* Item pictured for illustrative purposes only, actual item not pictured. See ‘Notes’ next to grade for included items.
Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM EF-Mount Lens {49}
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$124.00
Canon's nifty fifty, now with STM autofocus.
At 159 g and 39.3 mm long, the EF 50mm f/1.8 STM fits in a jacket pocket and disappears on a camera body. That compact profile doesn't come at the expense of light-gathering: the f/1.8 maximum aperture pulls in substantially more light than any kit zoom, and the 7-blade circular diaphragm produces smooth, rounded out-of-focus rendering behind subjects. Super Spectra coatings on all 6 elements across 5 groups keep contrast intact and ghosting in check when shooting against windows, stage lighting, or direct sun.
The STM stepping motor is the real upgrade over older 50mm f/1.8 versions. It runs quietly enough for video work where a grinding AF motor would bleed into on-camera audio, and it supports full-time manual focus override without switching out of AF mode. Internal focusing means the front element stays put, which matters when you're using a polarizer on the 49mm filter thread. Minimum focus distance sits at 0.35 m with 0.21x maximum magnification, so you can get close enough for food and product work without a dedicated macro lens.
On full-frame bodies this is a true 50mm at 46° angle of view. On APS-C it becomes an 80mm equivalent, shifting it into portrait territory. Either way, a proven optical formula at this price point has kept this lens in working photographers' bags for a decade.
Who It's For
Street and documentary photographers on full-frame bodies get a focal length that matches natural human perspective, with an aperture that handles available light in cafes, markets, and evening events without forcing high ISO. Video shooters benefit from the STM motor's near-silent operation during continuous recording. Portrait photographers using APS-C bodies gain an 80mm equivalent field of view well-suited to headshots and subject isolation. Photographers moving from kit zooms to their first prime will find the f/1.8 aperture immediately instructive for understanding depth-of-field control.
Key Features
- 50mm prime with f/1.8 maximum aperture for low-light work
- STM stepping motor delivers quiet autofocus suitable for video
- Full-time manual focus override without mode switching
- Internal focusing keeps 49mm filter thread element stable
- 7-blade circular diaphragm produces smooth bokeh
- Super Spectra coatings minimize flare and ghosting
- 0.35 m minimum focus distance with 0.21x magnification
- 159 g lightweight design fits standard jacket pocket
FAQ
- Can the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM be used on both full-frame and APS-C cameras?
- Yes, it mounts to all Canon EF cameras. On full-frame bodies it delivers a true 50mm field of view; on APS-C it becomes an 80mm equivalent, shifting it into stronger portrait territory.
- How does the STM motor compare to older Canon 50mm f/1.8 designs?
- The STM motor runs quietly enough for video work without AF noise bleeding into on-camera audio. It also supports full-time manual focus override without switching modes and works with a rounded 7-blade aperture that produces smoother bokeh than the previous 5-blade design.
- Is f/1.8 bright enough for low-light shooting?
- f/1.8 pulls in substantially more light than any kit zoom and lets you maintain faster shutter speeds or lower ISO in dim conditions. The aperture also gives you control over depth of field for isolating subjects.
- What's the minimum focus distance and can it handle close work?
- 0.35 m with 0.21x maximum magnification gets you close enough for food and product work without a dedicated macro lens, though it won't replace true macro equipment.
- Does the front element stay still when focusing?
- Yes, internal focusing means the front element doesn't rotate, which matters when you're using a polarizer on the 49mm filter thread.
- What happens to image quality when shooting into bright light?
- Super Spectra coatings on all 6 elements keep contrast intact and ghosting in check when shooting against windows, stage lighting, or direct sun.
- How compact is this lens?
- At 159 g and 39.3 mm long, it fits in a jacket pocket and disappears on a camera body without the bulk of longer primes.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 50mm |
| Max Aperture | f/1.8 |
| Min Aperture | f/22 |
| Mount | Canon EF |
| Stabilization | No |
| AF System | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 0.35 m (1.15 ft) |
| Lens Type | Prime |
| Lens Format | Full Frame |
| Elements | 6 |
| Groups | 5 |
| Angle Of View | 46° |
| Maximum Magnification | 0.21x |
| Filter Thread | 49mm |
| Length | 39.3 mm (1.5") |
| Diameter | 69.2 mm (2.7") |
| AF Motor Type | STM Stepping Motor |
| Full Time Manual Focus | Yes |
| Focus Method | Internal |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 |
| Aperture Blades Type | Circular |
| Aperture Ring | No |
| Distance Scale | No |
| DOF Scale | No |
| Focus Distance Limiter | No |
| Weather Sealing | No |
| Color | Black |
| Compatible Hood | ES-68 |
| Coating | Super Spectra |
| Package Weight | 0.595 lb |
| Box Dimensions | 4.3 x 4.3 x 4.3" |
| Weight | 159 g (5.6 oz) |
This description was generated using AI based on KEH's internal product standards, product expertise, and knowing what customers care about most. While we strive for accuracy, details may vary by individual item.
| Brand Name | Canon |
|---|---|
| Filter Size | 49mm |
| Focus Type | Autofocus (lens motor) |
| Lens Mount | Canon EF |
| Lens Type | Standard / Normal |
| Max Focal Length | 50mm |
| Min Focal Length | 50mm |
