I had a love/hate relationship with the 50 f/1.4 and recently sold it. Stopped down to at least f/3.5 the keeper rate was excellent, and the IQ was often stunning. But that's not why I bought the lens. I wanted a low light powerhouse, yet it is unusable at f/1.4, and at f/1.8 through f/2.5, I feel like I either needed a very steady hand (which I don't always have) or a mono/tripod. Some of my exposures in that range were really quite good, but the keeper rate was frustratingly low.


I replaced it with the 85 f/1.8. If you can handle the additional length, it is, IMHO, a superior lens that produces much more consistent results. At f/1.8 my keeper rate is quite good. And stopped down it is scary sharp, just like the 50. It also feels sturdier.