Canon EF50mm f1.8

[pureeclipse]

Can anybody tell me the difference between a Mk1 and Mk2 canon EF50mm f1.8 lens. Are the optics the same and the difference is just in the lens mount ie, Mk1 has a metal mount and the Mk2 a plastic one. Many thanks

[Benchista]

The optical design is the same, although I have read that the Mk II has a "modified" coating. Differences are in mount material, AF motor design, and lack of focusing scale on the Mk II,

[AGW]

I believe the optics are the same but the lens coatings have been improved on the mk2. So the mk2 might be a better performer (if you can measure that small a difference!) The mk1 has a distance scale where the mk2 does not, so along with the metal mount (has anyone actually worn out a plastic mount) its alledged to have a better build. I wouldnt go out of my way to pay a lot of cash for a mk1.....the mk2 remains a bargin.

Graeme

[Malcolm_Stewart]

I bought the EF 50 f1.8 MkII first, and whilst it provided decent images, I hated its cheap feeling quality of construction, and eventually gave it away.

I managed to get my original EF 50 f1.8 by buying an Eos 620 with it attached. The original has a metal mount, and distance scale, and in size and style is nearly identical to the EF 28 f2.8.

The MkII uses an adapter to attach Canon's dedicated lens hood, and I found this rather clunky and out of place in a lens range with aspirations to quality.

No comments on reliability from me, as I've had no issues with this aspect with the lenses mentioned here.

[El_Sid]

I have one and it's optically a very nice lens but there's no denying that it does feel a bit cheap and flimsy. TBH though I'm not sure the original version is worth the money it goes for second hand; I have a few lenses of the same vintage as the Mk I 50mm and all of them are much harder to focus manually than the current version depsite criticisms that the Mk II has a rather vestigial focus ring.

There's an interesting article on this lens at DPReview...

[alanworland]

I have a Mk 1 and feels a nice lens it does a very nice job, but not wide open! A couple of stops from open and it gets much better.