But only at 1:2 macro. U've to purchase the life-size converter to take at 1:1.
Just bought a 50L for food photography, but focus issues
- Thread starter calvinchan
- Start date
But only at 1:2 macro. U've to purchase the life-size converter to take at 1:1.
SoundOfSilence
Member
Tbh, at MFD with f1.2, most likely you will just see 1 grain of rice in focus ;p
I prefer lens with IS for this type of low-light restaurant food pics (assuming flash can't be used), since the food is static anyway, you can shoot at a very low shutter speed to compensate the stopping down of aperture and ISO
calvinchan
New Member
Thanks for the advice, so what should I use my 50L for and how do I test if it has back focusing issues which I've read about?
Guys, let's just face it - when using the 50L at f/1.2 & when u have already set it up on tripod to shoot, there's still only abt 20% chance that the spot u focus is sharp - its a design flaw in the lens itself. However on occasions where the spot u focus is sharp, the picture will be nice. I m plenty sure the thread starter is not so blur till he shoot at a distance lesser than the MFD, that's a pretty basic thing. Even on the pro level camera - 1D4, I can't get 50L to consistently nail focus.
However on the 85 f/1.2, I dun have this problem, even though the depth of field is even shallower than the 50L, the focus is always spot on most of the time (80%). So wat I m stressing here is - there's a design flaw with the 50L - bring back lens to exchange or camera to calibrate doesn't help much - I hav already been there, done there. Only solution for u - take multiple shots even if it's a basic simple stactic photo - and then just pray hard that at least one is good.
However on the 85 f/1.2, I dun have this problem, even though the depth of field is even shallower than the 50L, the focus is always spot on most of the time (80%). So wat I m stressing here is - there's a design flaw with the 50L - bring back lens to exchange or camera to calibrate doesn't help much - I hav already been there, done there. Only solution for u - take multiple shots even if it's a basic simple stactic photo - and then just pray hard that at least one is good.
It is a 50L. It's not a design flaw. It's design for a purpose, but definitely not a closeup shot of food on the table.
This baby is extremely good for low light portrait, even if you were to stop it down 1 or 2 stops, it's still a wonderful piece of glass.
It's just not designed for what TS wanted to do, that's all.
This baby is extremely good for low light portrait, even if you were to stop it down 1 or 2 stops, it's still a wonderful piece of glass.
It's just not designed for what TS wanted to do, that's all.
50L design flaw?
seriously need more objective evidence on this.
maybe problem with lens or body or both. of even the user.
the 50L is a fine lens by any standards.
its also pointless comparing it to an 85mm...totally different perspective, DOf etc....
bring both lens and body to canon and have it callibrate and then ask the canon staff to shoot some pix and post it back here. will be interested to get to the bottom of this once and for all. i have a 50L too if you need another copy for comparison.
here's a food shot with 50L http://www.flickr.com/photos/dunghoang/7093853919/
edit: Look at these and get inspired folks:
Flickriver: Photos taken with Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM lens
http://www.flickr.com/groups/20778516@N00/
50mm by its viewing angle is by contruct a very versatile lens.
seriously need more objective evidence on this.
maybe problem with lens or body or both. of even the user.
the 50L is a fine lens by any standards.
its also pointless comparing it to an 85mm...totally different perspective, DOf etc....
bring both lens and body to canon and have it callibrate and then ask the canon staff to shoot some pix and post it back here. will be interested to get to the bottom of this once and for all. i have a 50L too if you need another copy for comparison.
here's a food shot with 50L http://www.flickr.com/photos/dunghoang/7093853919/
edit: Look at these and get inspired folks:
Flickriver: Photos taken with Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM lens
http://www.flickr.com/groups/20778516@N00/
50mm by its viewing angle is by contruct a very versatile lens.
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other reviews by notable reviewers:
Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM Lens Review - photo.net
[h=2]Conclusion[/h] There’s no doubt that the Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM, (compare prices) (review) is Canon’s best 50mm lens and an excellent performer by any standard. The fast aperture is ideal for work in low light, where focus is fast and positive. As a portrait lens, the fast aperture 50/1.2L is capable of subject isolation via its small depth of field and its ability to throw backgrounds out of focus. The quality of the background blur (“bokeh”
is smooth and pleasing.
Canon 50mm f/1.2
The Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM Lens is going to be purchased by those who want the best image quality they can get from f/1.2 to f/2, by those needing a more-pleasing background blur quality than the other two 50s deliver, by those requiring the least amount of lens flare in their results or by those who need/want the best quality (build) lens they can get. I can't say that the Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM Lens is as great of a value as the 50 f/1.4, but I do think it is worth the price to serious photographers who need what it can deliver.
