Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.8 II Autofocus Lens USA

  • Price: $119.00
  • B&H # CA5018EF2
  • Mfr# 2514A002

Product Highlights

  • High Performance Standard Lens
  • Fast f/1.8 Aperture
  • 46-Degree Angle of View
  • 1.5' (0.45m) Close Focusing Distance
  • 52mm Filter Size

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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.

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
Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.8 II Autofocus Lens
 
4.6

(based on 3173 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (2004)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (1062)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (83)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (15)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (9)

99%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Lightweight (2737)
  • Easily interchangeable (1907)
  • Fast / accurate auto-focus (1901)
  • Consistent output (1593)
  • Nice bokeh (826)

Cons

  • Weak casing (914)
  • Slow focus (486)
  • Blurry focus (71)
  • Poor in low light (57)
  • Lens creep (45)

Best Uses

  • Low light (1600)
  • Night photography (996)
  • Weddings (946)
  • Portraits (698)
  • Landscape/scenery (641)
    • Reviewer Profile:
    • Photo enthusiast (1014), Casual photographer (621), Semi-pro photographer (589), Enthusiast (323), Pro photographer (169)
    • Was this a gift?:
    • No (1452), Yes (171)

Most Liked Positive Review

 

Canon's No-Brainer

Bought this as a gift for someone who's buying a new Canon DSLR (her first). We all know this lens as "the best bang for the buck," and it belongs...Read complete review

Bought this as a gift for someone who's buying a new Canon DSLR (her first). We all know this lens as "the best bang for the buck," and it belongs in every Canon shooter's toolbag. Clean, sharp, excellent images for a no-brainer price. I've enjoyed my own for several years now, and I know this will become her favorite in short time.

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 3173 customers

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Displaying reviews 1-20

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5.0

Good lens to learn photography

By Suman

from Somerville,NJ

About Me Photo Enthusiast

Verified Buyer

Pros

  • Durable
  • Easily Interchangeable
  • Fast / accurate auto-focus
  • Lightweight
  • Nice Bokeh

Cons

  • Weak Casing

Best Uses

  • Indoors/Low Light
  • Landscape/Scenery
  • Night Photography

Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.8 II Autofocus Lens:

I just started using this lens and very useful in low light for potraits and landscape. Light Weight Cheap,Easy to carry

  • Was this a gift?:
  • No

Share this review

 
5.0

Just what I expected.

By Ricardo Hormaza

from Miami, FL

About Me Photo Enthusiast

Verified Buyer

Pros

  • Easily Interchangeable
  • Lightweight

Cons

    Best Uses

      Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.8 II Autofocus Lens:

      My brother had recommended this one for a couple reasons, and it met the expectations:
      1. lightweight & compact (makes the camera seem noticeably smaller)
      2. takes great portraits (the f/stop in 1.8 makes the subject stand out with a blurry background/foreground.

      Keep in mind, 50mm is a decent zoom by itself. It may be uncomfortable to shoot in places where you can't take a couple steps back.

      Also, I believe this lens is not compatible with higher quality cameras. Do not buy if you are looking to upgrade soon; might as well buy a higher tier.

      • Was this a gift?:
      • No

      Share this review

       
      5.0

      Good purchase

      By Aviv

      from San Antonio

      About Me Photography Student

      Verified Buyer

      Pros

      • Lightweight
      • Nice Bokeh

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • Macro Photography

        Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.8 II Autofocus Lens:

        This is a good lense to start with for a beginner.

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

        Share this review

         
        5.0

        This Lens Is Terrific!!

        By Scott S.

        from Arlington, VA

        About Me Photo Enthusiast

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Easily Interchangeable
        • Lightweight

        Cons

          Best Uses

          • Indoors/Low Light

          Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.8 II Autofocus Lens:

          The pros at B&H were right! -- This lens is absolutely amazing!! I would strongly recommend this lens to anyone.

          • Was this a gift?:
          • No

          Share this review

           
          5.0

          Nifty 50 is Nifty

          By Len

          from Punta Gorda, FL

          About Me Photo Enthusiast

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

          • Consistent Output
          • Fast / accurate auto-focus
          • Lightweight
          • Nice Bokeh

          Cons

            Best Uses

            • Landscape/Scenery

            Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.8 II Autofocus Lens:

            Hyperfocal or Landscape us f8.... tack sharp auto focus

            • Was this a gift?:
            • No

            Share this review

             
            5.0

            So far so good!

