50mm - Round Three - J Alan Lee Photography

I ordered the Canon 50mm f/1.2 L lens for the third time in a year. People report a love hate relationship with this lens and I can see why. It produces absolutely stunning pictures – if you get everything right. But then it produces out of focus and soft pictures much of the time!

Twice I purchased the lens and twice I send it back. Despite the stunning pictures and the amazing low light capability just seemed to be to finicky. Also, did I mention expensive!

So why round three? Because it still is a stunning lens that nothing else can duplicate. Canon makes the only f/1.2 lenses and this lens also has those amazing Canon colors.

So, will it stay or will it go (Cue The Clash)?

I think this one will stay. After the first test shoots the miss ratio has dropped dramatically. Maybe it’s me or maybe this is a better copy or the lens. Yes, there is copy to copy variation and sometimes it takes a few to find one that works the best on your camera. Maybe it is the camera – the other tests were on the 5D III and these are on the 5D IV so slightly better auto focus system.

Stay posted for the decision, meanwhile here are some additional test pictures.