1.4 vs. 1.8 Canon fixed 50mm lens.

Had a couple of questions in regards to the lens I used on the photo I posted of Courtney yesterday and this was one of the replies I sent this morning.  I figured it might be helpful info. to post and if you are hoping to gain a better understanding of aperture, which is discussed in this post, just scroll through here until you find the subject heading "aperture" (all of that info. can be found in "categories" section of my blog in the right hand column under photography tips):

I did use the Canon fixed 50mm f1.4 on the photo of Courtney (I use it almost exclusively now - I'm in love with that lens).

I haven't worked with the f1.8 fixed 50mm, but have heard a lot of people say that they love it.

If you hold each of those lenses - the difference in quality is really apparent just by the weight difference between the two lenses (more glass=heavier lens=better quality).

That said though, I am buying a f1.8 fixed 50mm lens as a gift for my sister-in-law just because it is more affordable and will let her work in low light situations and I think she will like it a lot.

I guess the bottom line ends up being money, unfortunately. If you can swing the f1.4 lens, you'll be able to use it forever and you'll love it. If financially, the f1.8 is a smarter decision for you right now, you'll love it, and may eventually outgrow it and choose to get the 1.4 later when it is more financially doable for you.

It doesn't seem like there would be a big difference between the two lenses based on the 1.4 vs. 1.8 aperture, but there really is a big quality difference. But, at the same time, I don't think that quality difference would be easily recognized in a final print by anyone other than a professional photographer.

In general, I think the best investment you can make in photography is on the quality of your lenses. I think it's way more important than even the quality of your camera body (I have a Canon 20D right now and am really wanting to upgrade, but think that the money I have to spend right now, would be better spent on another lens I am wanting).

As far as the black background goes - it was actually just a cement step that she was sitting on. In the original photo, the steps looked really, really dark gray. I did a little color adjusting to the original photo just to enhance the overall color and in doing that, it made the dark Grey steps look almost black.

Don't quote me on this, but I think that darkened background (the steps definitely appeared to be a much darker Grey in the photo than they are in real life) is a function of the extremely low aperture setting on the lens (it just blurs out the background so well and really loses the detail of the background so much that it often looks much darker than what it really is). In fact, in my own house, if I take a picture of one of the kids in front of our hallway - the background (hallway) looks completely black.

An inexpensive route for a nice black background though would be to purchase some black crushed velvet (I think I bought about 6 yards) and to use it as a backdrop. That particular material is great because it doesn't have a tendency to up as much lint, dog hair, etc. as other fabrics and because it doesn't wrinkle. Just sew a pocket at the top of it and hang it on a PVC or wooden rod and hang it up somewhere from a chain and hooks (or I've heard of people fashioning backdrop stands from PVC).

Also, you want to be sure that your subject is at least 5 ft. in front of the backdrop so that the backdrop is completely out of focus.

Hope that's a help to some of you!

ETA: you can get the Canon f1.4 fixed 50mm for under 400 bucks and the Canon f1.8 fixed 50 mm for under 100.

Comments

[debbie susee]

Thanks so much for all the helpful photography information. I am really interested int he 50 mm fixed lens. I think it iwll be my next lens purchase. I also have been wanting to make myself a backdrop. Guess I need some curshed black velvet yardage eh?

[heather]

I was just re-reading your camera description this morning, so this lens article is timely! (Any recommendations of where to buy a lens online?)

What quality/functions would I lose from buying a Canon Rebel XT (perhaps with a great lens) compared to a Canon 30D, for example?

[Jessica K.]

Now you have to tell us your color editing process. I've tried some and I use PS Elements so I don't know if mine are more limited.

[shabbyVTchic]

I have learned so much from you... I actually purchased my 28-75mm lens based on your comments. I had decided back then that my next purchase would be the 1.4mm. I, too, use Elements and also be interested in learning a bit more about your editing process. Sometimes I like the results of my tinkering, and sometimes I feel like I really messed things up. And I never really know that until the printed photos arrive in my mailbox. Thankfully, I have the original to fall back on, but wasted money that one doesn't really have!

[Angie]

What program did you use to color edit Courtney's picture?
Thanks for sharing!

[Laura]

thank you so much as always for sharing what you've learned with us. your photos are gorgeous - ALWAYS! Please please share a bit about your photo editing :D!!!

[debmedina]

Karen, I just have to thank you for sharing all you have about photography. I received a Rebel XTi for Christmas and your tips have helped far more than the book I bought in understanding how to use the advance mode. Last night I reread all your tips and suddenly had an aha moment. Can't wait to experience today, especially since it's going to be cloudy. I, too, would be interesting in your photo editing knowledge. You explain things in such a way that I can understand.

[Adrienne Looman]

oh man I just saw your new narratives line (the green and turqoise) and boyyyyyyyyy DO I NEED THESE!!! Are they out already? Or if not what is the planned time frame?
hugs
adrienne

[Tammy Kay]

Last night was fun at scraphappy kt. I bet you think I am a nut. Just wondering if you still remember me. Hard to forget I suppose. lol
Anyway. thanks for chatting with us.

[Karli]

Karen,

Have you ever thought about doing a class in Eastern Oregon? Like Ontario? (: I'd love it!

Karli

[Carol]

WOW I could spend ages reading the archives of your blog. Thanks for sharing all this info...I'm putting this lens on my birthday and Christmas list! :)

I also am very interested in your color editing process. Simply beautiful.

[angi bustamante]

YOU KNOW, KAR since i took your class, i have been experimenting with adjusting the color to a more vivid tone.

i think i'm addicted to it now!

Haven't stopped by in awhile, and i've got some catching up to do!