Len Chrucky 
, July 07, 2008; 03:12 P.M.
Go for the 85L
For a little more money I would splurge on the 85mm f/1.2L either version I or II. It doesn't have the focusing issues reported with this lens and has a better minimum focusing distance. With the 50mm there has been quite a bit of back focusing reported if you shoot wide open at less then 10ft from your subject. Plus, the 85mm is an ideal focal length for portraits, 85mm on a full frame and 135mm on a crop sensor.
Craig Eccles , July 25, 2008; 08:05 P.M.
Have you tried the lens, it doesn't sound like it, it sounds like what you've just heard? I have this lens and have never seen this 'problem' in real life pics.
Of course IF I took pictures of focus charts, rulers and brick walls, I might., but until the day comes when I'm really bored I'm not going to be doing that.
It has the DOF of a cigarette paper when wide open, so does take a bit of learning as does the 85mm and 135mm you praise so highly (and I agree, they're fine lenses).
But its built like tank (L quality, so that's only right), has delicious bokeh, great colour and contrast........ If you need 50mm, you don't want 85mm or 135mm you want 50 and if colour/contrast/bokeh/build are worth it to you over the cost of the EF50 1.4 as long as you realise the limitations of this lens I would not hesitate to recommend it
Ryan Pasia , August 27, 2008; 06:21 A.M.
rebate worthwhile?
I have my sights set on this lens; however, I just missed the most recent rebate. Is there another rebate coming up for late 2008? The best price I can find is around $1,400 although it's not clear to me that the rebate necessarily brings the final price lower, particularly if retailers increase their selling price during the rebate period. Thoughts?
Stamoulis Theodorikas 
, July 22, 2009; 05:58 A.M.
For me it is just a perfect lens.
Richard Gauthier 
, September 22, 2009; 05:02 A.M.
Softer wide open than the 85mm 1.2L
I rented the 50mm 1.2L for a week end as I wanted to see for myself before buying the lens. I used the lens with a 5D2. I was very disappointed by the performance for 2 reasons:
(1) at 1.2 the picture quality is usable but a bit soft (compared to the 85mm 1.2L).
(2) I did experience focus shift
Bringing back the lens, I was still thinking of buying it, but after a chat with the store manager, I got convinced to buy the 85mm although I was not after this focal length. I am indeed very pleased (despite the extra $ and weigth).
Alin Daju , October 31, 2009; 04:22 P.M.
I got the 1.8 II, cheapest version and still so great let alone this one. Out all my lens the 1.8 (don't have this version) the 50mm gives me the nicest background blurr and sharpness.
I wouldn't mind having this one as well :)
