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Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.2L USM Autofocus Lens USA
- Price: $1,619.00
- Instant Savings: -$120.00 Offer ends JUN 2 '12
- You Pay: $1,499.00
- Free Shipping (USA)
- In Stock
The Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM Lens is a peerless super fast standard lens featuring an ultra-large aperture for a narrow depth of field and soft background blur so loved by photographers everywhere. The lens is suitable for any shooting situation; its lens coating and construction are optimized to minimize the ghosting and flare that frequently occurs when lenses are used with digital cameras.
This high-performance, weather-resistant lens delivers all the superb image resolution and contrast one can expect in a Canon L Series lens.
- Large f/1.2 Aperture
- A large maximum aperture of f/1.2 provides outstanding speed for shooting in low light conditions, without the need for flash. The large aperture also provides fine control over depth of field.
- Excellent Background Bokeh
- A circular aperture helps to create attractive, even background bokeh; ideal for isolating subjects at large apertures and for compelling portrait photography.
- Fast, Quiet AF
- A Ring-type USM (Ultrasonic motor) uses ultrasonic frequency vibrations to drive extremely rapid auto focus with near-silent operation. A high-speed CPU and improved AF algorithm contribute further to AF speed. Good holding torque stops the focusing lens group without overshoot. Full time electronic manual focus override is available without having to switch out of AF.
- Super Spectra Coatings
- Super Spectra lens coatings and lens element shaping suppress flare and ghosting - more prone to occur with digital cameras due to reflection off the image sensor. Coatings also help achieve true colour balance and increase contrast for vivid hi-fidelity images.
- Passes Distance Information to E-TTL II
- The lens passes distance information back to the E-TTL II flash system of compatible EOS cameras to ensure optimal flash metering.
Go To
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 50 mm |
| Aperture |
Maximum: f/1.2 Minimum: f/16 |
| 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 | 6/8 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 8 |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | No |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Filter Thread | 72 mm |
| Dimensions (DxL) | Approx. 3.4 x 2.6" (8.64 x 6.60 cm) |
| Weight | 1.30 lb (590 g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 541 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
97%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Strong construction (370)
- Fast / accurate auto-focus (348)
- Nice bokeh (331)
- Durable (315)
- Consistent output (278)
Cons
- Heavy (117)
- Slow focus (40)
- Pricey but worth it (16)
- Blurry focus (14)
- Pricey / poor value (12)
Best Uses
- Low light (383)
- Weddings (337)
- Night photography (250)
- Video (126)
- Landscape/scenery (121)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Pro photographer (179), Semi-pro photographer (155), Photo enthusiast (90), Professional (26), Enthusiast (25)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (364), Yes (11)
Most Liked Positive Review
Perfect Lens, but not for an amateur
First off this isn't a "standard lens", it's unlike any 50mm lens currently in production. The ef 50mm f/1.2L is a specialty lens.
I know, you...Read complete review
First off this isn't a "standard lens", it's unlike any 50mm lens currently in production. The ef 50mm f/1.2L is a specialty lens.
I know, your asking "How can a 50mm be a specialty lens"? To answer the question you have to understand exposure. Actually, you have to be a "master" of exposure. When you set this baby to f/1.2 it creates the most creative DOF you can imagine. It also creates the perect creamy "bokeh". No Zeiss or Leica lens can coe close.
The problem is many people buy this lens and don't understand that it's designed for creative compositions when used wide open. The DOF is so shallow, that everything but the area in focus will immediately begin to "blurr", or get soft. If you look at examples from the guys who love this lens - you see they are "masters" of creative DOF compositions. The "guys" who hate this lens, Shoot it wide open, and can't figure out why most of the photo is soft. People say it's soft in the corners, wide open. True, but that's because the DOF is "Razor" thin.
If you back it down to f/2, it will preform as good as any other 50mm - better even. But if that's what you looking for, than buy a cheaper 50mm. Like the ef 50mm f/1.4. BTW, the f/1.2 still outpreforms the 1.4 when stopped down - beter Bokeh is better bokeh. And don't listen to the guys who say the sigma 50mm f/1.4 produces "the same bokeh". No where near it.
This is a perfect lens, if you know how to use it, and trully understand exposure. Do you want to add a creative element to your work, become a "bokeh" master, or take unique Wedding/portrait photos? Then look no further. But be prepared to to practice and think outside the "Box".
I don't mean to be rude. But If you just set you DSLR to "P". or a pre set, then don't waste your money. Because your never understand this lens, or how to get the most from it
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
A Necessary evil
I shoot a wide variety of subject matter for my work and, because I exclusively use full frame Canon bodies and always try to use prime lenses, a 50mm is almost mandatory.
