i would like to know the difference between EF 50mm 1.8 and EF 50mm 1.8 II ? Are they suitable for close-up photography (with close-up lens attached)? thanks

-- legnum (legnum212@email.com), December 12, 2001

Answers

you would probably want to use an extension tube with that lens instead of a close-up filter. i don't know the difference between the two versions of the lens you are referring to though.

-- Jeff Nakayama (moonduck22@hotmail.com), December 12, 2001.

First version is like the 28mm 2.8 - it's an old (late 80s) design with a metal mount and a distance scale. The mark II 50mm is a cheaper design with a plastic mount, no distance scale and a stupid screw-on hood design. For this reason used mark Is command the same price (or more) on auction sites as mark IIs new.

Optically the two lenses are said to be basically the same - ie: quite good. Both lenses have noisy focus motors (no USM) and lack full-time manual. But they're dirt cheap.

Close focusing is a bit under half a metre - you'll want a closeup filter or an extension tube.

-- NK Guy (tela@tela.bc.ca), December 12, 2001.