Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.2L USM Autofocus Lens Imported
- Price: $1,619.00
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- B&H # CA5012LEF
- Mfr# 1257B002
The Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM Lens is a peerless super fast standard lens featuring an ultra-large aperture for a narrow depth of field and soft background blur so loved by photographers everywhere. The lens is suitable for any shooting situation; its lens coating and construction are optimized to minimize the ghosting and flare that frequently occurs when lenses are used with digital cameras.
This high-performance, weather-resistant lens delivers all the superb image resolution and contrast one can expect in a Canon L Series lens.
- Large f/1.2 Aperture
- A large maximum aperture of f/1.2 provides outstanding speed for shooting in low light conditions, without the need for flash. The large aperture also provides fine control over depth of field.
- Excellent Background Bokeh
- A circular aperture helps to create attractive, even background bokeh; ideal for isolating subjects at large apertures and for compelling portrait photography.
- Fast, Quiet AF
- A Ring-type USM (Ultrasonic motor) uses ultrasonic frequency vibrations to drive extremely rapid auto focus with near-silent operation. A high-speed CPU and improved AF algorithm contribute further to AF speed. Good holding torque stops the focusing lens group without overshoot. Full time electronic manual focus override is available without having to switch out of AF.
- Super Spectra Coatings
- Super Spectra lens coatings and lens element shaping suppress flare and ghosting - more prone to occur with digital cameras due to reflection off the image sensor. Coatings also help achieve true colour balance and increase contrast for vivid hi-fidelity images.
- Passes Distance Information to E-TTL II
- The lens passes distance information back to the E-TTL II flash system of compatible EOS cameras to ensure optimal flash metering.
Go To
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 50 mm |
| Aperture |
Maximum: f/1.2 Minimum: f/16 |
| Camera Mount Type | Canon EF |
| Format Compatibility |
35mm Film / Full-Frame Digital Sensor Canon (APS-C) |
| Angle of View | 46° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 1.5' (45 cm) |
| Magnification | 0.15x |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 1:6.6 |
| Groups/Elements | 6/8 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 8 |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | No |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Filter Thread | 72 mm |
| Dimensions (DxL) | Approx. 3.4 x 2.6" (8.64 x 6.60 cm) |
| Weight | 1.30 lb (590 g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 714 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
98%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Strong construction (499)
- Nice bokeh (469)
- Fast / accurate auto-focus (461)
- Durable (423)
- Consistent output (370)
Cons
- Heavy (148)
- Slow focus (53)
- Blurry focus (19)
- Pricey but worth it (17)
- Pricey / poor value (12)
Best Uses
- Low light (515)
- Weddings (444)
- Night photography (325)
- Video (172)
- Landscape/scenery (165)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Pro photographer (250), Semi-pro photographer (210), Photo enthusiast (118), Casual photographer (32), Professional (26)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (525), Yes (15)
Most Liked Positive Review
Idiosyncratic, frustrating, brilliant!
This really is an interesting lens. I've gone from hating it to loving it over a few short days. It's hugely idiosyncratic, and in that sense, much of the criticism that it has ...Read complete review
This really is an interesting lens. I've gone from hating it to loving it over a few short days. It's hugely idiosyncratic, and in that sense, much of the criticism that it has received on web forums, blogs and reviews is largely correct. However, when you get to know the lens, it really is very capable and offers a unique perspective on the world.
It's heavy and does not have IS, and therefore, you will get some blur if you don't use flash below around 1/30 sec. Also, there is definitely a flaw in the focus algorithms, but only when shooting faces and focusing on eyes. Under controlled conditions, shooting a mm scaled ruler, it hits focus accurately 100% of the time. Shooting portraits, I hit around 65 to 70% success. This is quite acceptable given the incredibly narrow depth of field at f1.2. It definitely does back focus on some occasions, but not often enough to be a problem, and given the narrow slither of focus available wide open, it probably wouldn't show up any missfocus at anything much above f2.8 where the zone of focus is a bit wider.
How sharp is it - razor sharp from f1.2 up. Sharpness improves up to f1.6, and then reaches a peak at around f2.2. However, I shoot at f1.2 whenever I can as results are simply brilliant. So, this is a bit of a love me hate me lens. It is definitely not worth the money, and unless you are wealthy or a true bona fide professional earning your money through social photography (not so many of them left now), I'd think twice before parting with your money. However, if you are in this category, or a keen amateur portrait photographer, you won't regret buying this lens - just be prepared to accept it does have some foibles. It is limited to 50 or 80mm equivalence on FF or APS-C cameras, and you might miss your zoom, but when you nail a shot with this lens, nothing can compare to it. The 80mm f1.2 is too large and heavy and the electric focusing all conspire to put the 50mm ahead (cheaper too). I like this lens on a crop frame camera best as the 80mm perspective is particularly flattering. I remember when in film days of the 1980s we were all told to throw our 'useless' 50mm lenses away and buy zooms - how things change!
