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Pros Pros
  • Extreme subject isolation and unique background rendering
  • Functional autofocus system
  • Solid, high-quality metal construction
  • Bright f/1.0 aperture for low-light performance
Cons Cons
  • Significant optical defects including vignetting, flare, and distortion
  • Soft image quality and low contrast at wide apertures
  • Slow and noisy autofocus operation
  • Heavy, bulky physical design
  • High cost, rarity, and lack of manufacturer support

Launch price Launch price $2,599
Focal length & aperture Focal length & aperture 50mm f/1
Mount & coverage Mount & coverage Canon EF · Full-Frame
Close focus Close focus 60 cm (0.11x)
Filter thread Filter thread 72mm
Autofocus motor Autofocus motor Ring USM
Weight & size Weight & size 985g (2 lb 2.7 oz) · 91.5 x 81.5 mm (3.60 x 3.21 in)

Announcement date Announcement date September 1, 1989
Launch MSRP Launch MSRP $2,599
Lens mount Lens mount Canon EF
Image circle coverage Image circle coverage Full-Frame
Lens type Lens type Prime
Lens line / series Lens line / series L-series

Elements Elements 11
Groups Groups 9
Special elements Special elements 2 aspherical

Focal length (wide) Focal length (wide) 50mm
Focal length (tele) Focal length (tele) 50mm
Max aperture Max aperture f/1
Minimum aperture Minimum aperture f/16
Diaphragm blades Diaphragm blades 8

Diagonal angle of view Diagonal angle of view 45.9°

Autofocus motor Autofocus motor Ring USM
Minimum focus distance Minimum focus distance 60 cm
Maximum magnification Maximum magnification 0.11x
Focus mechanism Focus mechanism Unit focus
Depth of field scale Depth of field scale Yes

AF/MF switch AF/MF switch Yes

Weight Weight 985g (2 lb 2.7 oz)
Maximum diameter Maximum diameter 91.5mm (3.60 in)
Length Length 81.5mm (3.21 in)
Filter thread Filter thread 72mm
Weather sealing Weather sealing None
Barrel material Barrel material Metal
Tripod collar Tripod collar Not supported

Lens hood Lens hood ES-79II, included
Teleconverter compatibility Teleconverter compatibility Not supported