Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM
Announced November 3, 2020
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
Strong
The Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM is a compact, budget-friendly prime lens that provides an accessible entry point for photographers seeking shallow depth-of-field and low-light performance. Although it lacks the premium build and edge-to-edge sharpness of more expensive L-series glass, it delivers impressive image quality and reliable autofocus for its price.
Weighted from 25 reviewer scores
Pros
- Excellent value for the price
- Compact, lightweight, and portable design
- Good center sharpness and image quality
- Fast, quiet, and accurate autofocus performance
- Effective close-focusing capabilities
Cons
- Lack of weather sealing
- Audible focus motor noise
- No dedicated AF/MF switch
- Soft corners and resolution drop-off
- Noticeable focus breathing
- Launch price $199 (USD)
- Focal length & aperture 50mm f/1.8
- Mount & coverage Canon RF Full-Frame
- Stabilization None
- Close focus 30 cm (0.25x)
- Filter thread 43mm
- Autofocus motor Stepper motor
- Weight & size 160g (5.6 oz) · 69 x 40 mm (2.72 x 1.57 in)
What the Reviewers Say
All 25 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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The Canon RF 50mm f1.8 STM is a low-cost standard lens for the EOS R mirrorless system which, like the EF versions before it, provides an affordable entry into the World of prime lenses, low-light photography and shallow depth-of-field effects.
- OpticalLimits 6.5/10
The resolution characteristic of the RF 50mm f/1.8 STM is decent overall but also a little wild in places.
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Having built up an impressive selection of L-Series lenses in RF-mount for demanding professionals and serious photographers, it’s refreshing to see Canon creating a more affordable lineup of lenses.
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While the Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM Lens is not the highest performing lens from an image quality perspective, the image quality is decent (quite good stopped down), and this lens holds some strong advantages.
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I also threw the RF 50mm F1.8 into the EOS R5 gauntlet with its 45 MP of resolution, and the lens emerged largely unscathed.
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If this lens is what suits your budget and you're aware of its limitations then, unless you want something that's excellent for video making, you'll probably be reasonably happy with it, and it's certainly a great option for those on a low budget.
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I highly recommend this lens. I love the image quality I'm getting out of it and it represents a tremendous value.
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To many zoom orientated photographers the fast 50mm can be something of a revelation.
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This is a very lightweight, very compact standard prime lens for Canon full-frame mirrorless owners that delivers good image quality, at a price that certainly won't break the bank.
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The Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM is everything you want a nifty fifty to be. It's cheap, compact and capable, delivering great image quality (on par in some areas with the RF 50mm f/1.2L, which costs over ten times as much!) in a truly pocket-sized lens.
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Canon's affordable RF 50mm F1.8 STM mirrorless prime is a fine choice for photographers just starting out, but hobbyists may want a bit more from an everyday lens.
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I'm actually very impressed with this lens and it seems kind of like a no-brainer that you would want to have this in your kit if you're a Canon shooter to be able to use. It's actually very impressive.
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If you're a beginner that's looking for your next lens, you're looking for something to challenge yourself, take new photos with, get creative, try new things out, this is what I recommend you pick up.
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This new mirrorless RF 50/1.8 STM is Canon's least expensive mirrorless RF lens, and possibly the sharpest. It is a superb lens in spite of its giveaway price, and it does this by refining one of photography's greatest classic lens designs.
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[I]f you don't have a 50mm lens in your lineup, I really recommend it. [...] I kind of forget some of the really great things that a higher focal length can bring especially just that background compression.
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The small and sleek RF 50mm f1.8, is among Canon’s best lenses, compared to the price.
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As you can see, I love the RF 50mm f1.8 STM lens. I won’t be getting rid of my RF 50mm f1.2L USM, that’s my desert island lens and a superlative piece of equipment.
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Absolutely, this Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM is worth getting. Whether you're a videographer, a professional photographer, or just an amateur, this is the lens that you want in your bag.
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I think the image quality is really good, especially when you consider the price point, and I think it's able to capture some fantastic images.
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So final thoughts on the Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM, and I think that this lens is a lens well worth having in any Canon photographer's kit.
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So I'm going to stick my neck out and say that even at $200, this lens is still a no-brainer.
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It's a cheap lens, but it doesn't perform like a cheap lens. The bokeh is lovely, it's just really nice, colors are good, definition, it's just an all-round nice lens.
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You get, I would honestly say, more than what you pay for for $180 with this lens.
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I would recommend this lens for anyone with an R series camera because it’s nice to have something with a large aperture for a relatively low price, even if the autofocus motor is a bit noisy.
- Martin Castein 6.5/10
[O]verall the 1.8 delivers a pleasing image that I think most people will be happy with, and I always found the files fun and enjoyable to edit afterwards.
