Canon 50mm Lens Comparison

Jul 29, 2011

This previous week I was happy to be out shooting with a local photographer Jason Thomson. We set out to see the differences in shooting stills with the Canon 5D and the Canon 7D. We also wanted to see if the small sensor in the Canon 7D could over come the 5D’s larger sensor advantage in low light with a slightly faster lens.

We chose twilight shooting to dark scenarios. Both cameras were set up with the same attributes.

ISO 800
Shutter Speed 125
Picture profile Standard.
Lens 50mm

The only real difference was F-stop in the lenses. The 5D had the cheaper 50mm f/1.8, while the 7D was fitted with 50mm f/1.4. Now it may seem that the 5D with its larger sensor would come out on top. But after working in various lights, we were both surprised to see the difference.

Now this was by no means an exact science comparisons. We just wanted to compare lighting situations against larger senors and lenses. With only .4 of an f-stop difference, and ignoring the the Canon 7D crop factor, it proved out perform the 5D in low light situations.

Canon 5D

Canon 7D

Canon 5D

Canon 7D

We were both shocked at the results. We immediately assumed the 5D would have come out on top given the f-stop difference was minimal. However, It really continues to show that a proper lens is always important. (Check out my review of the Canon 50mm f/1.4 here. ) Jason and I plan on following up with some more more extensive testing. But in the mean time what do you think is more important camera body or lens?

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jesnon 5 pts

Hey, I think your blog is good! I found it on Google I think I will come back one day. Canon 5d vs 7d

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Tej Babra 11 pts moderator

jesnon Thank you.

Ryan

I've shot both the 5D and 7D I think it's almost an open ended question to some degree in this type of test. Sure the 7D has the faster lens but the 5D can push the ISO higher and keep the image clean to make up for it in some situations. And then you have to figure in losing some sharpness when you're wide open.

Totally get this is just a let's not look at every little detail kind of test. And both cameras being video cameras keeping the ISO locked down low is probably a real constraint for lens selection (although I notice that I can push a 5D to a higher ISO even in video).

I've shot with all 3 of canon's 50mm's (1.2, 1.4 & 1.8) and my opinion is that what should dictates which one is budget. With each one you get better build quality and better sharpness wide open. If your budget is one where $100 is a big deal then 1.8 is your pick. Otherwise go with the 1.4 for a little bit more and if you are making some pro money then get the 1.2

My main camera is a 7D, but after shooting with a 5D I wish I would have invested in one for the sensor size and ISO. I really see lenses and bodies as two different things. Buy the best body you can afford and then work on getting the best lenses you can. Lens will always transfer to a new body so your investment in a 1.4 over a 1.8 (in this case) is a good one. Which is more important of the two is a much more involved question :-) But I'll say this... I've RARELY seen a 5D with a 50mm f1.8 on it. I mean.. you just dropped $2000+ on a body... spending $400 on a lens (f1.4) over $100 (f1.8) isn't that big of a deal for someone that knows enough to get a camera with a full framed sensor. A better question is probably.. can a 5D's higher ISO make up for the difference of a f1.4 ($400) to a f1.2 ($1500).

As to the test itself, in how it's presented, seems a bit confusing. Your variable is light in the two tests... the f1.4 lets in more light than the f1.8. The sensor size (5D vs 7D) has no effect on light. The lens alone is responsible for how much light comes in so the body is irrelevant, especially at infinite focus as shown in your shots. It's kind of like saying "Is a Ford Focus at 65mph faster than a Ferrari at 55mph?" and being surprised that the Focus is faster. To really compare these lenses I think you have to be clear with what you are comparing.

I think you're on to something with your comparisons that people can really use when looking at these combo's.. keep up the good work.

Sorry for the ramble...

Tej

Thanks for the feed back. You have some very valid points.

Especially about being able to transfer lens to a new body. This is a very good point. I have really don’t like the f1.8 as I find the focus ring a little cheap and fiddley for my tastes. That’s why I went with the f/1.4. But I have seen 1.8 being used on 5Ds a lot. I guess people are able to make due with the smaller focus ring. I just wanted to show that if you spend a little bit more on your lens you will be happier for it.

BTW I am now eyeing the f/1.2 for my own 5D.

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