With a new baby on the way, I wanted a lens that would allow me to take razor-sharp images of my new bundle of joy while blurring the background and surrounding parts of the image("bokeh").

Nice images at f1.2

Using this lens at 1.2 is amazing; it allows you to really hone in on a certain subject which makes the image really strong and powerful; not to mention, delicious creamy bokeh and super sharpness

Most of the time I use the lens at either 2.0 or 2.2, and images at those apertures are super colorful and sharp (much more so than the 50 1.4)

It is a heavy, hardy beast and I have gotten superior images out of it that have been included in numerous publications and websites

Shooting at f1.2 produces very good images, but very shallow depth of field, so be careful with recomposing shots.

It's simply not there - no comparison except for focal length...from my perspective this tool produces a superior image rendering that is de-mon-stra-tive of professional image output

Near minimum focusing distance (much closer than what you would use for portraits), images are not as sharp

The images I get with this lens wide open are breathtaking

I've quizzed several owners of this lens and found that they either shoot above f/2 to get sharp images, or they simply write the problem off as "softness" when something is out-of-focus.

Very clear images, totally worth the investment!

Update with Full Frame:For over 15 months I've been using this lens with a full frame body as well, excellent results, sharp wide open and professional image rendering!

The images that I've gotten so far are all the reassurance that I need that this lens is well-worth the investment.

(7D)+ Silent USM motor+ Beautiful images even at f/1.2+ The perfect baby/infant

Some says you get sharper images on certain stops with 1.4 but sharpness is not everything about image quality

With a new baby on the way, I wanted a lens that would allow me to take razor-sharp images of my new bundle of joy while blurring the background and surrounding parts of the image("bokeh").

Finally I think I learned to use this Lens to get sharp images, after a lot of trial and error!!

Might not be as sharp wide open, but still makes images look nicer, a special feel, than any lens i owned

With every picture I take with this lens, the images seem to be improving though.

But after seeing the comparison shots, I am debating whether or not to sell the 1.4, as it has bitingly sharp images, especially from f/2.8 and above

Other professionals have already waxed eloquent on the superb image quality of this lens, and I am in 100% agreement

This lens produces superb image quality and is lightweight.

Wanted a prime lens -- to reground myself with the basics (no zooming); with a wide aperture for natural light; having great glass for excellent images; ability to use for portraits and with the potential as a walk around lens

Don't kid yourself - you can't take razor sharp images at f/1.2 because of spherical aberation, but you can take

I have had no focusing issues with my copy, purchased in August 2009.Overall better image quality than the 1.4

Beautiful images come from this lens, it’s now my favorite which is saying a lot since I love the Canon 85mm 1.2

If you demand the best image output for your photography this is the lens for you

Both produces good images and both feels cheap

In harshly backlit environments, the 50/1.2 L delivers vastly superior image quality than the other 50s.- Build quality is top notch - typical of Canon "L" lenses

At f/1.2 you can get extremely shallow DoF but tack sharp images where you need it the most

If you focus with that on the eye and then recompose your shot you will get super sharp images perfectly focused.

I have very rarely shot someone at 1.2, or even at 1.4, but if you have a very high resolution camera that can get a lot of detail from a person who is far away, then you can shoot at 1.2 and capture the entire body with razor sharp image quality.

More expensive than the Canon lens, but slightly better image quality wide open

Please keep in mind that soft images do NOT mean the lens is soft

This lens produces some really stunning images.

It is sort of sharp at f/1.2, but it is not as sharp as it is at 2.8

The 50 f/1.4 then takes over in sharpness at around f/2.2 to f/2.8.The 50L 1.2 will never be as sharp as my 85L 1.2 II.