The Canon FD 50mm F1.4 is about $300 less than its EF successor, but it’s said that the newer nifty fifty was designed with similar optics as the FD. If this is the case, then it’s within our best interest to see how the two match up.
BUILD QUALITY
Build quality between these two lenses is very noticeable. Despite being a much larger lens, the EF 50mm is lightweight and plasticky compared to the more compact and heavy FD. The FD lens also has a much better focus ring with smooth pulls and hard stops. Unfortunately, Canon did not believe this superior quality was necessary for its newer EF lenses. The EF 50mm feels much cheaper and the focus ring is uneven during focus pulls with no hard stops. The one advantage it has over the FD within this category is an autofocus system which you will not benefit from while shooting video.
Win: Canon FD 50mm F1.4
ADAPTABILITY
Another important thing to note is that the FD is completely manual which requires a simple passive adapter for about $13. The EF lens is not fully manual which uses an electronic connection to adjust the aperture. This means that you will need to buy a far more expensive active adapter that allows your camera to adjust the aperture. Later on you will not be able to declick the aperture on this lens.
Win: Canon FD 50mm F1.4
SHARPNESS
Both lenses are not particularly sharp at the widest open aperture, but the Canon EF 50mm seems to perform better at F1.4 than the FD 50mm. Both perform significantly better as you stop down to F2.8 and on and it’s much harder to differentiate the sharpness between the two. The major difference between the images rendered by these two lenses can be seen within the color grade. An extra multilayer coating was added to the front lens element of the FD 50mm to add consistent contrast and color balance. This gives the FD that unique classic look that many filmmakers go nuts over.
Win: Canon EF 50mm F1.4
SUMMARY
Overall, the Canon EF 50mm F1.4 appears sharper at wide open apertures but the difference is negligible between the two lenses when you stop down to F2.8 and on. In my opinion, the Canon FD’s build quality is much better than that of the newer EF lens especially for video. Why Canon chose to use cheaper materials for the EF lens is beyond me but it does not justify the extra cost. Essentially, the extra $300 you’d be spending for the EF 50mm is reserved for its autofocus feature which again, does not help you while shooting video. You’re far better off going with the FD 50mm F1.4 and using the extra $300 you saved to buy a set of Canon FD primes.