Canon Kiss X4 (aka 550D) + Olympus 50mm f/1.4

clarnibass · Joined: 05 Aug 2011 Posts: 30

Hi

I recently started using my Canon Kiss X4 (aka 550D) with an Olympus Zuiko 50mm f/1.4 lens. Some one gave it to me o I thought why not and I really like it. I'm getting used to the manual focus only (which I don't mind) and it's a great lens. One thing is strange.

I use it almost only wide open since that's its purpose, get high shutter speed in low light. I checked the aperture and it seems there is something strange, as if 1.4 doesn't exist. I put it on M mode and take a shot at f/1.4. Then a shot at f/2, f/2.8, f/4, etc. just to see the difference it makes. I'm not sure there is a difference between f/1.4 and f/2. I see a significant difference between f/2 and f/2.8. I tested this by just taking some snap shots, trying to hold the camera the same, but maybe I moved too much. I'll test again with the camera on a stand.

My impression is the camera doesn't can't "handle" the f/1.4 and whether it is f/2 or any larger maybe it would be the same. I don't know. I can see the aperture physically move from f/1.4 to f/2 when I change it. If that's the case, I also have no idea if putting it on f/2 will benefit sharpness at all.

Anyone with experience with that camera and lens?

Thanks

beomagi · Joined: 14 May 2010 Posts: 46

When you say you don't see the difference, do you mean in the viewfinder or your camera's shutterspeed/exposure is constant?

You should see a boost in exposure assuming iso and shutterspeed is constant.

You may not see a boost in brightness in the viewfinder, due to the nature of the focusing screen in place - Modern (stock) screens don't look brighter with lenses faster than 2-2.8.

diffid · Joined: 05 Jun 2010 Posts: 16 Location: UK

I have exact same combination and always use Manual, I've not noticed trouble at f1.4.