Canon’s mirrorless system finally gets an affordable nifty fifty, the Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM – an update of the EF classic
(Image credit: Canon)
At last, the Canon EOS R system gets an affordable nifty fifty – the Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM, which will retail for just $199 / £219 / AU$389 when it goes on sale in December.
On the surface, the RF 50mm is an update of the classic Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM. However, while it possesses the same aperture, motor and even very similar dimensions, it boasts an entirely new optical formula that delivers superior sharpness – and not just in the center, but also the circumference around the center that accounts for about two-thirds of the frame.
In addition to a PMo (precision molded) aspheric lens, the lens also features the manufacturer’s Super Spectra Coating to eliminate ghosting and flare while maintaining optimum color balance.
A switch on the Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM toggles the control ring between manual focus and custom input (Image credit: Canon)
The STM stepper motor is quick as a hiccup and incredibly quiet, making the lens particularly well suited for shooting movies, and adept at both tracking and transitioning between subjects when shooting stills. Its customizable control ring is de-clicked, meaning it would be ideal as an aperture ring for filming video.
Unlike its RF 35mm counterpart, this lens doesn’t possess any stabilization. However, when paired with the IBIS systems of the Canon EOS R5 or Canon EOS R6 it achieves an astonishing 7 stops of compensation.
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Compared to the EF version, both the minimum focusing distance and maximum magnification have been improved, to 30cm (from 35cm) and 0.25x (from 0.21x) respectively.
The Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM goes on sale in December and will carry an RRP of £199 / £219.99 / AU$389.
James has 22 years experience as a journalist, serving as editor of Digital Camera World for 6 of them. He started working in the photography industry in 2014, product testing and shooting ad campaigns for Olympus, as well as clients like Aston Martin Racing, Elinchrom and L'Oréal. An Olympus / OM System, Canon and Hasselblad shooter, he has a wealth of knowledge on cameras of all makes – and he loves instant cameras, too.
