When it works, the Canon EF 50mm f1.2 L USM lens can produce some really excellent images. Why do I say “when it works”? Because this lens seems to have a problem with autofocus consistency, making it backfocus quite often. I have written about this problem before.

But I still find myself using it quite often because of the results I can get using it. The way I try to work around the focus inconsistency, is autofocusing two or three times on the subject before I take the picture. This doesn’t guarantee a sharp in focus image all the time, but I can live with it so far.

Below are some images I took using a Canon EOS 40D body with the Canon EF 50mm f1.2 L lens. The images are of a very special model, namely my daughter Sarah. What I love about this lens is the nice bokeh and dept of field effects that you can get with it.


50mm, f1.2, 1/250s, ISO 100
Sarah, six months later.


50mm, f1.2, 1/160s, ISO 400
This is how she looks when she just woke up. When I turn around I see her staring quietly at me like this, rolling over the pillows, trying to get to me.


50mm, f1.2, 1/400s, ISO 400
Here Sarah was explaining to me why she likes chocolate chip ice cream.


50mm, f1.2, 1/400s, ISO 400
I love this lens.

 
50mm, f1.2, 1/320s, ISO 400
Playing with curtains on my bed.


50mm, f1.2, 1/320s, ISO 400
Did I mention that I love this lens?


50mm, f1.2, 1/400s, ISO 400
“You’re taking pictures of me *again* ??”.


50mm, f1.2, 1/1600s, ISO 400
Walking outside playing with plants.


50mm, f1.2, 1/50s, ISO 100
Sooooo cute.


50mm, f1.2, 1/60s, ISO 100
This is how she looks when she’s just rolled around on my bed a few times pulling the sheets and throwing her toys around.


50mm, f1.2, 1/100s, ISO 100


50mm, f1.2, 1/1600s, ISO 100


50mm, f1.2, 1/200s, ISO 100
Doesn’t she look so cute and innocent here?

I have about 20GB of pictures of Sarah right now, and she’s only 7 months old. Ofcourse, I’m nowhere to be found on most of those pictures. The only place where I see myself in the pictures is in the reflection in Sarah’s eyes.

These pictures were all taken with available light only (so no flash), giving the pictures a more natural look. Once you start doing available light photography, you won’t go back to using a flash easily. This lens is very good for photography using available light only. Along with this lens, you should also check out the Canon EF 24mm f1.4 L, EF 35mm f1.4 L, EF 85mm f1.2 L and EF 135mm f2 L lenses. Expensive, but worth it.