update:
using the eos m3 i compared the images from this lens to a few i just took with the older canon 85mm 1.8 lens. even though the 85mm cost like nearly 3 times more. the 50mm 1.8 STM in my opinion had both sharper image quality and much better coloring. side by side the 85mm 1.8 seemed washed out, so much that i went back to redo a set a photos i just took with the 50mm 1.8 instead. If you have a newer canon digital camera like the eos m3 , i would highly recommend the 50mm 1.8 , not only will you save money but overall much better image quality and usability as you dont have to step back so far, but still looking very nice!
[older review:]
I was a bit hesitent to buy this lens as i already had the 50mm 1.4 USM which is a great lens but the one i had started having some sluggish autofocusing issues and in some points simply would not autofocus right (more so if the image was fully blurry and you were trying to focus on something sometimes it just would not focus) But i just bought the Canon EOS M3 (on ebay) and decided since it was a nicer faster camera then the M1 maybe it would be worth trying out the 50mm 1.8 STM as i hear it was faster in focusing and lighter weight too and even a bit sharper wide open. After tryng it out i must say it really is very nice VERY fast autofocus compared to the 50mm 1.4 in my opinion. Sharp and produces nice blurry backgrounds. Does not feel cheap. I mean it def doesnt feel "pro like" BUT it doesnt feel like a toy in my opinion just about the "Right" quality for something like this.
For non full frame cameras this likely is the BEST Option you can get for starting out with wanting to take more photos of people. as cropped sensors make it more like a 85mm lens so you get a nice flattened image of the person without having to stand too far back (which can be better in many situations).
I think after years of trying diffrent things ive found the best solution for photos of people is this lens + the canon eos m3 (with adapter) so that you have a nice compatish camera that is not too heavy or bulky and very fast and sharp!
My issue with the 50mm 1.4 was that sometimes inside it didnt "grab" the image good or it took too long or it wasnt quite as sharp or whatever. Much like the EOS-M 22mm 2.0 lens which is a great value for the price, this is as well (if not more so since you really can use this better for pictures of people).
If your a bit new to photography and want to take images to stand out vs all these "cell phone selfies" Just get one of these you'll be amazed at the quality and the possibilities it opens up for a great build and price! I liked it so much i put the box for the 50mm 1.4 in my drawer and proudly put the box for the 50mm 1.8 STM on my dresser because i think for now ive found it is the BEST Lens canon has for the price and what it can do to make great photos of people. Cant wait to use it even more!
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens
4.8 | 17,185 ratings
Price: 125
Last update: 01-10-2025
About this item
50 millimeter focal length and maximum aperture of f/1.8
Great for portraits, action, and nighttime photography; Angle of view (horizontal, vertical, diagonal): 40º, 27º,46º
Minimum focusing distance of 1.15 feet (0.35 meter) and a maximum magnification of 0.21x
Stepping motor (STM) delivers near silent, continuous move Servo AF for movies and smooth AF for stills
80 millimetre effective focal length on APS C cameras, 50 millimetre on full frame cameras. Lens construction: 6 elements in 5 groups
Great for portraits, action, and nighttime photography; Angle of view (horizontal, vertical, diagonal): 40º, 27º,46º
Minimum focusing distance of 1.15 feet (0.35 meter) and a maximum magnification of 0.21x
Stepping motor (STM) delivers near silent, continuous move Servo AF for movies and smooth AF for stills
80 millimetre effective focal length on APS C cameras, 50 millimetre on full frame cameras. Lens construction: 6 elements in 5 groups
Product information
| Product Dimensions | 1.54 x 2.72 x 2.72 inches |
|---|---|
| Item Weight | 5.6 ounces |
| ASIN | B00X8MRBCW |
| Item model number | 0570C005AA |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. |
| Customer Reviews |
4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars
17,122 ratings
4.8 out of 5 stars |
| Best Sellers Rank | #1 in SLR Camera Lenses |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Date First Available | May 10, 2015 |
| Manufacturer | Canon Cameras US |
| Language | English, English, English, English, English |
| Country of Origin | Malaysia |
Top reviews from the United States
K. Geddingsnow i know why its the BEST Selling lens in the world
P.K. FraryWonderfully sharp, fast focusing and petite
P.K. Frary
Reviewed in the United States on May 21, 2015
CONSTRUCTION: Slightly smaller and heavier than the prior model, EF 50 1.8 II, aka nifty-fifty, but with significantly better build quality. Improvements include metal mount, sturdier barrel and AF/MF switch, larger focus ring, grippy matte finish and stepping motor (STM). Unfortunately, it has an odd filter size, 49mm, rather than 52 or 58mm common to small Canon lenses.
