Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Autofocus Lens USA
Standard lens featuring superb quality and portability. Two high-refraction lens elements and new Gaussian optics eliminate astigmatism and suppress astigmatic difference. Crisp images with little flare are obtained even at the maximum aperture.
Go To
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 50 mm |
| Aperture |
Maximum: f/1.4 Minimum: f/22 |
| 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 | 6/7 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 8 |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | No |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Filter Thread | 58 mm |
| Dimensions (DxL) | Approx. 2.9 x 2.0" (7.37 x 5.08 cm) |
| Weight | 10.23 oz (290 g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 2016 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
98%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Lightweight (1368)
- Fast / accurate auto-focus (1166)
- Consistent output (1056)
- Durable (793)
- Easily interchangeable (776)
Cons
- Slow focus (169)
- Weak casing (67)
- Blurry focus (35)
- Heavy (27)
- Difficult to clean (18)
Best Uses
- Low light (823)
- Night photography (810)
- Portraits (758)
- Weddings (559)
- General purpose (526)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (586), Semi-pro photographer (485), Pro photographer (247), Casual photographer (229), Enthusiast (187)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (1093), Yes (88)
Most Liked Positive Review
Great indoor lens
I bought this lens for the holidays to take pictures of our family and guests at each of our gatherings. I have a 50D and I take mostly sport shots. Indoor, non-moving targets are...Read complete review
I bought this lens for the holidays to take pictures of our family and guests at each of our gatherings. I have a 50D and I take mostly sport shots. Indoor, non-moving targets are new to me. I have 3 kids that all play hockey and lacrosse so I have the 2.8 70-200 usm II and the 2.8 24-70 both L series and both incredible lenses. I didn't go for the 1.2L series because one of my friends is a professional wedding photographer and she knows people with both and found the difference slight. Please keep in mind when talking to my friend I was referring to non-professional use. It has done quite a nice job. I have been using it with a 580ex flash, so the pictures really do "pop". If you are in the market for a reliable, decent - indoor lens - I would recommend it. I have also taken some really nice sunset shots. The colors are very true. This lens is perfect for the price and the results. In this case - you may actually get a little more than you pay for...One thing - in low or filtered light, you better have a good flash, a tripod or a ridiculously steady hand - even at 1.4.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Not Sharp at f/1.4, Looks Great at f/2.0
I mainly use this lens for weddings & portraits. The first thing I noticed was the green & magenta bokeh fringing. Green behind the plane of focus, magenta in front. I dou...Read complete review
I mainly use this lens for weddings & portraits. The first thing I noticed was the green & magenta bokeh fringing. Green behind the plane of focus, magenta in front. I doubt that many clients would ever notice, but I certainly did. Also, this thing is NOT sharp at f/1.4. I had heard from several people that is was, but in my experience I have found that not to be true. If you stop it down to f/2.0 it is very sharp and tracks well using AI Servo. The focusing is decently fast unlike the 50mm f/1.8. If you can live without shooting your f/1.4 lens at f/1.4, then you will be pleased with this lens.
Reviewed by 2016 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Portraits
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Autofocus Lens:
I bought this lens for portraits and car photography that I enlarge. The quality is amazing and a dramatic improvement over 'kit' 18-55 lens I got with my Canon XTI. It is a very fast lens at 1.4 and haven't found any downsides!!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Portraits
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Autofocus Lens:
My 50mm 1.4 is one of my fav lenses to use! I had its cheaper little brother, the 50mm 1.8 for a few years and decided it was time to upgrade! Totally worth it!!! The metal build of the 50mm 1.4 is incredible compaired to the plastic 1.8! And the bokeh is so much smoother too! LOVE it! Wish I had purchased the 50mm 1.4 from the get go!!!!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Large maximum aperture
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Autofocus Lens:
I wish I would have bought this lens years ago. The shallow depth of field at 1.4 aperture and the ability to shoot in low light situations wihtout a flash really allow for some creative shots. Beautiful bokeh as well.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Autofocus Lens:
Super sharp, great all-around lens for filming hdslr footage & taking photographs. Good-sized focus ring; quiet motor. Not as sharp all the way open but can get great results at around f/1.8
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Portraits
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Autofocus Lens:
This lens takes beautiful portraits and the bokeh is so smooth. Well worth the money paid, have had it only a bit and am already taking great photos with it, crystal clear sharp. Love the fixed range, no complaints, solid product.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Photojournalism
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Autofocus Lens:
Great lens for low light,some product photography,people,...all around really.I love it so far and try use it ;)
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Autofocus Lens:
I like it because it is less weight than others!
