On this video photographer Matthew Gore (from lightandmatter) takes a deep look at two fast prime lenses from Canon – the Canon 50mm f/1.2L and the popular Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM.
These are both normal fast prime lenses from Canon but they are different. The f/1.2L is both faster and belongs to the L series (hence better build but also more than a $1000 extra). More importantly is how both lenses actually performs and Gore takes a look at different aspects of these lenses including sharpness (at different apertures, both in the center and edges), Bokeh, vignette and more.
The only thing we think might be missing is a little bit more emphasis of the use of both lenses for portraiture (probably one of the main uses for many photographers – a few more examples might have helped), never the less, this is still a very useful comparison which can help you decide if you are on the fence and not sure which of the two to buy.
One more thing – if you are looking to get one of these lenses – maybe it is worth while to wait for Gore’s next video (next week), where he will compare the Canon lenses to the new Sigma 50mm f/1.4 (ART) which we have covered here several times in the past. In the meantime you can check out Gore’s full written review – here.
You can find many more previews and reviews on our Photography review section here on LensVid. We also encourage you to take a look at Matthew Gore’s other videos and we are waiting eagerly for his next one.
Iddo Genuth 
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