            By Alsex The Great

            from Nashville, TN

            About Me Pro Photographer

            Verified Buyer

            Pros

            • Consistent Output
            • Durable
            • Easily Interchangeable
            • Lightweight
            • Nice Bokeh

            Cons

            • Difficult to Clean

            Best Uses

            • Head Shots
            • Portraits

            Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.8 II Autofocus Lens:

            I was suggested this lens by another local photographer that I occasionally work with. In her words, "You will absolutely love this lens". At first, I was a little disappointed that there wasn't a way to zoom (which is also my camera's fault) but I've learned how to use it as it is; a fixed lens. The pictures that come from this lens are extraordinary. I've yet to use the auto-focus function, but the manual focus is amazing. If you're looking for a lens where you can get fantastic clarity and detail on your subject and a soft background, I would definitely suggest this product.

            • Was this a gift?:
            • No

            Share this review

             
            5.0

            Great product

            By D-Roll

            from Ruskin, FL

            About Me Casual Photographer

            Verified Buyer

            Pros

            • Easily Interchangeable
            • Fast / accurate auto-focus
            • Lightweight

            Cons

            • Weak Casing

            Best Uses

            • Indoors/Low Light
            • Weddings/Events

            Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.8 II Autofocus Lens:

            Great lens for indoor and outdoors close up shoots.

            • Was this a gift?:
            • No

            Share this review

             
            5.0

            Great Lens

            By Caleb

            from Chattanooga, TN

            About Me Photography Student

            Verified Reviewer

            Pros

            • Easily Interchangeable
            • Lightweight

            Cons

              Best Uses

              • Indoors/Low Light
              • Landscape/Scenery
              • Video

              Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.8 II Autofocus Lens:

              This is a great lens. I bought two when I bought my Canon 60D and my girlfriends T3i. I use it on my 60D all the time. When I do change lenses it's not for long. This lens is best to indoor photography or video. I would highly recommend this lens to anyone.

              • Was this a gift?:
              • No

              Share this review

               
              5.0

              The best bang for the buck

              By Boston shoot and light

              from Boston, MA

              About Me Semi-pro Photographer

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

              • Consistent Output
              • Depth of Field
              • Fast
              • Lightweight

              Cons

              • Feels a little cheap

              Best Uses

              • Indoors/Low Light
              • Landscape/Scenery
              • Night Photography
              • Video

              Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.8 II Autofocus Lens:

              A great lens for super low cost. If you have never used prime lenses the sharpness will blow you away.

              My only negative is that is does feel a bit plasticy but the images it produces are great.

              • Was this a gift?:
              • No

              Share this review

               
              5.0

              The Right Product at the Right Price

              By Mommy Paparazzi

              from Cerritos, CA

              About Me Casual Photographer

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

              • Consistent Output
              • Fast / accurate auto-focus
              • Lightweight

              Cons

                Best Uses

                • Indoors/Low Light
                • Landscape/Scenery
                • Weddings/Events
                • Wildlife Photos

                Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.8 II Autofocus Lens:

                I managed to break my last 50mm f/1.8 and wouldn't replace it for anything else. It's the perfect lens! Not only do I get beautiful photos, but it's the lightest lens to carry. My 50mm is my standar lens.

                • Was this a gift?:
                • No

                Share this review

                 
                5.0

                Great Lens

                By danbattista

                from Toronto Canada

                About Me Photography Student

                Verified Buyer

                Pros

                • Consistent Output
                • Durable
                • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                • 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:

                  Great lens, I think this lens speaks for itself. If you don't have one already, get one!

                  • Was this a gift?:
                  • No

                  Share this review

                   
                  5.0

                  Low cost, great photos.

                  By Cindy L.

                  from Merritt Island, FL

                  About Me Photography Student

                  Verified Buyer

                  Pros

                  • Easily Interchangeable
                  • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                  • Lightweight
                  • Nice Bokeh

                  Cons

                    Best Uses

                    • Indoors/Low Light
                    • Weddings/Events

                    Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.8 II Autofocus Lens:

                    I purchased this item because one of my photographer friends had many lenses but kept coming back to this one for clients.

                    I am so happy I did. It takes sharp pictures with beautiful bokeh. It is so light.

                    Love it.

                    • Was this a gift?:
                    • No

                    Share this review

                     
                    3.0

                    Fixed Focal length lense

                    By Simpson1331

                    from Dallas,tx

                    About Me Photography Student

                    Verified Buyer

                    Pros

                    • Easily Interchangeable
                    • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                    • Lightweight

                    Cons

                    • Poor in Low Light

                    Best Uses

                    • Landscape/Scenery
                    • Video
                    • Weddings/Events

                    Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.8 II Autofocus Lens:

                    Great picture quality. Bad manual focus interface.

