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Comparison

Canon FD 50mm f/1.4 S.S.C. vs Olympus OM-System Zuiko Auto-S 50mm f/1.4

The Canon FD 50mm f/1.4 S.S.C. is a 50mm f/1.4 Canon FD lens made 1971-1990s, valued at $55 to $200 used. The Olympus OM-System Zuiko Auto-S 50mm f/1.4 is a 50mm f/1.4 Olympus OM lens made 1972-1980s, valued at $70 to $280 used.

Specifications side by side

Canon FD 50mm f/1.4 S.S.C. and Olympus OM-System Zuiko Auto-S 50mm f/1.4 specifications compared
SpecificationCanon FD 50mm f/1.4 S.S.C.Olympus OM-System Zuiko Auto-S 50mm f/1.4
Focal length50 mm50 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.4f/1.4
Native mountCanon FDOlympus OM
Production years1971-1990s1972-1980s
Optical design7 elements / 6 groups, Double Gauss7 elements / 6 groups, Double Gauss
Typical used value$100$130
Value range$55 to $200$70 to $280
Adapts toSony E, Fuji X, MFT, Canon RF, Nikon Z, L-mountSony E, Fuji X, MFT, Canon RF, Nikon Z, L-mount

What actually differs

  • Both open to f/1.4, so neither has a speed advantage.
  • The Canon FD 50mm f/1.4 S.S.C. is cheaper. Typical used value is $100 against $130, a gap of $30. Ranges: $55 to $200 versus $70 to $280.
  • Both are 50mm lenses, so framing is identical on the same sensor.
  • The Canon FD 50mm f/1.4 S.S.C. is the older design; production began around 1971 against 1972 for the Olympus OM-System Zuiko Auto-S 50mm f/1.4 (1971-1990s versus 1972-1980s).
  • They use different mounts, Canon FD and Olympus OM, so each needs its own adapter. Both reach infinity on mirrorless bodies with a plain mechanical adapter.
  • Both use 7 elements in 6 groups.

Which one to buy

On the catalog data the Canon FD 50mm f/1.4 S.S.C. wins on the $30 lower typical price, and the Olympus OM-System Zuiko Auto-S 50mm f/1.4 gives up nothing measurable in return except its own rendering, described below. Condition and variant matter more than the spec sheet at these prices.

Minimum focus distance, weight, and measured sharpness are not in the catalog, so this comparison does not claim anything about them.

Full reference pages

Mount references: Canon FD and Olympus OM