Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.8 II Autofocus Lens USA
The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Autofocus Lens is a lightweight lens at a mere 4.6 oz (113.5 g). This compact and high-performance, standard lens features Gaussian optics that provide sharp delineation from near to far focusing distances. The color balance is excellent for a standard lens.
Go To
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 50 mm |
| Aperture |
Maximum: f/1.8 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 | 5/6 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 5 |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | No |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Filter Thread | 52 mm |
| Dimensions (DxL) | Approx. 2.7 x 1.6" (6.86 x 4.06 cm) |
| Weight | 4.6 oz (130 g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 3099 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
99%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Lightweight (2672)
- Fast / accurate auto-focus (1870)
- Easily interchangeable (1862)
- Consistent output (1566)
- Nice bokeh (800)
Cons
- Weak casing (896)
- Slow focus (472)
- Blurry focus (69)
- Poor in low light (52)
- Lens creep (43)
Best Uses
- Low light (1546)
- Night photography (976)
- Weddings (920)
- Portraits (695)
- Landscape/scenery (613)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (992), Casual photographer (598), Semi-pro photographer (579), Enthusiast (323), Pro photographer (161)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (1384), Yes (167)
Most Liked Positive Review
Fantastic buy, worth every single penny.
I have been using this lens for general use for the past few weeks, and it works wonders for what I need it to do.
Great with close-ups, portraits, low-light, a...Read complete review
I have been using this lens for general use for the past few weeks, and it works wonders for what I need it to do.
Great with close-ups, portraits, low-light, and candid photographs. I used it at Sea World and the beach in the past couple of days, and got some really beautiful shots. I am amazed at the quality when I paid so little for the lens. It's tiny size makes it easy to slip into my camera bag alongside my huge telephoto lens. I find this lens to be spectacular when shooting a model, as I enjoy portraits more than anything. So sharp, and just perfectly in focus. I feel like lately I always get the shot I want. My best friend just bought a Canon Rebel t2i, and I shoot with a Canon Rebel xt. Pretty much the same camera, but at Sea World she shot with her kits lens. By the end of the day she was pretty jealous of my low-light capabilities, and the awesomeness of my photos. I am pleased.
Wouldn't recommend this lens to anyone looking to take lots of arm-length pictures: YOU WILL NOT GET THE SHOT YOU'RE LOOKING FOR! You will get a sweet detailed shot of every pore on your face though. The sharpness will blow your mind. It was kind of hard to remember sometimes that to take a shot of someone I needed to stand further back, but that's all there is to it. Step back a few steps. It's great for me, because while I do take lots of pictures of my friends & family, I also take lots of nature shots or shots I deem interesting (non-human related or human-related). So if you're planning on using this solely for vacations or parties, I wouldn't recommend. As I learned at Sea World, there isn't always a few steps back to take!
Overall, this lens is perfect and exactly what I needed. If I could give it ten stars I would.
Hope this helps :)
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Great image quality, woeful construction
I've been using this lens since 2001, first on a Elan 7, now on my 40D. I am a serious amateur, and I use this lens mostly for portraits, but it's even more...Read complete review
I've been using this lens since 2001, first on a Elan 7, now on my 40D. I am a serious amateur, and I use this lens mostly for portraits, but it's even more versatile on a full-frame camera. Tack sharp, great colors/contrast/bokeh. For such a meager price, the image quality is astounding. But there are some trade-offs.
The AF is quite slow. The build quality really is as lousy as people say it is: 1) It weighs only a few ounces, and I don't mean that in a good way. 2) I do a lot of tripod work with MF, and the "MF ring" on this is horrendous. You'd better have small fingers! 3) the AF/MF switch is very poorly designed, and regularly either sticks or doesn't really give you solid feedback that it is where you want it. 4) There's no full time MF.
With all this complaining, maybe I should just get the f/1.4, but the IQ is excellent on this, and it costs around 25% of the f/1.4.
My overall star rating takes into consideration 5 for image quality and 1 or 2 for build quality. for the price, you get something and you lose something, so consider both!
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 3099 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.8 II Autofocus Lens:
Great lens for the price. Very sharp lens and fast autofocus. Great bokeh.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
- Slow Focus
- Weak Casing
Best Uses
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.8 II Autofocus Lens:
I bought this to carry around for if I needed a fast lens for low light situations. It does the job well and creates beautiful background blurs.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Lightweight
Cons
- Cheap Build
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Portraits
- Video
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.8 II Autofocus Lens:
I use this for some portraits indoors and outdoors on my Canon 7D, although I prefer taking a few steps back while using my 85 1.8. The AF is slow and noisy, but not nearly as noisy as the Canon 35 f2. For a little over $100, you can't complain much about it. I bet that the Sigma 50 1.4 would have been better bokeh-wise and build-wise, but at 5x the cost. This lens is actually very close to my 85 focal range, so if I could turn back the clock, I would have saved for a 28 1.8 or a Sigma 30 1.4.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.8 II Autofocus Lens:
[$] lens? yes, please! Such a great toy. Cheap, easy and great picture quality, this lens should be in everyone's bag. Carry it around on day trips, shoot nature and obsess over my dog are just a few its many and regular uses. I have heard some people complain about the plastic build and its perceived durability but come on, its a camera lens. You should be babying your equipment anyways, its not like we are talking about sporting goods. Add the ES 62 Lens Hood if you're overly worried about its build, this sun shade will double as a protective shield for the lens. The auto-focus is a bit noisy but its neither bothersome or distracting. This lens is also a good learning tool for beginners not ready to drop big bucks on the high end lenses.
