It appears that, after almost two years and hundreds (if not a couple thousand) pictures, my Canon 50mm 1.8 lens is biting the dust. Considering it's made of plastic (except the actual lens part) and only cost a hundred bucks, two years is a decent life span.
When I began researching prime lenses, the 50mm 1.8 came highly recommended by several photographers, especially as a beginner's lens. It was inexpensive enough not to regret the purchase if you wound up not using the lens very often, but the pictures it took were quite good. Many of the reviews I read also stressed that this lens was not a long term lens; it would ultimately stop working (or at least stop working properly). The reviews said if you were a serious photographer wanting a more serious prime lens (at this focal length), then you could step up to the 50mm 1.4, which is a couple hundred dollars more, but the quality is much better. In other words, more metal parts. Being my first 'real' lens (and not knowing how well I would like it), I opted for the 1.8 and received it as a Christmas present in 2009.
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| Canon 50mm 1.8 |
It has been a great lens, especially in low light and for taking portraits of Hannah Grace. However, over the last month or so I've noticed the auto-focus slowing way down. Like, to the point of making me think it's in focus and then not actually allowing the camera to take the picture. I then tried to focus manually, and that didn't work. And this morning it wouldn't even work for awhile, so I know it's just about shot.
Which means, I need a new one. O.k. I don't need it, but I use it all the time, so it would be nice to have a replacement. Only this time I think I'll upgrade to the 1.4. Of course, this is all happening in my head and likely not going to be a reality for awhile (since we have to you know, live off the money John makes). One of these days.
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| Canon 50mm 1.4 |
That stinks that it stopped working! I don't know what the lifespan of my 35mm is, but it wasn't too expensive either.
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