Can I use Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.2L USM Autofocus for group photos at weddings?

[ChadS]

@neuroanatomist I assume the effect is predictable? If you're hand holding the camera I'd think you could simply move your body as you focus and recompose by the inch or inches necessary (I'd make myself a chart with target distance and f/#). Obviously this wouldn't work if you're shooting pictures of an object 100' away since I suspect the focal shift grows with target distance.

Of course, if you're not shooting at f/1.2 why not swap in the 50mm f/1.4? True, it's more equipment but if it's for a wedding you likely brought your gear in with a pack mule anyways.

[neuroanatomist]

@neuroanatomist I assume the effect is predictable? If you're hand holding the camera I'd think you could simply move your body as you focus and recompose by the inch or inches necessary (I'd make myself a chart with target distance and f/#). Obviously this wouldn't work if you're shooting pictures of an object 100' away since I suspect the focal shift grows with target distance.

Of course, if you're not shooting at f/1.2 why not swap in the 50mm f/1.4? True, it's more equipment but if it's for a wedding you likely brought your gear in with a pack mule anyways.

Yes, it should be 'predictable' for a given aperture and subject distance (within the limits of AF system precision). I suspect it's less of a problem at longer sunject distances, since the DoF gets much deeper.

Why not the 50/1.4? Between f/1.4 and f/2, the 50L has better IQ, and doesn't have the halation of the 50/1.4 wide open. Color, contrast, and flare resistance are better with the 50L. The circular aperture and lens design of the 50L yield better bokeh.