Canon EF 50mm f/1.0L USM
Announced September 1, 1989
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Good
The Canon EF 50mm f/1.0L USM is a unique, heavy masterpiece that offers unparalleled subject isolation and a distinct look at f/1.0. While it remains a sought-after collector's item for its extreme aperture and build, the optics are notably soft and prone to aberrations when compared to modern standards.
Weighted from 9 reviewer scores
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
- 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 $2,599 (USD)
- Focal length & aperture 50mm f/1
- Mount & coverage Canon EF Full-Frame
- Close focus 60 cm (0.11x)
- Filter thread 72mm
- Autofocus motor Ring USM
- Weight & size 985g (2 lb 2.7 oz) · 91.5 x 81.5 mm (3.60 x 3.21 in)
What the Reviewers Say
All 9 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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[A] fascinating lens. I was more impressed by its build quality than its rather soft image quality.
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Obviously this Canon EF 50mm 1.0L USM was mainly produced to promote Canon’s new EF-mount in 1989, just as the Nikon Z 58mm 0.95 S Noct-Nikkor has been produced in 2019 to promote Nikon’s new Z-mount.
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So is the Canon 50mm f/1.0L worth seeking out and owning? It’s sharpness and usability pales in comparison to the Canon 50mm f/1.2L, and is priced more for rich lens collectors than working photographers.
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So I think this lens truly lives up to the name of the video, bokeh p*rn. This is something else, seriously exceptional, so smooth, so buttery.
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The Canon Lens EF 50mm 1:1.0 L USM is a true masterpiece of lens design, a one-of-a-kind 50mm f/1.0 L. Canon clearly poured its heart and soul into developing this lens. It produces excellent bokeh, is great for shooting in low light, and is suitable for portraits.
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The Canon 50mm f/1.0L USM is such an extraordinary lens that it took me three weeks to review it. Unlike all the other look-alike lenses out there, this unique masterpiece lets me create images that I can't make with any other lens.
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Without being contradictory it is easy to see why the Canon EF 50mm f/1.0L never sold much but also easy to see why people are desperate to acquire the rare copy that shows up on the used market.
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Bottom line – if you can live with the softness and want the fastest Bokeh machine on the planet (with AF) this might be a good option for you (if you can find/afford it).
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[U]sing this lens met, and in fact exceeded the ridiculously high expectations we had when we started shooting with it. The look the lens produces is unique, and from Canon’s vast network of EF lenses, only the 85mm at f/1.2 comes close.
