Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM
Canon RF Mount Mount

Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM

By Camera Reviews Editorial Team ยท Last updated February 18, 2026

50mm f/1.8

Focal Length
50mm
Max Aperture
f/1.8
Weight
160g
Filter Size
43mm

Full Specifications

Focal Length 50mm
Maximum Aperture f/1.8
Minimum Aperture f/22
Lens Mount RF Mount
Optical Stabilization No
Autofocus Motor STM Stepping AF Motor
Filter Size 43mm
Minimum Focus Distance 0.3m
Weight 160g
Dimensions 69 x 40 mm
Weather Sealed No

What Users Think

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

Community 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.

"{'text': "For the price, it's hard to beat. A good lens for portraits and low light situations on your crop camera.", 'context': 'Comment by u/tmjcw in a thread about purchasing the RF 50mm'}"

- Reddit user

"{'text': "I adore this lens! It's fantastic for dog photography as it lets me easily use the camera one handed.", 'context': 'Comment by u/JenEyre discussing its utility for pet photography'}"

- Reddit user

"{'text': "It's a great entry lens but tends to struggle in lower light, particularly with autofocus.", 'context': "Comment by u/ChristmaPops in a discussion about the RF 50mm's performance"}"

- Reddit user

Want the Full Story?

Read our comprehensive review covering optical quality, sharpness, bokeh, autofocus performance, build quality, and more.

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Pairs Well With

Camera bodies compatible with the RF Mount mount

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