Canon Unveils the 50mm f/1.8 STM, the New ‘Nifty Fifty’

After a leak of the lens last week, Canon today officially announced its new “Nifty Fifty,” the 50mm f/1.8 STM, a new affordable prime lens that succeeds the extremely popular Canon 50mm f/1.8 II.

Unlike its predecessor, which is also referred to as the “Plastic Fantastic,” this new 50mm lens has a metal mount rather than a cheaper (and weaker) plastic one.

The new 50mm f/1.8 STM features an improved design, “super spectra” lens coating, a minimum focusing distance of 0.35m (~1.15ft), a 7-blade aperture, a weight of 160g (compared to 130g for its predecessor), and STM technology for smoother and near-silent focusing.

Here are a handful of sample images shot using the 50mm f/1.8 STM:

You’ll be able to purchase the new Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM later this month for $130.