Problems with Canon 50mm 1.8

[brianmcho]

I've had my Canon 50mm f1.8 for almost 2 years now.

I haven't used it in a while since I upgraded my lenses, but I just thought I'd pull it out of the bag and put it on my 30D for old time's sake.

I took some pics and noticed that the wide open shots are REALLY soft (almost distorted).
When I stop down, it gets a little better...but I don't remember the pics being that soft before.


I remember I dropped the lens right after I had stopped using it, so I'm assuming it may have taken some damage (haven't tried using it since then).
=X

I've attached 3 images at 1.8, 2.8 and 4.5
Focus was set to the address marker.

Any recommendations?
Should I just scrap the lens?
Seems like it'd be more trouble/costly to fix it than its worth.


*update* Canon website quotes a repair cost of $50.....

[CaptainTom]

read the original post wrong.
disregard.

toss the lens.

[cooltouch]

Well, a new one's about $90 at places like B&H, so you'd still be money ahead, somewhat at least, if you got yours fixed. The photos definitely look blurrier on the right side than the left. An element or two probably got knocked out of alignment.

[CaptainTom]

Originally Posted by cooltouch

Well, a new one's about $90 at places like B&H, so you'd still be money ahead, somewhat at least, if you got yours fixed. The photos definitely look blurrier on the right side than the left. An element or two probably got knocked out of alignment.

used price is running around $65.
by the time you ship it,etc. you are even. Use it as a paperweight.

[crazeazn]

bad bad brian

[toverman]

Don't feel bad, I've killed two copies of the 50 f/1.8. They have been the only two lenses I've ever dropped like that, and I attribute the first one to my butter fingers (hit concrete and split open like an egg) and the second to it being so small and lightweight that I didn't see it while grabbing something else out of my bag (still works; no longer autofocuses). Neither is worth fixing for me. I use my stuff but treat it gently otherwise, so eventually I'll either upgrade to the slightly more robust f/1.4 version or spring for a 35 f/1.4L.

[kenw]

the later versions are built using what we might call foam tape holding some of the elements in place. It makes for a lightweight and inexpensive lens, but it doesn't take much to knock one of the elements outta whack.

[CaptainTom]

YOu could probably fix it yourself... at least it would be interesting.

[robh1920]

Dell has it for 80 right now, If you are looking