Pros & Cons
Pros
- Affordable price point at around $125-150, making it accessible for beginners
- Lightweight and compact, making it a good travel lens
- Offers excellent image quality when stopped down to f/2.8 or f/4
- Fast f/1.8 maximum aperture allows for good low-light performance
- Suitable for portraits due to its ability to create a shallow depth of field
- Quick autofocus in general, with some users finding it adequate for action shots
- Versatile for various types of photography including street and portraits
Cons
- Wide-open softness and mild haze, particularly at f/1.8, affecting sharpness
- Limited compatibility with APS-C sensors as 50mm effectively acts as an 80mm lens
- No image stabilization, which may lead to shaky shots in low light without a tripod
- Some users reported autofocus issues in low-light situations
- Build quality is mostly plastic, leading to concerns about durability compared to higher-end lenses
Verdict
The Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens is highly regarded by users for its excellent value and portability, making it an ideal choice for beginners and casual photographers. However, it has some limitations in sharpness at wider apertures and lacks image stabilization, making it less suitable for specific low-light or fast-moving subjects.
Specifications
| Focal Length | 50mm |
| Max Aperture | f/1.8 |
| Min Aperture | f/22 |
| Mount | RF Mount |
| OIS | No |
| AF Motor | STM Stepping AF Motor |
| Filter Size | 43mm |
| Min Focus | 0.3m |
| Weight | 160g |
| Dimensions | 69 x 40 mm |
| Weather Sealed | No |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM compatible with APS-C RF-mount cameras?
Yes, it works with APS-C RF cameras like the EOS R50 and R10, but the focal length is equivalent to 80mm due to the crop factor, making it better suited to tight portraits rather than general walk-around photography.
Does this lens have image stabilization (IS)?
No, the RF 50mm f/1.8 STM does not include optical image stabilization. For best results in low light, use it with a camera body that has in-body IS or employ proper handheld technique.
How does it compare to the EF 50mm f/1.8 STM with an adapter?
Optically, performance is quite similar, but the RF version has faster, quieter AF and a slightly improved close-focus distance. The native RF design also offers better handling on RF cameras without additional adapters.
Is this lens weather-sealed?
No, there is no weather sealing on this lens. Take care when using it in wet or dusty environments, as moisture or particles could enter the lens body.
What types of photography is this lens best suited for?
It's ideal for portraits, street photography, low-light scenes, pet photography, and travel, thanks to its lightweight design and fast f/1.8 aperture. It's less suitable for sports or situations requiring fast, reliable autofocus in dim conditions.
Compatible Cameras
Camera bodies that work with this lens
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