Full Specifications
| Focal Length | 50mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.4 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/16 |
| Lens Mount | Canon RF |
| Autofocus Motor | Voice Coil Motor (VCM) with Nano USM |
| Filter Size | 67mm |
| Weight | 580g |
| Dimensions | 76.5 x 99.3 mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes |
| Optical Elements | 14 elements |
| Optical Groups | 11 groups |
| Diaphragm Blades | 11 blades |
What Users Think
Pros
- Lightweight and compact design, making it ideal for travel.
- Fast and reliable autofocus performance, especially praised for video work.
- Excellent optical quality, with sharpness improving significantly when stopped down to f/2.8 or higher.
- Good performance in low-light situations, with an aperture of f/1.4 allowing for decent ISO settings.
- Affordable compared to other options in the same focal length range, providing great value for budget-conscious photographers.
Cons
- Some users report noticeable chromatic aberration and color fringing in certain high-contrast situations.
- Optical performance can be softer wide open at f/1.4, necessitating stopping down for better sharpness.
- AC (Autofocus) performance may be less reliable in very low light compared to more expensive lenses.
- Build quality described by some as less durable compared to higher-end L-series lenses.
Community Verdict
Overall, the Canon RF 50mm f/1.4L VCM is regarded positively for its lightweight design, fast autofocus, and excellent image quality, particularly for its price. However, some users express concerns about optical performance wide open and the presence of chromatic aberrations, suggesting it performs best when stopped down.
"{'text': 'The size/weight of it is absolutely fantastic.', 'context': 'u/Its_My_Art_Account discussing the lens in a Reddit thread about travel photography.'}"
- Reddit user
"{'text': 'For a full frame camera, I suggest you try RF 85 F2, it is (relatively) cheap, optically great and should be better for portraits than RF 50 1.4.', 'context': 'u/Practical_Back_6795 recommending alternatives in a discussion on lens choices for portraiture.'}"
- Reddit user
"{'text': "It's the one area where the lens lags behind the more expensive ones.", 'context': "u/Its_My_Art_Account referencing the lens's performance in relation to more premium options."}"
- Reddit user
Want the Full Story?
Read our comprehensive review covering optical quality, sharpness, bokeh, autofocus performance, build quality, and more.
Read Full ReviewPairs Well With
Camera bodies compatible with the Canon RF mount
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