                    • Was this a gift?:
                    • No

                    Share this review

                     
                    3.0

                    Not great autofocus

                    By Allysonny

                    from Sonoma, CA

                    About Me Pro Photographer

                    Verified Buyer

                    Pros

                    • Easily Interchangeable
                    • Lightweight

                    Cons

                    • Slow Focus

                    Best Uses

                    • Indoors/Low Light

                    Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.8 II Autofocus Lens:

                    I bought this to do some details shots at events and I wasn't as happy about how close I could get to the subject. I need to be quite far away to focus, I think if I were to purchase again, I would opt for the f/1.4 lens - seems more sturdy and better focusing.

                    • Was this a gift?:
                    • No

                    Share this review

                     
                    4.0

                    Best [$]

                    By gman

                    from Brooklyn, NY

                    About Me Pro Photographer

                    Verified Buyer

                    Pros

                    • Consistent Output
                    • Easily Interchangeable
                    • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                    • Lightweight

                    Cons

                    • Difficult to Clean
                    • Weak Casing

                    Best Uses

                    • Indoors/Low Light
                    • Landscape/Scenery
                    • Night Photography
                    • Sports/Action

                    Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.8 II Autofocus Lens:

                    Besr [$] you can spend on glass. Build quality is as wxpected but its super sharp.

                    • Was this a gift?:
                    • No

                    Share this review

                     
                    5.0

                    Great Lens

                    By Jack

                    from Chambersburg PA

                    About Me Photo Enthusiast

                    Verified Buyer

                    Pros

                    • Easily Interchangeable
                    • Lightweight
                    • Nice Bokeh

                    Cons

                      Best Uses

                      • Indoors/Low Light
                      • Landscape/Scenery
                      • Sports/Action
                      • Weddings/Events

                      Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.8 II Autofocus Lens:

                      Started using this along with 80mm 1.8. I don't use the zoom's as much

                      • Was this a gift?:
                      • No

                      Share this review

                       
                      5.0

                      Very very good lens, excellent.

                      By Wagner Fabiano Flores

                      from Belo Horizonte, Brasil

                      About Me Pro Photographer

                      Verified Buyer

                      Pros

                      • Consistent Output
                      • Easily Interchangeable
                      • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                      • Lightweight
                      • Nice Bokeh

                      Cons

                        Best Uses

                        • Indoors/Low Light
                        • Landscape/Scenery
                        • Night Photography
                        • Sports/Action
                        • Weddings/Events

                        Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.8 II Autofocus Lens:

                        It is a very versatile lens, great optical quality excellent equipment

                        • Was this a gift?:
                        • No

                        Share this review

                         
                        4.0

                        50 mm 1.8

                        By Love stain

                        from Seattle

                        About Me Photography Student

                        Verified Buyer

                        Pros

                        • Easily Interchangeable
                        • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                        • Lightweight
                        • Nice Bokeh

                        Cons

                        • Weak Casing

                        Best Uses

                        • Indoors/Low Light
                        • Macro Photography
                        • Night Photography
                        • Sports/Action
                        • Video
                        • Weddings/Events

                        Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.8 II Autofocus Lens:

                        Very fast lens great for low light situations, great price for the quality of photos

                        • Was this a gift?:
                        • No

                        Share this review

                         
                        4.0

                        Worth every penny

                        By James Q

                        from New York, NY

                        About Me Photo Enthusiast

                        Verified Buyer

                        Pros

                        • Easily Interchangeable
                        • Lightweight

                        Cons

                        • Weak Casing

                        Best Uses

                        • Landscape/Scenery

                        Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.8 II Autofocus Lens:

                        Lightweight & versatile. Bokeh and noise could be a little better, but for price, size, weight and performance you can't get much better.

                        • Was this a gift?:
                        • No

                        Share this review

                         
                        5.0

                        Great Product Great Service!

                        By GinaMum

                        from Winnipeg, Manitoba

                        About Me Photo Enthusiast

                        Verified Buyer

                        Pros

                        • Durable
                        • Easily Interchangeable
                        • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                        • Lightweight

                        Cons

                          Best Uses

                          • Indoors/Low Light
                          • Macro Photography
                          • Wildlife Photos

                          Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.8 II Autofocus Lens:

                          I love my new 50mm lens for my Canon T2i. It's great for portraits and macros.

                          • Was this a gift?:
                          • No

                          Share this review

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