Canon EF 50mm War - F1.2 vs F1.4 vs F1.8

So finally you have invested in a new DSLR and  are now looking for a good portrait lens which works well in low light? One questions which has been repeatedly asked by almost every shutterbug is about the 50mm lens from Canon. The Canon 50mm comes in 3 different models. 50mm F1.2, 50mm F1.4 and 50mm F1.8. All of them have a fixed focal length. To actually come to a conclusion on which one to buy lets hit a comparison between the three. 

Canon EF 50mm F1.8

The 50mm 1.8 is also known as the “NIFTY FIFTY”. The first thought you would get when you pull this lens from the box will be 'damn its cheap'. Even though it feels and looks like a cheap plastic toy, you would be surprised once you mount it on your camera and start using it. In no way the performance of the nifty-fifty is that of a small toy. Even thought it lacks the USM motor which both 1.4 and 1.2 carry it still never fails to focus fast and accurate. The 1.8 being cheap when you put it in comparison with the kit lens, it makes the kit lens look BLAH! At such a good performance and priced at just $100, makes me recommend this lens to anyone.

Canon EF 50mm F1.4

The next in line to the 1.8 is its elder sibling, the 50mm F1.4. When you first put your hands on this lens, you instantly feel the difference. Ergonomically, it is fatter and bigger than the 1.8. You would also feel the difference in the weight of the lens, which is because the 1.4 carries the USM (Ultra Sonic Motor) which makes the focusing way faster than the 1.8. Also, you would notice just how quiet it is while focusing. Coming to the performance of the lens, when you compare the picture quality of the 1.4 with the nifty-fifty you won't find much of a difference. One would actually have to look pretty close to find the difference which is a deeper blur and a TINY bit sharper image. Priced at $350 is also not a bad option for replacing the kit lens.

Canon EF 50mm F1.2

The first Impression you get looking at the 1.2 is, its 'HUGE'. This lens is the fattest and the biggest out of all the three  lenses. The glass is enormous. The quality, being an L series lens of course makes it the top quality lens  And one quickly realizes why the L series costs that much. Obviously, in all aspects the 50mm 1.2 triumphs the other two lenses. The focus ring was MUCH quieter and MUCH smoother than the 1.2. Even when taking pictures the focus on this lens was much faster than the last two and focused even quieter. The depth of field was much deeper and the images were just that much sharper. Just messing around with it at 1.2 you'll see how great it is. If I took advantage of the cameras full potential with the 1.2 I'm positive the results of the shot would have been outstanding.Priced at almost $1200 is the most expensive out of the 3.

Image test

The 3 shots below are taken from the 3 lenses starting from 50mm 1.2 on the left and ending at the nifty-fifty. When you put into comparison the image at the right corner (clicked from 1.8) and the middle image (clicked from 1.4) you will not find much of a difference, besides the 5 blade BOKEH of the 1.8. Yes 1.4 is a little sharper, but then that is what you get when you pay thrice the amount. Looking at the image of the 1.2 you know you are looking at serious stuff. Smooth and sharp images and fantastic colors.

Final Verdict 

There is no better 50mm than the 1.2. The color, vibrance, shrapness and everything else about the 1.2 is just perfect.The mammoth lens is just BOKEHLICIOUS. But this would only be a recommendation if you are into professional work and are going to earn your bread and butter through photography. For enthusiasts, we would recommend the 1.8 which just as good as the 1.4 in performance and image quality.