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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 3123 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (1967)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (1051)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (81)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (15)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (9)

99%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Lightweight (2690)
  • Fast / accurate auto-focus (1877)
  • Easily interchangeable (1872)
  • Consistent output (1573)
  • Nice bokeh (807)

Cons

  • Weak casing (903)
  • Slow focus (477)
  • Blurry focus (69)
  • Poor in low light (54)
  • Lens creep (43)

Best Uses

  • Low light (1564)
  • Night photography (983)
  • Weddings (930)
  • Portraits (696)
  • Landscape/scenery (619)
    • Reviewer Profile:
    • Photo enthusiast (1000), Casual photographer (607), Semi-pro photographer (582), Enthusiast (323), Pro photographer (162)
    • Was this a gift?:
    • No (1403), 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 3123 customers

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Displaying reviews 1-20

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5.0

I NEVER KNEW

By BILLY

from BROOKLYN NEWYORK

About Me Casual Photographer

Verified Buyer

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

Share this review

 
4.0

Good lens for the money

By tom the biker

from Ellington, CT

About Me Casual Photographer

Verified Buyer

Pros

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

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Indoors/Low Light

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

    For the price of this lens, you can't find a better value. The glass is excellent. Sharp and clear photos. Auto focus and manual focus both function well. Great for portraits and fairly close up photos. The body of the lens is plastic and feels a little flimsy and cheap. manual focus makes a slight grinding noise but seens to be getting better. For the price, if you loose it or drop it in the lake, no big deal. Buy another one!

    • Was this a gift?:
    • No

    Share this review

     
    5.0

    unbelievable value

    By jack

    from new york

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

    unbeatable value in clarity and low light performance

    Share this review

     
    4.0

    Brilliant in Low Light

    By Empem

    from Perth Australia

    About Me Photo Enthusiast

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Fast / accurate auto-focus

    Cons

      Best Uses

      • Indoors/Low Light
      • Landscape/Scenery

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

      Really pleased with this lens. Great in low light and general portrait snapping. Super light weight. Can't beat this for the price.

      • Was this a gift?:
      • No

      Share this review

       
      5.0

      Worth for the money - Good product

      By keerthi

      from NJ

      About Me Casual Photographer

      Verified Buyer

      Pros

      • Durable
      • Easily Interchangeable
      • Lightweight

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • Indoors/Low Light
        • Night Photography
        • Video

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

        I am very happy with this lens... It gives a decent depth of field and worth for the money.. I will definitely prefer this lens for my friends... I love this lens.

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

        Share this review

         
        4.0

        Exceptional Value

        By Wild Bill

        from Stockton CA

        About Me Casual Photographer

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Economical value

        Cons

          Best Uses

          • Indoors/Low Light
          • Portrait work

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

          I was hesitant to purchase such an inexpensive lens but I have been very pleased with the results. I would not hesitate to recommend this as a great starter lens. A great way to soften the background on portrait work and with a 1.8 stop it is great in low light situations.

          • Was this a gift?:
          • No

          Share this review

           
          5.0

          Solid Starter Lens

          By cebarker

          from Washington, DC

          About Me Semi-pro Photographer

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

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

          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:

          I bought this lens with my Canon 60D, and I love it. I'm currently using it mainly for video work, but it's a nice lens for portrait photography as well. 



          One of the things I like about it the most is the fast aperture. If your on a budget and need a "fast" prime lens, this is a great option to consider. 

The only fault that I can find with the lens so far is that there is some noticeable chromatic aberration when viewing an image at %100. Make sure you don't drop it. The plastic enclosure will probably not take it very well.

          

Overall, great budget/starter lens.

          • Was this a gift?:
          • No

          Share this review

           
          3.0

          Nice lens for group photo

          By IAmLoco

          from Quebec , Canada

          About Me Casual Photographer

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

          • Easily Interchangeable
          • Lightweight

          Cons

          • Slow Focus
          • Weak Casing

          Best Uses

          • Indoors/Low Light
          • Weddings/Events

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

          Nice lens for beginners
          perfect for group picture in or outdoor.

          • Was this a gift?:
          • No

          Share this review

           
          4.0

          Cheap, Fast, and Image quality is good

          By Royal Code

          from North Hollywood, CA

          About Me Photo Enthusiast

          Pros

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

          Cons

          • Weak Casing

          Best Uses

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

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

          For how fast of a prime lens it is, and how good the image quality coming out of it is, it's a great deal. The build quality however is very poor, feels like a toy and all plastic, which justifies the price.

          • Was this a gift?:
          • No

          Share this review

           
          5.0

          Best deal you can get

          By Sebastien Bedard

          from Montreal, Canada

          About Me Casual Photographer

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

          • Consistent Output
          • Lightweight
          • Nice Bokeh

          Cons

            Best Uses

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

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

            At this price it would be plain stupid to pass on this lens. Incredible luminosity.

            • Was this a gift?:
            • No

            Share this review

             
            5.0

            Excellent lens and value!