I was tainted by all the bad press about this lens, but I'm glad I got it. The reviews I read made me paranoid, and I was pixel peeping every image for sharpness - I guess you all will too after spending this much money. I read one review that said the lens caused strange yellow banding patterning on most frames some of the time. Imagine my thoughts when this happened to me on the second day I had it - I was ready to throw the lens in the bin (well return it). But ha - I learnt that at fast shutter speeds (due to large aperture), older style fluorescent lighting causes this patterning. Motto - don't believe half the rubbish you read on blogs! My advice is to buy this lens, it'll give you great pleasure and inject a new perspective to your photography. My view is that this is a sharp, brilliant lens, but a truly idiosyncratic one - a bit like many creative geniuses. But don't buy on a whim or a must have premise, buy if you are in need of the narrow depth of field and unique images that this trait confers Enjoy, and I hope this review dispels some of the misinformation and confusion that exists out there, and particularly with prospective buyers.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
A Necessary evil
I shoot a wide variety of subject matter for my work and, because I exclusively use full frame Canon bodies and always try to use prime lenses, a 50mm is almost mandatory.
Read complete review
I shoot a wide variety of subject matter for my work and, because I exclusively use full frame Canon bodies and always try to use prime lenses, a 50mm is almost mandatory.
I have owned the EF 50mm f1.4 for years and it is a really good lens. Unfortunately, it is not a truely great one as it flares, focuses erratically and suffers from chromatic aberration, amongst other things.
I assumed the 50mm f1.2L would have to be much better because it is much heavier, many times the price and only a third of a stop faster. I was wrong. For examle, compared to my Mk. I 85mm f1.2, (which it is in the same "family" as) it is very poor. The later 50mm f1.2 should have built on this 20 year old design but it went backwards.
In some ways it is better than the EF 50mm f1.4. It has less flare and it is sharper to about f4 but it still has chromatic aberration, it is only acceptably sharp in the centre and it really suffers with back focussing and erratic focussing problems. I have paid Canon several times to try and get this lens to focus reliably, ( and had it done under warranty too). I have now given up and and accepted the best compromise after many hours of micro-adjustment with my camera bodies. I just shoot a lot of frames wherever possible. If I can get away with it I manually focus with live view or, even better, use my old Zeiss f1.4 plannar. In all I have 9 L series lenses and this has been the only truly troublesome one. My colleges are having similar problems with them. I would be o.k. about it if this didn't cost almost as much as the last car I could afford.
Australian photographers are rarely rich but, like other professionals, we get in trouble if we don't produce sharp photos. If you need the best compromise to do your job and they pay you well enough, this might be it but, otherwise, get the 50mm f1.4. It is a fraction of the price and, in in many ways it is the better lens. Now, why did I sell mine? . . . Better get another one.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 714 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
- Blurry Focus
- Difficult to Clean
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Night Photography
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.2L USM Autofocus Lens:
I'm a professional wedding photographer. When I first started upgrading my gear this was the first L series lens I bought. It was - and still is - my work horse. This lens is a great all around lens. The only problem is it's a little slow to focus.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.2L USM Autofocus Lens:
This is the best prime lens canon has to offer. It is fast, sharp and the colors and bokeh are excellent.
