The 50 mm that thinks it's a portrait studio

At f/1.2 the depth of field is measured in millimetres, and the background dissolves into something painterly. Stop down to f/2 and it becomes a very sharp, very ordinary fifty.

Focus is fast and accurate even wide open, which was not true of earlier designs. The weight is considerable; this is not a walk-around lens.

For portrait and wedding photographers it is close to essential. For everyone else it is a lovely thing to borrow.