FM Reviews - Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM
Description:
The EF 50mm f/1.2L USM is a peerless new standard lens featuring an ultra-large aperture for a narrow depth of field and soft background blur so loved by photographers everywhere. The EF 50mm f/1.2L USM is suitable for any shooting situation; its lens coating and construction are optimized to minimize the ghosting and flare that frequently occurs when lenses are used with digital cameras. This high-performance, weather-resistant lens delivers all the superb image resolution and contrast you expect in a Canon L Series Lens.
Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM Lens Review - photo.net
[h=2]Conclusion[/h] There’s no doubt that the Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM, (compare prices) (review) is Canon’s best 50mm lens and an excellent performer by any standard. The fast aperture is ideal for work in low light, where focus is fast and positive. As a portrait lens, the fast aperture 50/1.2L is capable of subject isolation via its small depth of field and its ability to throw backgrounds out of focus. The quality of the background blur (“bokeh”
is smooth and pleasing.Canon 50mm f/1.2
The Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM Lens is going to be purchased by those who want the best image quality they can get from f/1.2 to f/2, by those needing a more-pleasing background blur quality than the other two 50s deliver, by those requiring the least amount of lens flare in their results or by those who need/want the best quality (build) lens they can get. I can't say that the Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM Lens is as great of a value as the 50 f/1.4, but I do think it is worth the price to serious photographers who need what it can deliver.
FM Reviews - Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM
Description:
The EF 50mm f/1.2L USM is a peerless new standard lens featuring an ultra-large aperture for a narrow depth of field and soft background blur so loved by photographers everywhere. The EF 50mm f/1.2L USM is suitable for any shooting situation; its lens coating and construction are optimized to minimize the ghosting and flare that frequently occurs when lenses are used with digital cameras. This high-performance, weather-resistant lens delivers all the superb image resolution and contrast you expect in a Canon L Series Lens.
From ladyironchef blog.... he favored 60mm F2.8 and 50mm F1.4...
Food Photography Lenses
It’s about the lens, not the camera.
I’m sure you have heard of this before. Whilst I agree that lenses are very important, I think it is only with a good camera body that can you get the most out of a lens. When it comes to shooting food, I prefer prime lens (no zoom). I’d love to use the professional 24-70mm f2.8, but it’s too expensive (around SGD $2.6k) and heavy (almost 1kg).
50mm f1.4 AF-D
For those of you who are getting your first DSLR, forget about the kit lens and get the 50mm f1.8 (around SGD$120 for Canon and SGD$180 for Nikon) instead. It is easily the cheapest lens, and for that kind of price, you really can’t complain.
I personally use the Nikon 50mm f1.4 (around SGD$550). It is my secret weapon for shooting in low light without external flash. Is it necessary to get the 50mm f1.4 which is three times the price of the 50mm f1.8? It depends. But to cut the long story short, get the 50mm f1.8 if you are on a budget.
60mm f2.8 AF-S micro lens
This is definitely my favourite lens for food photography. I shoot 80% of the photos on my food blog with this amazing lens. It allows me to get a close-up shot of food. The Nikon 60mm f2.8 macro lens (around SGD$950) is definitely the best lens for food photography.
How about the 105mm f2.8 micro lens? I find the focal length of the 60mm f2.8 (on a full frame body) to be just right, the 105mm micro lens will require much more space. There is no luxury of moving around too much if you are taking photographs of food in a restaurant.
18-35mm f/3.5-4.5 AF-D
I use this relatively inexpensive wide angle lens (SGD$500 for second hand) to shoot the interior of restaurants. Sure, there are other good wide angle lens like the Nikon 14-24mm f2.8, and the 16-35mm f4, but they are very heavy and so much more expensive.
Food Photography Lenses
It’s about the lens, not the camera.
I’m sure you have heard of this before. Whilst I agree that lenses are very important, I think it is only with a good camera body that can you get the most out of a lens. When it comes to shooting food, I prefer prime lens (no zoom). I’d love to use the professional 24-70mm f2.8, but it’s too expensive (around SGD $2.6k) and heavy (almost 1kg).
50mm f1.4 AF-D
For those of you who are getting your first DSLR, forget about the kit lens and get the 50mm f1.8 (around SGD$120 for Canon and SGD$180 for Nikon) instead. It is easily the cheapest lens, and for that kind of price, you really can’t complain.
I personally use the Nikon 50mm f1.4 (around SGD$550). It is my secret weapon for shooting in low light without external flash. Is it necessary to get the 50mm f1.4 which is three times the price of the 50mm f1.8? It depends. But to cut the long story short, get the 50mm f1.8 if you are on a budget.
60mm f2.8 AF-S micro lens
This is definitely my favourite lens for food photography. I shoot 80% of the photos on my food blog with this amazing lens. It allows me to get a close-up shot of food. The Nikon 60mm f2.8 macro lens (around SGD$950) is definitely the best lens for food photography.
