Canon EF50mm f/1.8 STM

• Specifications
• Reviews
• Sample Images
• Initial launch information.

A new 'standard' focal length lens replace the 1990 EF50/1.8 II

STM focus drive makes it much quieter. It's a tiny bit shorter than the old lens, but some 20% heavier and as a result feels much more solid (it is still lighter than the original 50/1.8 at 190g). The optical design does not seem to be much changed from either of the two previous models, although it will benefit from the improvements in lens coatings over the years.

The new lens has a much easier to use manual focus ring.

Available from: Amazon.com | Amazon.co.uk | B&H | Adorama

Lens specifications

Focal Length & Maximum Aperture	50mm 1:1.8
Lens Construction	6 elements in 5 groups
Diagonal Angle of View	46°
Focus Adjustment	AF with full time manual
Closest Focusing Distance	0.35m / 1.15 ft.
Filter Size	49mm
Max. Diameter x Length, Weight	2.7" x 1.5", 5.6 oz. / 69.2 x 39.3mm, 159g

A quick guide to MTF charts (which only measure contrast and resolution. Canon's guide to their MTF charts) Black lines reflect lens performance at widest aperture. Blue lines show the performance at f/8 Thick lines indicate lens contrast Thin lines indicate lens resolution Dashed lines: Lens performance with meridional lines. Solid lines: Lens performance with sagittal lines Closer sagittal and meridional chart lines indicate more 'natural' out of focus areas. Remember that MTF charts are good for comparing similar lenses, so comparing ones from the 14mm f2.8L and 300mm 2.8L won't tell you much at all, whilst comparing the EF14 2.8L with the EF14 2.8L II will show meaningful differences. Note that other manufacturers may have different ways of displaying such information that may or may not match up with the Canon figures.

EF50mm f/1.8 STM reviews and articles

• Canon UK / US Information Page
• Amazon
• Northlight Images
• Canon CPN article
• Fred Miranda
• Lens Tip
• Digital Picture
• PhotoZone
• SLR Gear
• Lens Review
• ePhotozine
• Photography Bay

Written a review? Contact us and we'll add it to the list.

Sample images

None available as yet.

Product launch

London, UK, 11 May 2015 – Canon today unveils the EF 50mm f/1.8 STM, a new prime lens that enables you to capture images with subjects that pop from the scene, or create impact with beautiful background blur. The successor to the incredibly popular EF 50mm f/1.8 II, and an ideal second lens for anyone looking to take their photography to the next level, the EF 50mm F/1.8 STM excels at portraiture, low-light photography, and adding an artistic edge to everyday objects and settings, thanks to its wide f/1.8 maximum aperture and 50mm focal length.

The EF 50mm f/1.8 STM now features an improved design, Canon’s super spectra lens coating, a 7-blade aperture and STM technology for smooth, near silent focusing. Compact, lightweight and affordable, the EF 50mm f/1.8 STM is a welcome addition to any kit bag for people who want to create more impactful imagery.

Explore creative portraiture and low-light photography
It’s easy to capture superb portraits, or bold, artistic photos and movies with the new lens – the wide f/1.8 maximum aperture provides precise control over depth of field. It gives you the creative freedom to pinpoint focus on your subject and let the rest of the frame blend into a smooth blur – instantly allowing you to draw the viewer’s attention to a specific area. Additionally, the aperture lets more light into the lens, so you can comfortably shoot in darker conditions.

As a prime lens, the fixed 50mm focal length provides high quality results, with enhanced visible sharpness and contrast. When paired with an APS-C EOS DSLR, the lens is ideal for portraiture, helping you capture the perfect head and shoulder composition. It’s also a useful every day ‘standard’ lens for full frame DSLRs and is great at shooting a diverse range of subjects with a natural viewpoint and perspective.

The lens also provides a minimum focusing distance of just 0.35m, allowing you to get even closer to subjects and achieve a greater level of magnification, while the 7-blade aperture delivers beautiful blur and out of focus highlights. Providing enhanced image quality when compared to its predecessor, the lens features Canon’s Super Spectra Coating, which minimises internal reflections, as well as ghosting and flare.

The perfect addition to any kit bag
The lens has a compact and lightweight design, weighing a mere 160g, and easily slips into your bag adding very little to the overall weight of your kit. The lens’s new external design compliments both Canon’s consumer and mid-range EOS DSLRs, while the new metal mount provides a more robust connection to camera bodies. Additionally, the lens’s manual focusing ring gives you added freedom to control the precise area in focus in your photos and movies.

EF 50mm f/1.8 STM key benefits:

A fantastic lens for portraits
Fast, virtually silent focusing
A great performer in low-light conditions
Super-sharp image quality
Compact ‘go-everywhere’ design