Read complete review
I shoot a wide variety of subject matter for my work and, because I exclusively use full frame Canon bodies and always try to use prime lenses, a 50mm is almost mandatory.
I have owned the EF 50mm f1.4 for years and it is a really good lens. Unfortunately, it is not a truely great one as it flares, focuses erratically and suffers from chromatic aberration, amongst other things.
I assumed the 50mm f1.2L would have to be much better because it is much heavier, many times the price and only a third of a stop faster. I was wrong. For examle, compared to my Mk. I 85mm f1.2, (which it is in the same "family" as) it is very poor. The later 50mm f1.2 should have built on this 20 year old design but it went backwards.
In some ways it is better than the EF 50mm f1.4. It has less flare and it is sharper to about f4 but it still has chromatic aberration, it is only acceptably sharp in the centre and it really suffers with back focussing and erratic focussing problems. I have paid Canon several times to try and get this lens to focus reliably, ( and had it done under warranty too). I have now given up and and accepted the best compromise after many hours of micro-adjustment with my camera bodies. I just shoot a lot of frames wherever possible. If I can get away with it I manually focus with live view or, even better, use my old Zeiss f1.4 plannar. In all I have 9 L series lenses and this has been the only truly troublesome one. My colleges are having similar problems with them. I would be o.k. about it if this didn't cost almost as much as the last car I could afford.
Australian photographers are rarely rich but, like other professionals, we get in trouble if we don't produce sharp photos. If you need the best compromise to do your job and they pay you well enough, this might be it but, otherwise, get the 50mm f1.4. It is a fraction of the price and, in in many ways it is the better lens. Now, why did I sell mine? . . . Better get another one.
Reviewed by 541 customers
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Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.2L USM Autofocus Lens:
I bought the 24-70L first and returned it because it wasn't sharp. The quality was very bad and it didn't seem like a L series lens.
I also bought the 50mm 1.4. It was TERRIBLE quality. This 50mm 1.2 lens is sharp and amazing in every way. I also love the 70-200. :)
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Lens hood
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.2L USM Autofocus Lens:
I was recently paralyzed in a motorcycle accident so I needed light equipment. I knew the 24-70 was going to be really heavy especially paired with the new 5d. I got this and the 35 and I'm so glad I did. I have the 1.8, but the focus on this one is way better. I had the 85 but it was sooooo front heavy, this one is not.
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.2L USM Autofocus Lens:
Very fast in low light scenario
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Photography
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.2L USM Autofocus Lens:
I love this lens. The focus is fast and smooth. It has beautiful bokeh. This lens is always on my camera body now and doesn't come off very often. I am so glad I skipped the 1.4 50mm and went straight from the 1.8 to the 1.2. If your budget allows for it, I would recommend to buy this one.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
- Similar:
- canon 50mm 1.8
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Great in Low Light
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Sports/Action
- Video
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.2L USM Autofocus Lens:
A great lens for both stills and video. Fast glass is a must and this is a great one.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Night Photography
- Video
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.2L USM Autofocus Lens:
Great for everything. Large aperture makes for incredible images in low light. Its price though is steep when you can get a 1.4 for $800. Its a Professional lens. If youre not a pro, you dont need this lens.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Night Photography
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.2L USM Autofocus Lens:
IT's work excellent in a low light, fast, sharp and light.
I have another lens but right now this lens is my favorite.
I personally love the warm colors that give to the pictures.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.2L USM Autofocus Lens:
The shots I'm getting with this lens seem to have a magical quality. Pay no attention to the negative comments. This lens does everything well.
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Images shared by Infocus
Images shared by Infocus
(2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)
Was this review helpful? Yes / No
- You may also flag this review
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Photography
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.2L USM Autofocus Lens:
Fantastic lens PERIOD. Ignore the negative reviews...
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Video
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.2L USM Autofocus Lens:
I got this lens specifically for video on the 5D Mark II and I have to say it makes every shot look like ART! The defocused elements (bokeh) are superb. Stop it down 1 stop and it's a gorgeous portrait lens. 3 stops and your scenics look amazing. Well worth the price!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
- Recommended:
- 72 to 77 mm step up ring, 77mm variable ND filter
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.2L USM Autofocus Lens:
I waited along time to purchase this lens, I have so many others and have put off buying the EF 50mm f/1.2L USM Autofocus lens and now that I am using it I really regret doing that! This is a great little lens and I am in love with it, I love the Bokeh that it provides and it is built very well. My son has the 1.8 and there is no comparison in construction. One is pastic (1.8) and the the 1.2 is a solid well built lens, that is well worth the extra money in my opinion!
