mm on crop sensor cameras. The 85mm lens will act as 136mm with the 60D.
TheAlexForey 1 month ago
it's not that quiet is it
acmoc 5 months ago
Well done!!
STEPPHAN7 5 months ago
i am just new in photography but is that lens capable of taking full body pictures?
555555555555paul5555 5 months ago
@555555555555paul5555 Yes if you stand back really far
christopherfrost 1 month ago
Great review chris I'm getting into Video making for the first time and need a lens for shooting Guitar lessons. I was thinking of this lens for my 60D but now I'm going to look at the 17-55 and perhaps get the 50m 1.8 for stills. Wish the 17-55 wasn't so dear, What you think?
Paulfga 5 months ago
This is the best review of this lens on here. Excellent work.
artlinkzowey 6 months ago
I'm no expert can you change the aperature on this 50mm lens to take a pic of a group of people or at least change the depth of field so more of the pic will be in focus or should a wider angle lens be used. I've got a canon 7d with 15-85 kit lens but want a lens that takes up less space and is a good all around lens for group/portrait, landscape, sports or animal/wild life shots.
krazy4baja 6 months ago
Thank you for this review. I have been looking for a Len that works well in Low Light for night time location filming & night club filming, but I need it to be handle wide shots also & easy focusing on film.
I've only sold my Sony vx2100e last month & now am moving into the world of video dslr this has given me food for thought
BRIGHTNIGHTONLINE 6 months ago
nice review!
Janandhisfiets 7 months ago
Pretty good look at it. Thanks and have a good day.
nate42nd 7 months ago
Some people say its not sharp but isnt that the point in a prime lens?
Smalskin 8 months ago
@Smalskin Prime lenses are supposed to be sharper, better lenses all round. That's because they're easier to make. As you can see in this video, the lens is a bit soft at f1.4 but extremely sharp at f4 - it depends on your aperture
christopherfrost 8 months ago
good review mate...
somuch2see 8 months ago
hey Chris,
I also own the Canon 17-55 f/2.8. i was considering buying the 50mm 1.4, but i'm afraid i wont use it that much because i heard that it isnt sharp at f/1.4 so i wont use it because i have the 17-55 witch has a 3-stop image stabilization so i can get similar result at low light conditions. i want an f/1.4 for portraits but if its not sharp wide open i wont be happy. whats your opinion? and what do you think about the equivalent sigma 50mm 1.4? is it better wide open? thanks!
romanhit 8 months ago 3
@romanhit I heard the Sigma is better wide open, but not very sharp when it's stopped down. So it's better for f1.4. With portraits, I find that you don't really need the sharpest lens. You might not use the 50mm f1.4 much - your current lens will also be very good for portraits. I use the 50mm f1.4 for quite specific filmmaking purposes, to get enough light for a fast shutter speed.
christopherfrost 8 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
which one is better the canon ef 50 mm 1.4 or the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM
i want you to tell me as professional photographer
thank you
onlineahmeds 8 months ago
at 04:03 , if you close .... what?,
what he said? can anyone explain how to make f4 or f5
lezlina 8 months ago
@lezlina The aperture.
LogaFilms 8 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
At 6:01, you auto focus the lens but the ring is moving instead of the lens
idkidkikik 8 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
At 6:01, you auto focus the lens but the ring is moving instead of the lens
idkidkikik 8 months ago
At 6:01, you auto focus the lens but the ring is moving instead of the lens
idkidkikik 8 months ago
nice. very helpful documentary work on the f1.4L lense
slikazn 8 months ago
Isnt 50 on a crop sensor not wide enough? Im considering this or sigma 30mm
Smalskin 9 months ago
@Smalskin Go for the Sigma - on a crop sensor the 50mm is actually the equivalent of 80mm, short telephoto
christopherfrost 9 months ago
@christopherfrost so if I was to get a Canon 600D would I need to get a lens that's wider than 50mm?
(Referring to your response to @Smalskin)
Jonnyriffic 9 months ago
@Jonnyriffic You can get any lens you like! Millimeter is refering to focal length - how 'zoomed in' the lens is
christopherfrost 9 months ago
@christopherfrost Sorry, I didn't detail my question enough! - Does having a 50mm lens on a crop sensor look different than a 50mm on a full frame sensor? Would I need to get an equivalent lens to make images look as if they were taken with a 50mm lens on a crop sensor?