If you are buying this for purely studio or portrait work, go find a zeiss lens for the price, it will be better. If you need auto focus, this is your boy.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
- Similar:
- Canon 1ds mk3
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
- None so far
Best Uses
- Portraits And Flowers
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.2L USM Autofocus Lens:
I went back and forth about the 50mm 1/2L lens. I read review after review and it seemed people either loved this lens or they hated it. A friend who is a professional photographer, said the difference in sharpness and quality of photos wasn't worth the difference in price. Well, I don't know about that, but I am pretty pleased with the lens! I have the 24-105mm IS L and the 70-300mm IS L--both with 4-5.6 aperture, and I wanted a faster lens. This just seemed to complement what I already had. I read the lens had focusing problems, but I haven't found that to be true. I also read when you were in focus, the lens was exceptionally sharp--i also have found that to be true. I'm also a fan of B&H--I've bought my 5 d mark iii, lenses, and filters from them and have had great service. I knew if I just hated the lens, I had 30 days to return it, and that gave me a little more confidence in buying this particular.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Photography
- Sports/Action
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.2L USM Autofocus Lens:
Used for portraiture and landscape photography...and everything in between. I've owned a number of fifties with various apertures, but the 1.2L is a winner hands-down. I was prepared to make adjustments to the auto focus system based on several articles and comments on this len's reputation for back-focusing, but my lens arrived (and still is) spot-on. Pricey but well-worth it!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Photography
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.2L USM Autofocus Lens:
This lens is great! It is one of the best primes ever. It produces amazing images. It can be used for weddings, night photography, and general portraits.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.2L USM Autofocus Lens:
Grandchildren, indoors with isolating depth of field. While the lens is heavy, the extra weight helps to reduce shake, letting us shoot a little more comfortably at slower shutter speeds. Lens is sharp, and produces wonderful portraits on the Canon 7D - so we are using it as if it is a 75mm. A f/1.2 75mm lens does create focusing challenges when fully open. You have to be dead on when focusing. But if you are... wow, the lens takes amazing pictures.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.2L USM Autofocus Lens:
I am a Wedding and Portrait photographer and I am beyond excited and happy with this lens! The f/1.2 is crisp and sharp. The lens is heavy and feels very well built. This lens is SO worth the money! I highly recommend this lens!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.2L USM Autofocus Lens:
I love this lens. I use for 70% of my photos during weddings. Such a great buy and worth every penny.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Images shared by Blue Hills Photo
Crystal Clear Vibrant Wedding Photos
Images shared by Blue Hills Photo
Winery Tours - Best Look with a 50 mm
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Pros
- Consistent Output
- Crisp Sharp Glass
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
- Portaits
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.2L USM Autofocus Lens:
This lens is expensive, it's heavy, it's fragile and it doesn't have image stabilization. But you're a professional and understand its cost, its limitations,that it needs to be handled with care, and you need to know how to hold a camera steady. If this describes you then this lens is a must have. Crisp, clean, sharp, great in low light. This lens produces great lens blur at low F stops, it performs like magic in low light, and the glass is clean and pristine. The portraits from this lens are to die for. If you want a prime lens with clean crisp glass, sharp where you want it, blurred where you're not focused at low F stops, then this lens is for you. If you're a hobbyist this should not be your first lens. You should be starting with the Canon 24-105 or another IS L series lens that is more versitile. This lens has specific uses and limitations, but if you understand that and know what you want, you'll never regret the money spent on this. It's become my go-to lens for many things, with unparalleled results.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.2L USM Autofocus Lens:
The lens performs spectacularly! Amazing bokeh.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.2L USM Autofocus Lens:
Very sharp lens. Love it.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.2L USM Autofocus Lens:
I was super excited to get this lens and it did not disappoint. I use it primarily in low light situations (wedding receptions). It is fast, quiet and not super heavy. I would recommend this lens for sure!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Tough To Attach
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.2L USM Autofocus Lens:
Great lens, super sharp, excellent with creating beautiful sun flare. My only gripe is that unlike all my other lenses, the red dot that shows you where to connect on the camera body for some reason is on the inside of the lens where you can't see it. It makes connecting it more difficult. I don't understand why they changed it. It's not a deal breaker but it is a hindrance. But the glass is perfection!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Beautiful pictures
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Blurry Focus
- Chromatic aberration
- Weak Casing
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Photography
- Video
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.2L USM Autofocus Lens:
I just bought it... AND NOW ITS MINE! I just saved so much money and time for this moment. It is an amazing lens. I recommend it!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.2L USM Autofocus Lens:
As professional photographer that specializes in weddings and food this is one of my all time favorite lenses. If I could choose only one lens for a shoot or to take on vacation this would be the one.
Plus it's super sharp!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.2L USM Autofocus Lens:
I have nothing bad to say about this lens. It is amazing. Has a beautiful soft background blur,very fast and well built. This lens is a keeper.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Blurry Focus
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.2L USM Autofocus Lens:
I use this lens for portraits and weddings. It's a great lens, but tends to be slightly fuzzy even when I adjusted my micro focus adjustment.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
Best Uses
- Night Photography
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.2L USM Autofocus Lens:
Nice Bokeh ,fast auto-focus!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.2L USM Autofocus Lens:
Shoots great indoors, low light. I use the Al Servo setting and it's taking me some time getting used to its focusing style, but super creamy bokeh is a given 100% of the time. It took me a while to justify buying this lens, having never shot with a standard lens before, but it took me no time to adjust to it. Great purchase!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
- Recommended:
- Hoya 72mm UV Haze NXT HMC Filter
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.2L USM Autofocus Lens:
A must-have lens!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
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