I love my Nifty 50!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Images shared by Shutterbugzz
Sharing some Love
(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)
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Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.2L USM Autofocus Lens:
I bought this with a 60D (crop sensor) with the high hopes of entering into the world of video DSLR work. Because of the crop factor it was tighter than I expected (i.e. less in the frame), but I can usually step back when I need to, and so far it has forced me to pick exactly what I want to have in the frame (which is a worthwhile challenge anyway).While I was still in my 30 day return period, I rented a 35mm 1.4 and a Tokina 11-16 2.8 just to see whether I had been foolish to put all my money in one very expensive, fairly tight lens. I'll be getting the Tokina as soon as I can afford it, I think I'll be able to make it w/o a 35 (50mm equivalent). And honestly, many of the things I'd want to shoot which the 50mm doesn't handle, the 35mm doesn't handle that well either. I'll be shooting for getting something very wide as a compliment.It really does have an amazing picture, and my logic in getting this was that I wanted to have one lens which whose image quality was totally above reproach and b) I wanted something that would still be very relevant if and when I upgraded to a FF.For my part, this has been an extremely satisfying purchase. Couldn't get the "add image" link to work, so see an amazing, uncorrected shot of my grandfather: http://bit.ly/HOTg0z. Made that after having had the camera+lens for 2 days. All the best!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
- Recommended:
- B+W 72mm UV Haze MRC 010M Filter
Pros
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Night Photography
- Video
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.2L USM Autofocus Lens:
Well, where do i start. This is by far the best lens i ever owned. The pictures are outstanding (f1.2 is just amazing to work with). The Bokeh (the background blur) is not a mach to any lens. Low light stills and video are no match... At the begging was quite a challenge to get used to f1.2 since depth of field is very narrow (hence focusing is a bit of a work), but learn and results are pro. Get it!!!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.2L USM Autofocus Lens:
LOVE this lens. I upgrade from the 1.4 and the glass makes such a difference.. even when not shooting at 1.2. It is a must have in your bag!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Sports/Action
- Video
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.2L USM Autofocus Lens:
My favorite lens by far! I shoot primarily weddings and this lens stays on one of my cameras all day long. Awesome for low light because of the f/1.2 and wonderful portraits because of the beautiful bokeh. Also like the build and feel of it better than the f/1.4...larger and sturdier without being bulky or heavy.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
Best Uses
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.2L USM Autofocus Lens:
This 50 1,2 is a great lens indeed ... but I think that is not as good as I expected, after I tried other 1,2 L lens from Canon. It's good until 5,6 max, but after that there is no difference from other cheaper 50mm that I tried. From 1,2 to 5,6 is indeed a great tool, and I enjoy using it a lot ...
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
- Slightly poor sharpness
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Night Photography
- Portraits
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.2L USM Autofocus Lens:
The Canon 50mm 1.2L is a unique lens. It is one of those things that you pay a lot of money for, well knowing its weakness. Because its strengths are something you value. For most photographers, sharpness is everything. And I am sorry to tell you that this is not the sharpest prime lens out there. Heck, even the 70-200 f/2.8L IS Mark II, a zoom, is sharper than this lens. Am I disappointed? Yes and no. To understand the strengths of this lens, you gotta put it to use in the right situations. This lens is great for low light and subject-to-background seperation. It has the fastest AF among Canon's 50mms. The color and contrast are fantastic. The bokeh is something else. And when used for portraits, this lens makes any subject look fantastic. But all these positive qualities are at the cost of sharpness. There is also a lot of talk about the dreaded focus shift, although I haven't used mine for long enough to understand if I face this problem. Sharpness is certainly not as bad as you'd think, but it is certainly not what you'd expect from a [$] lens. And not close to the 85L. The good news is that for portraits, which I intend to use this lens primarily for, sharpness isn't everything. And hence I am keeping this little gem.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Night Photography
- Video
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.2L USM Autofocus Lens:
Best for portrait, Low light both for filming and Photography.
Super sharp! Nice bokeh, Fast and accurate auto focus!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
- Similar:
- Canon 5D MarkII, Canon 70-200f2.8 MarkII
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Photography
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.2L USM Autofocus Lens:
This lens is what I have been looking for to use in my studio. Gives me the light I need for even background lighting. Stopping it down a little will give you a sharper image. It will be on my camera most of the time.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Images shared by Charlotte
Excellent Lens
(0 of 6 customers found this review helpful)
Was this review helpful? Yes / No
- You may also flag this review
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Good in low light
- Nice Bokeh
- Quiet focus
- Solid feel
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Portraits
- Still Life
Comments about Canon Normal EF 50mm f/1.2L USM Autofocus Lens:
Takes a sure hand and confidence to get the most out of this lens but if you know what you want, this lens can deliver. Unmatched.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
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