Jonnyriffic 9 months ago
@Jonnyriffic Yes, it does. With a crop sensor camera you need to apply a 1.6x difference. So 50mm on crop is the equivalent of 80mm. In order to get the equivalent of 50mm on your crop centre camera, you need about a 30mm lens
christopherfrost 9 months ago
Emperor Commodus FTW!! Are you not entertained?!
MrAristaeus 10 months ago 4
(p.s. FANTASTIC REVIEW!)
MrAristaeus 10 months ago
Great review..Thumbsup..Thanks for taking the time to make it :)
Pezby69 10 months ago
This is one of the best reviews i've seen of any lense. Excellent.
artlinkzowey 10 months ago
Great video, Chris! I just picked up a 5D (MK I) and I've been debating whether or not to get this lens over the 1.8.
mikemarin106 10 months ago
Great review. One of the best I've ever seen.
mucalinda 10 months ago
Very nice review!
DRT777 11 months ago
I love this guy's voice.
ThomasA92 11 months ago
Best review on this lens.
EarDestroyer 11 months ago
Great review!
One question on my mind... I'm a dancer, could I film a person in fullbody (dancing or just standing around) with a distant background with this lens and this camera and achieve a background defocus?
Highly thankful for answer!!
LunaCherry2 1 year ago
@LunaCherry2 Hmm, right. Trying to get a full body in shot but an out of focus background is hard with any lens, because the full human body is a large subject, so you have to stand quite far back. I just tested it on my mum, and it doesn't really work. At f1.4, I'm seeing a background that's only very, very slightly out of focus, because I have to stand 4 meters away. The best thing to try might be the Sigma 20mm f1.8. You should rent / borrow it from somewhere and try it.
christopherfrost 11 months ago
@christopherfrost Thank you SO much for answering! Follow-up, if you have the time; Did your mom have a distant background when you tried it (ex outside), or was she close to a wall or something of the like? And would I aim for a shorter focal lenght or longer to have the highest possibility to achieve it? Thank you thank you thank you! : )
LunaCherry2 11 months ago
@LunaCherry2 There was a wall about 10 meters behind her and there was only very gentle blurring. It's really not gonna work with this lens, I'm afraid. Yes, like I said, you'll have a chance with the Sigma 20mm f1.8 lens. It's a wide angle lens so you can get close to your subject, but f1.8 is a nice wide aperture, so MAYBE you can throw out your background. It's a strange lens though - you will have to borrow one from somewhere and try...
christopherfrost 11 months ago
Now when you say "This lens lets in 16x more light than your kit lens does at f5.6" are you saying that this happens when apertures on both the 50mm and the kit lens are set to 5.6, or when the 50mm is at 1.4 and your kit lens is at 5.6? I'm just a little confused, not because of how you said it, but because of the way I'm looking at it I guess. Haha Great review though, and your review on the 60D made me go out and get one. I've been using it non-stop! =)
mattyfresh721 1 year ago
@mattyfresh721 Yes, I mean when the lens aperture is set to f1.4. Glad you like your 60D!
christopherfrost 1 year ago
Great review!
nomadmtb 1 year ago
Good job on the review man! I just got this lens and i love them
LaczupakabraPL 1 year ago
I'm loving the hamster too!
CYNFELYN23 1 year ago
@CYNFELYN23 It's a guinea pig :-)
LunaCherry2 1 year ago
great Review!!!
I was first thinking of getting this lens but then people say it is too long on a cropped sensor so I went towards the Sigma 30 1.4. It's a bit more expensive but it's pretty sharp apparently. You would recommend it yeah?
And what price can you get it in Korea for? haha
CYNFELYN23 1 year ago
@CYNFELYN23 Apparently, the Sigma 30mm 1.4 is only okay for sharpness. Check the reviews on the-digital-picture (website). I saw it in a shop for like, 600,000KRW or-so. See what Jessops can do for you! ...I can't wait to get back to the UK and visit Jessops heh heh.
christopherfrost 1 year ago
gosh this makes my f1.8 look like rubbish
unprofessionalvids 1 year ago
nice vid
jaysenstudios 1 year ago