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Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM vs Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

CanonEF 50mm f/1.2L USMCanonEF 50mm f/1.8 STM
Overview
ReleasedJanuary 2007May 2015
Optics
Lens typePrimePrime
Focal length50 mm50 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.2f/1.8
Minimum aperturef/16f/22
Optical constructionEight elements in six groupsSix elements in five groups
Special elementsLarge-diameter, high-precision aspherical glass element according to Canon's manual and Camera Museum–
CoatingsSuper Spectra coating according to Canon UK's storeLens coating optimised for digital cameras to reduce ghosting and flare
Aperture detail–Minimum f/22 with one-third-stop camera aperture increments
DiaphragmEight circular blades according to Canon Camera MuseumSeven blades with a circular aperture
Angle of view46° diagonal, 40° horizontal and 27° verticalFull-frame horizontal 40°; vertical 27°; diagonal 46°
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon EFCanon EF
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityCanon EF full-frame and APS-C camerasCanon EF cameras, including full-frame and APS-C DSLRs
Adaptor support–Canon UK supports EOS M cameras with an EF-EOS M mount adaptor
Teleconverter supportEF 1.4X II and EF 2X II cannot be used according to Canon's manual–
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.45 m0.35 m
Maximum magnification0.15×0.21×
Optical stabilisationNo–
Autofocus detailRing USM with mechanical full-time manual focus; Canon's manual permits adjustment after One Shot AF while holding the shutter button halfwayGear-type stepping motor; manual override after autofocus with the camera set to One-Shot AF
Focus distance detail–Electronic focus ring requires camera power; no distance scale (Digital Camera World)
Magnification detailEF12 II extension tube gives 0.24–0.39×; EF25 II gives 0.53–0.67×; Canon recommends manual focus with extension tubesEF12 II extension tube gives 0.45–0.24×; EF25 II gives 0.74–0.53×
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYes–
Filter diameter72 mm49 mm
Maximum diameter85.8 mm69.2 mm
Length65.5 mm39.3 mm
Weight580 g160 g
ControlsAF/MF switch, focusing ring, distance scale, depth-of-field scale and infrared index according to Canon's manual–
Weather resistanceCanon's manual requires a separately sold 72 mm Canon PROTECT filter for dust and water resistance because the front element moves when focusing; without the filter it is not dust or water resistant–
Dimensions detail85.8 mm diameter × 65.5 mm length according to Canon UK; manual measures length from the mount surface to the front, with caps adding 21.5 mm; Canon USA instead lists 85.4 mm diameter69.2 mm maximum diameter × 39.3 mm length in the retracted state
Weight detailCanon UK's specification page lists 580 g; its store, Canon Camera Museum and the manual list 590 g, while Canon USA lists 545 g lens-only; the manual states its weight excludes accessoriesApproximately 160 g according to Canon UK specifications and Camera Museum; the UK store dimension panel instead lists 159 g
Lens hoodSupplied ES-78 hood; reversible for storage according to Canon's manualOptional ES-68
In the boxLens, E-72U cap, Lens Dust Cap E, ES-78 hood, LP1214 case and user manual according to Canon UK's storeLens, E-49 front cap, Lens Dust Cap E and user manual
Release detailCanon Camera Museum and Canon's 2021 retrospective record January 2007 release; the August 2006 Japanese announcement initially planned late November 2006Marketed in May 2015 according to Canon Camera Museum

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