How about the 105mm f2.8 micro lens? I find the focal length of the 60mm f2.8 (on a full frame body) to be just right, the 105mm micro lens will require much more space. There is no luxury of moving around too much if you are taking photographs of food in a restaurant.
18-35mm f/3.5-4.5 AF-D
I use this relatively inexpensive wide angle lens (SGD$500 for second hand) to shoot the interior of restaurants. Sure, there are other good wide angle lens like the Nikon 14-24mm f2.8, and the 16-35mm f4, but they are very heavy and so much more expensive.
You bought a 50L for food photography???
Wrong lens dude.
And looking at your pictures, most pictures are blur because your shutter speed is too slow. For food photography, since you are going very close to the food, your DoF will be very thin. So you need to stop down quite a bit (F5.6 and smaller). If you find the light to be lacking and your shutter speed slow... time to up your ISO or add artificial lighting.
Last edited:
other reviews by notable reviewers:
Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM Lens Review - photo.net
[h=2]Conclusion[/h] There’s no doubt that the Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM, (compare prices) (review) is Canon’s best 50mm lens and an excellent performer by any standard. The fast aperture is ideal for work in low light, where focus is fast and positive. As a portrait lens, the fast aperture 50/1.2L is capable of subject isolation via its small depth of field and its ability to throw backgrounds out of focus. The quality of the background blur (“bokeh”
Canon 50mm f/1.2
The Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM Lens is going to be purchased by those who want the best image quality they can get from f/1.2 to f/2, by those needing a more-pleasing background blur quality than the other two 50s deliver, by those requiring the least amount of lens flare in their results or by those who need/want the best quality (build) lens they can get. I can't say that the Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM Lens is as great of a value as the 50 f/1.4, but I do think it is worth the price to serious photographers who need what it can deliver.
FM Reviews - Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM
Description:
The EF 50mm f/1.2L USM is a peerless new standard lens featuring an ultra-large aperture for a narrow depth of field and soft background blur so loved by photographers everywhere. The EF 50mm f/1.2L USM is suitable for any shooting situation; its lens coating and construction are optimized to minimize the ghosting and flare that frequently occurs when lenses are used with digital cameras. This high-performance, weather-resistant lens delivers all the superb image resolution and contrast you expect in a Canon L Series Lens.
The 50L is a very good lens, but it is not a perfect lens neither is it a lens without flaws... especially if the point of focus is less than 4 feet. It is not hard to find these... Here's your evidence...
» Canon EF50mm f/1.2L review (vs. EF85mm f/1.2L, among others) - Ron Scheffler – Photographer – Hamilton Ontario Canada
Focus Shift, Spherical Aberration, and the Canon 50L
Where are we with the 50L focus shift issue? - Canon Digital Photography Forums
http://www.flickr.com/groups/20778516@N00/discuss/72157622517034970/
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may i ask, in low light, shouldnt it be generally hard to focus? i mean i find it noticeably hard to focus in low light with my 50mm f1.4 which i really got it to shoot in low light because im not a good flash controller. I understand from someone that i can use a transmitter to assist in focusing? could that be an issue in 50mm L as well?
for sure my i have enough focusing distance though because it was some night portrait and the lighting was reasonably poor. but when the cake arrived. the candles lit up their faces and i was able to focus quite well.
for sure my i have enough focusing distance though because it was some night portrait and the lighting was reasonably poor. but when the cake arrived. the candles lit up their faces and i was able to focus quite well.
In very low light, it's not difficult for the 50L to focus lock on something. I've ever taken an event in pitch darkness except for some disco lighting and all locked on without being out-of-focus. U may need an AF assist lamp to better improve the focus-lock.
yrh0413
Senior Member
I guess it depends on your camera body... Pro bodies like the 1D tends to have higher percentage of nailing focus as compared to 5D2 and 7D. AF under low light will definitely be slower even on pro bodies, but still you most likely will get a focus lock.
For low light shooting I usually mount my ST-E2 transmitter on my 1D. It really helps in achieving focus lock especially with your desired focus point. Pretty easy to get a focus lock on my 50L with the ST-E2.
I have this lens, its only disadvantage is its min focal length, which is a disadvantage when taking food photography because you need to be close to the subject. I use it for portrait (works perfect for me since I got a 60d, otherwise 85mmL would be the one I go for).
I tried 50L on various occassion on food, but failed miserably not because of the lens but because of my ability to make use of it. Need a smaller aperture (even a f3.5 is too big imho) and not too near. The latter is abiit challenging if I'm shooting a food subject that requires close up.
I tried 50L on various occassion on food, but failed miserably not because of the lens but because of my ability to make use of it. Need a smaller aperture (even a f3.5 is too big imho) and not too near. The latter is abiit challenging if I'm shooting a food subject that requires close up.