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Lightweight
Cons
- Loud focusing
Best Uses
- Photojournalism
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Autofocus Lens:
Great for low-light and sensitive situations. Small and unbotrusive. Makes a lot of noise when autofusing, however.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easy To Use
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Autofocus Lens:
After I got this 50mm lens, I had not use other lens since then, I should buy this earlier.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Portraits
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Autofocus Lens:
very fast. great at night, watching bands/gigs, portraits
probably the best bang for buck in my opinion & a fantastic upgrade from the 'kit' ef-s 18-55, its faster, sharper, crisper, smooth bokeh, incredibly shallow dof. one of the cheaper 'good' lenses, very nice considering its not an 'L'
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Photojournalism
- Portraits
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Autofocus Lens:
I use this lens for local photojournalism, and it definitely makes subjects seem clearer than my stock 18-55. I recommend this for anyone who needs a lens that operates well and quickly, even in low light conditions.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Lightweight
- Quiet
Cons
- Moving parts on outside
Best Uses
- Portraits
- Video
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Autofocus Lens:
I was wondering for a long time whether it is worth the extra money to buy the Canon 50mm f/1.4 vs. f/1.8, and I am glad I bought the f/1.4. A friend of mine has the f/1.8 and there are at least two major differences: the 1.4 is *much* quieter, and the manual focus ring is way easier to work with. This is especially useful if you shoot video, as the focusing ring travels more on the 1.4. It is definitely worth the extra $200 or so. Not to mention the very narrow depth of field you get with it when shooting at 1.4. I like this lens a lot. When I become a millionaire I will invest in the 1.2, but for now this one is fine.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easy To Use
- Great price
- Lightweight
Cons
- No Hood included
- None yet
Best Uses
- Night Photography
- Portraits
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Autofocus Lens:
This lens has me really excited! I'm just starting to really try to get into some simple home studio type shooting and without fancy strobes my first shoot was amazing. Very sharp and crisp focus on my T1i. I haven't had much of a chance to work outside in daylight due to Michigan weather but I cant wait. Low light has also been great and I will be doing alot of night shooting so I think this is a perfect fit.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Autofocus Lens:
I purchased the Canon 50mm f/1.4 USM lens primarily for indoor low light situations, where it performs very well, but it is a fantastic outdoor lens where a fast shutter speed or a deep depth of field is needed. It also does a wonderful job with close ups of children and portraits.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Portraits
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Autofocus Lens:
I sold my 50 mm 1.8 to upgrade to this lens, and it is definitely worth it. The wider aperture definitely helps in low light situations, but be careful with its limited depth of field. The build of the lens without a doubt feels much better than the cheaper version. If you are wondering to get this or not, go for it. You can always resell for pretty much the original price.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Portraits
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Autofocus Lens:
who would of guessed that a basic prime lens that has been used for years would have been forgotten and so glad I bought it. My pictures look crisp and much more professional. I like the prime lens more than my zoom right now. Great for indoors with low lighting and beautiful bokeh. Also glad I spent the extra for the f/1.4 vs. the cheaper f/1.8- since I use it a lot, I can feel comfortable that it is durable and not all plastic.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Photojournalism
- Portraits
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Autofocus Lens:
Just perfect! awesome bokeh!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Lightweight
- Sharp Focus
Cons
- Mediocre Build Quality
Best Uses
- Event
- Night Photography
- Portrature
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Autofocus Lens:
I would love to have a kit full of EF lenses but these days there's just too much else competing for my cash. I am thankful that Canon offers these mid range lenses without forcing me to take too much of a hit in performance. I use this lens for portraiture and video. F1.4 is plenty of light for any use. I can't imagine that I'd actually need that extra stop, and beside it becomes impossible to stay focused with video unless you're locked down and actually trying to pull off a special kind of shallow focus shot. The lens is very sharp and has an acceptable build quality. It is very lightweight. It does not feel all that solid and I will be sure to treat it carefully. The L version is much more substantial and doesn't make you worried to use it. The focusing ring is also a less sound as well, but not at all unusable.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Portraits
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Autofocus Lens:
I use this mostly for portraits. It hasn't left my camera since I mounted it on. The depth of field is incredible. The tonal range and quality is brilliant. Well worth the money. So far I have't found any flaws. Definitely a great purchase.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Lightweight
- Sharp tack photos
Cons
- Restricted angle of view
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Photojournalism
- Portraits
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Autofocus Lens:
Most of my photographs are submitted to the weekly newsletter of my Rotary Club activities, and many of our speaking programs are power point presentations with the shades drawn. With the Canon 50 mm 1.4 lens wide open, and with an elevated iso setting, I get good quality photos the first time.
My only problem with this lens is the relatively low angle of view, making group photos difficult.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
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Filters & Filter Kits
- Price: $16.88
- Price: $32.39
Hoods & Covers
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- Original: $16.95
- Save: $1.69
- Price: $15.26
Cases & Wraps
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- Original: $11.99
- Save: $1.20
- Price: $10.79
Protection/Camouflage
- Price: $29.99
- Price: $34.99
Protective Wraps & Mats
- Price: $10.95
What's in the Box
- 58mm Snap-On Lens Cap
- Lens Dust Cap E (Rear)
- 1-Year Warranty
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