            By Bruce Man

            from Houston, TX

            About Me Casual Photographer

            Verified Buyer

            Pros

            • Inexpensive
            • Lightweight

            Cons

              Best Uses

              • Indoors/Low Light
              • Night Photography
              • Weddings/Events

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

              This lens was a very inexpensive means to improve the capability of my Canon XTi Digital Rebel. I found an amazing increase in shutter speed, and often did not require flash anymore. Also good for artistic protrait shots.

              • Was this a gift?:
              • No

              Share this review

               
              4.0

              Good little lens for the price

              By The other side

              from Richmond, VA

              About Me Photo Enthusiast

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

              • Durable
              • Easily Interchangeable
              • Lightweight

              Cons

              • Poor in Low Light

              Best Uses

              • Landscape/Scenery

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

              This lens is still new to my collection but so far I like it. It was recommended by a friend.

              • Was this a gift?:
              • Yes

              Share this review

               
              4.0

              Very good inexpensive glass.

              By dopus

              from Clifton NJ

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

                Cons

                  Best Uses

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

                    One down point is noise form autofocus motor - comparing to a USM lenses.
                    But then price is not compatible :)

                    • Was this a gift?:
                    • No

                    Share this review

                     
                    4.0

                    cheap and to the point

                    By occman

                    from philadelphia

                    About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                    Verified Buyer

                    Pros

                    • cheap
                    • Consistent Output
                    • Lightweight
                    • Nice Bokeh

                    Cons

                    • Build Quality

                    Best Uses

                    • Indoors/Low Light
                    • Night Photography
                    • Video
                    • Weddings/Events

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

                    for the money this lens get you the most bang for you buck. its hard to say anything bad about it became of the small price tag. image quality is nothing to complain about the 1.8 creates nice depth of field. the only con i see is the build is cheap, however the lens is cheap.

                    • Was this a gift?:
                    • No

                    Share this review

                     
                    5.0

                    Excellent!

                    By jami

                    from san jose, ca

                    Verified Buyer

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

                    Excellent!

                    Share this review

                     
                    4.0

                    Good for its price

                    By Nanopops

                    from Montevideo, Uruguay

                    About Me Photo Enthusiast

                    Verified Buyer

                    Pros

                    • Lightweight

                    Cons

                    • Weak Casing

                    Best Uses

                    • Indoors/Low Light

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

                    Good lens, you can play a lot with the depth of fiel. Ecellent for portraits.

                    Bad built quality, I.m afraid that if the lens falls, it´ll break for sure because of its full plastic composition

                    • Was this a gift?:
                    • Yes

                    Share this review

                     
                    4.0

                    Great budget lens

                    By Rich

                    from Fairfield, CT

                    About Me Photo Enthusiast

                    See all my reviews

                    Verified Reviewer

                    Pros

                    • Lightweight
                    • Nice Bokeh

                    Cons

                    • Slow Focus

                    Best Uses

                    • Indoors/Low Light
                    • Night Photography

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

                    I recently got into DSLR photography and I own this lens as well as the kit lens (which I will upgrade soon). The only gripes I have with this lens is that it feels very cheap and it sometimes has trouble auto-focusing, but not enough to bother me a lot. Other than that, it is an incredible value for [$]

                    • Was this a gift?:
                    • No

                    Share this review

                     
                    3.0

                    a good lens for its price

                    By ASA

                    from Canada

                    About Me Photo Enthusiast

                    Verified Buyer

                    Pros

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

                    Cons

                    • Poor in Low Light
                    • Slow Focus
                    • Weak Casing

                    Best Uses

                    • Weddings/Events

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

                    good optics, very light weight, useful for portraites

                    • Was this a gift?:
                    • No

                    Share this review

                     
                    4.0

                    "A good starter lens"

                    By Privileged

                    from Bloomfield, CT

                    About Me Photo Enthusiast

                    Verified Buyer

                    Pros

                    • Consistent Output
                    • Easily Interchangeable
                    • Lightweight

                    Cons

                      Best Uses

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

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

                      I am new to digital photography and the 50mm f/1.8 is a great starter lens. I have used the lens indoors and out, day and night and I have found it more than sufficient for the task. I can hardly wait for an upgrade but for now I am very satisfied.

                      • Was this a gift?:
                      • No

                      Share this review

                       
                      5.0

                      Killer little lens

                      By Levi

                      from Marion, IN

                      About Me Photo Enthusiast

                      Verified Buyer

                      Pros

                      • Easily Interchangeable
                      • Lightweight

                      Cons

                      • Slow Focus
                      • Weak Casing

                      Best Uses

                      • Indoors/Low Light
                      • Weddings/Events

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

                      I'm an amateur photographer. After a little bit of shopping and research, I decided that the Canon EF 50 f/1.8 would be my first lens purchase. After 3 shoots with the lens, I'm stoked. Sharpness is great when stopped down a little bit, and, because the lens is so fast, you can still get great depth of field. Yes, the body is cheap. So is the lens. Awesome value for a great price.

                      One last note; if you plan on doing much manual focusing, you may want to look elsewhere. The focus ring on the 50mm is tiny, cheap, and inconveniently located on the front rim of the lens.

                      • Was this a gift?:
                      • No

                      Share this review

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                      Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.8 II Autofocus Lens
                       
                       
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