New T2i owner here, and I have been using the kit lens for a few weeks. Maybe I don't have the critical eye of others, but the footage it turns out looks pretty good to me. It doesn't look like the total waste that Philip Bloom states that it is, but compared to his other lenses maybe it is. I don't know.

Anyway- on to my question: the lens isnt so great in low light- say under a street lamp at might. Now I have been looking at the 50mm f1.4 prime ($350) EF lens by Canon, but then I thought, why not use this lens I already have. Its from my film (gasp) days- a Canon 50mm f1/4 SSC FD lens:
Canon FD 50mm f/1.4 S.S.C. | Canon | FD Review (http://www.fdreview.com/lens-review.php?itemid=21)

It's mint, and has 8 iris blades for nice blur, and the focus ring is super smooth since there are no AF gears. It's also built like a tank, however it will not fit onto the EF mount. This adapter will let me use it, but at the cost of one f stop:
Bower | Lens Adapter - FD (Manual Focus) System to Can | ABEOS

Has anyone used this adapter, or does anyone have any pros or cons to adapting FD mounts to EOS cameras? I'm leary since it adds more glass, and turns the f1.4 into a f2. I could apply the $50 adapter cost to a new EF 50mm f1.8 at only $100.

Thanks,
Ed

I don't think the adaptor will work
and I was asking myself the same question.

Because ssc lenses have a collar(silver) called breech lock that you screw to the body
FD lenses(before 1987) SSC(before 1979)

this adaptor is not the best choice, because its also a multiplier(1.25x) thats why you loose a stop

I have the Canon (AF)/FD adapter and although the camera complains about not having a lens attached, it works with FD and FL lenses. (press the button and it goes!)

The workmanship of these lens lines are leaps and bounds above anything available currently in the Sub-"L" categories.

is there always a message on the screen that says "no lens attached" or does it go away eventually?

is there always a message on the screen that says "no lens attached" or does it go away eventually?
Yes, press the "record" button and it works.
I think you lose about a stop of light using adapters with internal lenses.

thanks, I wouldn't like that message always on screen.

I know about loosing one stop, and the magnification increase- my real question is would this lens and adapter combo still be better than the $100 50mm f1.8 EF lens?

The pros:
8 aperture blades (vs. 5)
more elements
SSC coated glass

The cons:
no autofocus
needs adapter

I also have the f/1.8 and recommend it over the adapter.

I have the 50mm 1.8 and it does decent in low light. That little focus ring plays hell sometimes though. Just tested it out under the street lights and it did okay.