Does the Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM lacking distance data matter for E-TTL II flash?
Asked 12/29/2011
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I read that the Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM does not send focus distance information to the camera for use with E-TTL II flash metering. How important is that in real-world use? Should it be a meaningful factor when deciding whether to buy this lens, especially if I may use it with flash indoors?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
14y ago
2 Answers
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I can't see it being important, no. Distance information might make flash metering more reliable, but it's not essential. However you have to ask why you'd be using a fast prime lens with direct flash in the first place. A wide aperture is useful when bouncing flash due to the loss in power, however when firing the flash directly you don't need the speed and so a zoom would be more useful. But the real advantage of an f/1.4 lens is the ability to shoot indoors without flash
Originally by user1375. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user1375
14y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Probably not. In normal use, the lack of distance data is not considered a major issue, and this lens can still work fine with flash.
With Canon E-TTL II, distance information may be used under some conditions to help refine flash exposure, but it is only one input to the metering system and is not essential. In practice, flash metering should still be usable without it.
It also helps to think about how this lens is typically used: a fast 50mm f/1.4 is often chosen for available-light shooting or for bounced flash where the wide aperture helps offset light loss. If you are mainly using direct flash, the f/1.4 speed is usually less important.
So, this should not be a deciding factor by itself when choosing the lens. Other factors—such as autofocus reliability, handling, sharpness, and how you plan to use the lens—are more important considerations.
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