OPTICAL QUALITY: It's the same optical formula as the nifty-fifty, but with tweaks to lens coatings and improved close focus ability. Wide open it's tack sharp center frame, sharper than my nifty-fifty. Corners on full frame, e.g., 6D, are darker and softer than center but equalize by F2.8. On APS-C cameras, e.g., 70D and Rebel, there is little corner darkening or softness since nearly half the image circle is cropped out. Optimal sharpness is at F5.6. Chromatic aberration (CA) is mild and reduced over the nifty-fifty. In short, image quality is excellent open wide, even better stopped down and one ups the nifty-fifty in both sharpness and control of CA.
BOKEH: I love the soft whirl of a defocused background, and this seven-blade diaphragm does not disappoint, rendering smooth bokeh and pleasantly round specular highlights. The smooth bokeh combined with pin sharp center frame really make subjects pop at larger apertures. This a great portrait lens!
AUTO FOCUS speed and reliability is markedly better than the nifty-fifty. It's accurate and rarely misses focus even in low light. Focus is achieved by front element extension (nested barrel. The STM motor is quieter than the prior model, albeit not completely silent.
VIDEO FOCUS on a 70D is not as fast as STM zooms but buttery smooth and great for touchscreen pulls and Movie Servo. Focus noise, while low volume, was recorded by my 70D's built-in mic during quiet video clips. The workaround is to use an external mic or prefocus.
MANUAL FOCUS is focus-by-wire: the ring merely activates the focus motor and is not mechanically coupled to the lens. Manual focus is smooth, but control isn't as good as a mechanical ring. The MF ring is thin but wider than the nifty-fifty's ring and better positioned. Like USM lenses, it has Full-Time Manual (FTM), allowing AF override without flipping a switch: simply turn the MF ring. Unlike USM lenses, FTM is only active when the shutter button is half-depressed.
HOOD: The groove on the barrel is for the Canon ES-68, locking bayonet hood. It attaches to the outer barrel, protecting the protruding inner barrel from frontal impact and flare. It's pricy but a worthwhile investment. Update (8/16/2015): The JJC LH-68, a clone of the ES-68, is now available at less than half the cost of OEM.
FINAL BLURB: The natural perspective and fast aperture make the EF 50 1.8 STM ideal for low light, travel and street photography with a full frame camera (6D). On a cropper, e.g., Rebel or 70D, it's a short telephoto and perfect for portraits, indoor sports and stage. Canon got everything right with this redesign: accurate and snappy AF, sturdy build and, most significantly, vivid and sharp images wide open.
Images in this review
The Canon Nifty Fifty is an absolute gem of a lens! Its performance in low light is truly remarkable, capturing crisp, clear images even in challenging conditions. And the bokeh it produces? Simply stunning. It adds a beautiful depth to my photos, making subjects pop against creamy backgrounds. Whether I'm shooting portraits or capturing everyday moments, this lens consistently delivers outstanding results. Highly recommended for any photographer looking to elevate their photography game!Awesome lens for the price!
The Canon Nifty Fifty is an absolute gem of a lens! Its performance in low light is truly remarkable, capturing crisp, clear images even in challenging conditions. And the bokeh it produces? Simply stunning. It adds a beautiful depth to my photos, making subjects pop against creamy backgrounds. Whether I'm shooting portraits or capturing everyday moments, this lens consistently delivers outstanding results. Highly recommended for any photographer looking to elevate their photography game!
Reviewed in the United States on May 17, 2024
But what sets this lens apart is its ability to produce breathtaking bokeh. Thanks to its wide aperture and 50mm focal length, the Nifty Fifty creates a dreamy, creamy background blur that beautifully isolates your subject, making them pop against the backdrop.
And when it comes to long exposure shots, this lens truly shines. Its fast aperture not only lets in more light but also allows for longer exposure times without sacrificing image quality. The result is crispy, detailed long exposure shots that capture every nuance of movement and light.
Whether you're shooting portraits, landscapes, or anything in between, the Canon Nifty Fifty delivers exceptional performance in low light situations, stunning bokeh, and crispy long exposure shots that will elevate your photography to new heights.
Images in this review