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
- Weak Casing
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Night Photography
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.8 II Autofocus Lens:
Cheap, but a very nice little lens. Image quality is outstanding in comparison to its price. Fast, compact, light and very satisfied. Highly recommended!!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.8 II Autofocus Lens:
Makes me look like I know what I'm doing. I just set it on Aperture priority and with minimal adjustment, click away - getting very good pictures
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Excellent price
- Lightweight
- Low-light performance
Cons
- noisy AutoFocus
- Weak Casing
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Portraits
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.8 II Autofocus Lens:
Many online reviews describe this lens well: great optical quality, excellent price and cheap construction. A great value overall, considering the price.
What surprised me was the performance in low light. I was able to capture pictures at F1.8 that I didn't think possible. I strongly recommend it.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
Cons
- Weak Casing
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Night Photography
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.8 II Autofocus Lens:
This is a great lense for the price, feels a little cheap due to the plastic construction, but it always takes reliable focus on auto. I read reviews describing that the focus ring is too small, but I haven't had that issue personally. Pitfalls of course there are no markings at all on the lense so if you shoot that way, you may want to go for the extra $$ for the f/1.4.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.8 II Autofocus Lens:
lIGHT AND EASY - TAKES GREAT SHOTS AND FOR THE MONEY, YOU SHOULD NOT PASS IT UP.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
- Lightweight
Cons
- Weak Casing
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Video
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.8 II Autofocus Lens:
I'm a Video/Film producer who runs my own Production Company JJack Productions in the Chicagoland area. I decided to get this lens simply b/c I needed a fast lens for cheap. Image quality is great! I use it on my Canon 60D to shoot HD Video for clients. Great for interviews. Great in low light. Build quality is reasonably low. Made of cheaper plastic material. Focus pull ring is terrible. Not only hard to get to, but it's not very smooth. I'm thinking of creating a ring to go over the current ring just in case I need to rack focus.End Result: Great for it's price! If you are just looking for a nice cheap fast prime lens this is a great option. I definately won't return it! I will use it often. If you have the [$] get it!
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Lightweight
Cons
- Weak Casing
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Night Photography
- Video
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.8 II Autofocus Lens:
This is a lens that fits the descriptions. It is great to have the ability to have a F 1.8... makes for easier night shoots. The focus is solid but not as smooth as on a more expensive lens but for about a hundred bucks I couldn't ask for anything better.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Macro Photography
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.8 II Autofocus Lens:
Got the product as featured in a short time after ordering. Great service.
Pros
- Bang for the buck
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Lightweight
- Low light performance
Cons
- Shallow Depth Of Field
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Video
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.8 II Autofocus Lens:
I'm still experimenting with the lens and enjoying low-light and natural light results for both video and stills. The shallow depth of field is amazing for individual portraits and a challenge when shooting more than one subject -- you may have to pick who/what you want in sharp focus vs. soft focus. I find myself packing lighter for both video and still shoots in many situations where my other bigger/heavier zoom lenses are superfluous (can't believe I used that ten gallon word).
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.8 II Autofocus Lens:
This lens is amazing, especially if you are on a budget. Beware that it is mostly plastic, but take care of it, and it will last a long time. It takes incredible photos.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.8 II Autofocus Lens:
Canon's cheapest lens. I used it to cover an event. All of the 400 pictures I shot were in sharp focus, with perfect exposures, inspite of using an on-camera flash unit in low light conditions. You can't ask for more. Also, this lens weighs almost nothing, giving the camera excellant balance. This lens is a 1.8, so you can shoot in very low light and it produces a lovely bokeh.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
Cons
- Poor in Low Light
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.8 II Autofocus Lens:
Very clear subjects with blurry background by just pointing and shooting.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.8 II Autofocus Lens:
I'm very happy with the quality of pictures... I was able to take some awesome pictures of my daughter blowing out candles for her birthday in very low light!
Pros
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.8 II Autofocus Lens:
a very light and inexpensive lens great for low light conditions.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.8 II Autofocus Lens:
I love this lens. I'm still adjusting to not having a zoom lens but it makes up for it in the beautiful clarity and bokeh
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Photography
- Sports/Action
- Video
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.8 II Autofocus Lens:
For the Photo enthusiast on a budget you cant go wrong with lens. This lens along with Canons EFS 18-135mm on a (crop sensor camera) will give you great photos in almost any situation.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-20
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What's in the Box
- 52mm Snap-On Lens Cap
- Lens Dust Cap E (Rear)
- 1-Year Warranty
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