The EF 50mm f/1.8 II Lens is a bright standard or 'normal' focal length prime lens for Canon EOS cameras. With a fast maximum aperture of f/1.8 it's effective in low light situations and offers shallow depth of field for selective focus. This compact high-performance, standard lens shows that expensive exotic glass is not always required for great results. Its classic Gaussian optical design provide sharp delineation from near to far focusing distances. The color balance is excellent for a standard lens also.
The EF 50mm f/1.8 II is also one of the lightest Canon lenses ever; it's as light as the Canon 40mm f/2.8 STM yet less expensive and over a f/stop brighter. The light design makes it effortless to carry and use as a primary or auxiliary lens.
This version II was originally introduced in 1990 as a replacement for Canon's previous EF 50mm f/1.8. In 2015 Canon introduced the EF 50mm f/1.8 STM which features a stepper motor for video work but the 50mm f/1.8 II remains popular with users who are primarily still photographers due to it's high quality and lower price. Canon users seeking a faster normal lens should consider the EF 50mm f/1.4 or EF 50mm f/1.2 L which offer a bit more aperture still albeit at additional expense.
The EF 50mm f/1.8 II is one of the very best values in a Canon EOS lens. If you just own kit zooms and no primes try one; shoot with it, you'll be glad you did.
Key Features
- Compact high-performance standard lens
- Canon EF Mount
- Covers full frame 35mm format
- 35mm format equivalent focal length of 80mm on APS-C bodies
- Classic optical design in a modern housing
- Great image quality with excellent contrast,color, and sharpness
- Bright f/1.8 maximum aperture
- Perfect for available light shooting and beautiful selective depth of field
- Bright viewing aids camera AF, relatively fast AF motor
- Focuses down to .45m (1.5ft)
- Uses 52mm size filters
- For Canon EOS cameras, useable on EF-Mount and EF-S mount bodies or adapters
Available accessories include Lens Case LP1014, Canon Lens Hood ES-62 (requires 62-L adapter), caps, 52mm filters and 52mm screw-in lens shades.
Brand Name | Canon |
Filter Size | 52mm |
Focus Type | Autofocus (lens motor) |
Lens Mount | Canon EF |
Lens Type | Standard / Normal |
Max Focal Length | 50mm |
Min Focal Length | 50mm |