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 3142 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
99%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Lightweight (2706)
- Easily interchangeable (1885)
- Fast / accurate auto-focus (1885)
- Consistent output (1581)
- Nice bokeh (813)
Cons
- Weak casing (905)
- Slow focus (482)
- Blurry focus (70)
- Poor in low light (56)
- Lens creep (45)
Best Uses
- Low light (1579)
- Night photography (987)
- Weddings (935)
- Portraits (696)
- Landscape/scenery (625)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (1003), Casual photographer (615), Semi-pro photographer (586), Enthusiast (323), Pro photographer (165)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (1422), Yes (170)
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!
Reviewed by 3142 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
- Poor in Low Light
- Weak Casing
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Video
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.8 II Autofocus Lens:
I use this lens for everything! It's so light and simple. Although it's really tight, it's a nice lens for portraits and other things! It's really inexpensive and a nice starter lens for any photographer.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Images shared by Mia Tortilla
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Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Video
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.8 II Autofocus Lens:
If you shoot on the 60D like I do, this 50mm is a MANDATORY simple prime for your kit. Sharp, fairly idiot-proof, sturdy and super cost-effective. I'm tough on lenses and even though I have not yet fallen down a mine shaft with it (something I do not reccomend, by the way...), I can tell it's tougher than it looks in our few shoots so far together. Nifty indeed.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
Cons
- NONE
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Night Photography
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.8 II Autofocus Lens:
Picture Perferct Results.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
- Weak Casing
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Macro Photography
- Video
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.8 II Autofocus Lens:
I upgraded to this lens from the kit and it's amazing! Takes beautiful close up shots and I love the background blur. Very professional for being under $100 lens.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- cheap
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
- Blurry Focus
- Noisy focusing
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Street photography
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.8 II Autofocus Lens:
I like this lens a lot. It's light, cheap, and generate awesome bokeh. The depth of field is narrow enough to really make the main subject in the photo to pop. I do wish the focus can be a bit faster and with IS. Then again it would be more expensive.
This lens is great for outdoor street photography as well as indoor low light situations. Personally, I still get a lot of blurry picture in low light situation. I guess I still need to use this lens a bit more to really understand how to best use it.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Photography
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.8 II Autofocus Lens:
One of the most popular and blog-mentioned inexpensive lenses on the market. Almost everyone with a Canon loves this lens. A great lens for starters. Many experienced photographers use it and recommend it too.
I finally broke down and ordered it and have been having fun working with fine detail and low lighting. Since it is not a zoom lens you need to adjust your distance by foot.
B&H thank you, you got it to me in 4 days!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.8 II Autofocus Lens:
I use a T2i, and this is a huge upgrade from the standard lenses which come with the camera. The images are much sharper, and it definitely improves the user experience. I'm no expert, but this product is making the process of learning to take a quality photo far more effective.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Lightweight
Cons
- Noisy focusing
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.8 II Autofocus Lens:
I'm a beginner photographer so cost is always an issue. This lens is compact and has amazing range with the f stop at 1.8. It is noisy when focusing, so using it for videos could be a problem. For a starter though, the quality and price is nice.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Photography
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.8 II Autofocus Lens:
The 1.8 is so crisp and clear!
The only odd thing is when it is on AF it has a hard time focusing sometimes, but MF works so wonderful!
I recommend this lens!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Lightweight
Cons
- Difficult to Clean
- Lens Creep
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.8 II Autofocus Lens:
I love this lens
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
Cons
- Poor in Low Light
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Macro Photography
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.8 II Autofocus Lens:
I use this lens for normal portrait shot. The fact that there is no zoom forces you to move around and forces you to think and position you in different ways creating a better picture. I know that this is the cheapest lens of this series, but for a beginner such as myself, this is must have for portraits.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.8 II Autofocus Lens:
Very pleased with this lens, I really enjoy the low f-stop
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
- Lightweight
Cons
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Night Photography
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.8 II Autofocus Lens:
I wanted a narrow depth of field for portraits and this lens delivers. I'm pretty new to photography at this level and am using a Rebel XS body and a 430 EX II flash (indirect) to take portraits of my young son. The 50mm length demands a fair amount of distance between me and any human subject, which can get awkward for candid shots in tight spaces. Also, when subjects are nearby (2-4 feet), under some lighting conditions and camera settings the autofocus can take uncomfortably long to settle. I had originally wondered whether I should get a lens with image stabilization, but in practice, this lens is so fast (I use it at widest aperture) that any picture which could benefit from it is likely to be overexposed anyway. I need to get some filters, because even at 1/4000 s and ISO 100, sunlight on snow is mildly problematic at widest aperture (trying some outdoor portraits).
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
- Lens Creep
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.8 II Autofocus Lens:
pros; sharp, good contrast, price
cons: not usm, cheap feeling
takes some real good shots, haves good bokeh
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.8 II Autofocus Lens:
I'm not a professional photographer but take a lot of pictures. I wanted a lens I could use indoors without a flash. I shoot a lot of rock bands. The amount of light on a typical stage has been plenty to avoid using the flash so I don't distract the band or annoy the audience. The images are crisp and I can use a fairly fast shutter speed. Others are amazed I'm not using a flash. Great for the price, especially.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.8 II Autofocus Lens:
Great Lens shoots well in low light
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Video
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.8 II Autofocus Lens:
Music Videos
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.8 II Autofocus Lens:
Used for close-ups mainly.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.8 II Autofocus Lens:
I had read the build quality of this lens wasn't that great. I think that's just in comparison to the 50mm f/1.4 which is a more expensive lens. If you judged this lens on its own merit, the build quality is fine. The output is consistent and great. If you're not a professional photog, there's no need to get the 50mm f/1.4; this one is still great and will serve your needs.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
- Lightweight
Cons
- Slow Focus
- Weak Casing
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Video
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.8 II Autofocus Lens:
FIRST OFF IM A BEGINNER CINEMA PHOTOGRAPHER..AND A MUSICIAN..GRAPHIOC ARTIST..WHEN I FIRST BOUGHT MY T3I IT WAS AMAZING AND I NEVER NEW THE 50 MM WOULD GIVE ME SUCH SHARPNESS AND DECENT LOW LIGHT SHOOTING THIS IS WORTH IT ONLY [$]WOWWWWWW...I CANT WAIT TO START FILMING WITH THIS BABY
- Was this a gift?:
- No
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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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