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.
The Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM adds another inexpensive prime to the RF lineup, completing the low cost “trinity primes” with the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM and Canon RF 85mm f/2 IS Macro STM.
• Read more: Best Canon RF lenses
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.
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.
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.
Read more:
The best 50mm lens: which 'standard prime' is the right one for you?
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM review
Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM review
