From colors I can easily tell which photo was taken my 50f1.4 at f1.4 or stepped down, colors are washed out with low contrast at f1.4, making photos barely usable.
Even though central resolution at f1.4 (if you manage to get focus right) is on par with 17-55at f2.8 the photos with 17-55 have better colors with higher contrast, And I guess this has nothing to do with white balance.
The white balance thing is for lenses with color cast maybe that was relevant for older lenses, I never saw any of it with lenses manufactured after I was born
Even though central resolution at f1.4 (if you manage to get focus right) is on par with 17-55at f2.8 the photos with 17-55 have better colors with higher contrast, And I guess this has nothing to do with white balance.
The white balance thing is for lenses with color cast maybe that was relevant for older lenses, I never saw any of it with lenses manufactured after I was born