50mm F/1.2 vs 50mm f/1.4 Portrait Photography Lens Comparison

Is the f/1.2 really worth the price difference? We will compare side-by-side in the shade, backlighting, and direct sunlight for close-up and full-body portraits.

50mm 1.2

50mm 1.4

Cheapest alternative (50mm 1.8)

My Camera~

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[jacquelyndolly]

Personally, its not worth the extra 1K. While the 1.2 background is creamier, the 1.4 is plenty creamy itself and the fact that it misses focus less often and is quicker to focus is so important. I shoot portraits with people typically not used to posing and weddings with couples and families eager to get back to the festivities so having something I can rely on to get the focus and do it quick so that I can release my subjects is a big deal. Unless they're models, having to re-do poses or hold one for extra long because my camera didn't focus, can get annoying fast for everyday people

[JessicaWhitaker]

I am so sorry for the audio when we are using the wireless mic! It didn't sound as bad when I watch the file on my computer but on YouTube it is worse :/

[kristenalexandra]

You can tell a difference when you put the photos side by side but for me the difference doesn’t warrant shelling out an extra 1k 😂

[jessicahobin]

Definitely not worth the $1000 difference in my opinion. Clients would NEVER be able to notice such minute differences unless you were shooting for some huge commercial client. But I mean for portrait photography, family photos and weddings, I doubt the 1.2 would be worth it. Especially if the focus takes longer!!!

[glennmeader]

The most noticeable difference is in exposure and contrast. Look at the skin tones of the 1.2 images - they are visibly brighter and more contrasty than those of the 1.4. (easier to see on the side-by-side images on your blog...)

Did the image sensor receive the same exposure when using the 1.2 versus the 1.4? (did you shoot manual and alter the shutter speed or ISO to compensate for the greater aperture when using the 1.2?) The difference between f/1.4 and f/1.2 is 0.44 stops
Or did the 1.2 image get exposed more than the 1.4 images?

[mukmin]

3:10 F1.2 and F1.4 is really hard to get focus using dslr. Just change to mirrorless and you will find magic starts to happen

[effyfae]

The light in the 1.2 is stunning. However I don't think it's worth it because the 1.4 does the job so closely. I do think 1.4 is worth it over 1.8 however because the subjects are soo much sharper.

[maticsportsandGames]

I have the 50mm 1.4, best lens ever IMO, definitely, 1.2 is overkill and definitely not worth the extra money at all, a ridiculous price for a lens thats not as good as the 1.4 . 1.4 is the perfect balance.

[melodeyrose]

I can tell that the f/1.2 is more creamy and softer in the background than the f/1.4

[jlesterhealthcare]

NICE! Would be even more interesting if you had included the 50mm 1.8 for beginners and budget photographers....

[iLLSinceProductions]

Thanks for the great video. When differences were noticeable, they were only noticeable when the images were side by side. I LOVE how sharp the 1.2 was in shade and backlit photos.

1.2 does look a little bit better. Worth the extra cost if you can afford it, but not a must have unless you can really perfect your shots to notice the higher quality in the 1.2.

[erikthompson]

Was the focus issue with the 1.2 due to the extremely shallow depth of field with depth of field in the lower light? Hand held would be changing the focal plane in every direction due to the nature of hands. Could this be solved by using a single focus point? If so it should also improve focus time.

Thank you for the interesting video.

[REMRODFILMS]

1.4 is waaaay better focusing. Ive sold 3 1.2s in my career and wont go back! sigma is better or the 1.4!

[FeedScrn]

Thank you for the video.... I like how you did the comparison photos.... before and after editing them. That helped a lot.

[bsant]

Exactly the video I was looking for, thank you Jessica! trying to compare my RF 50 1.8 to these

[rogerplested]

Informative video. Your model is absolutely stunning

[prashanthgagguloth]

Hello i pair this 50mm 1.4 lens with Canon 200D mark II

[Jj-ifg]

You were missing focus because you selected a huge focus area on the bottom, and the background is way more contrasty for the camera than your model. The solution I found is just using one single focus point, or in case of not nailing it using the center point which is the most accurate and recomposing the shot. I also had the same problem!
Nice video 🫶

[smerda]

You do this on Manual or Auto? I understood that on Manual right?