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Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM vs Canon RF 50mm F1.4 L VCM

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

CanonEF 50mm f/1.2L USMCanonRF 50mm F1.4 L VCM
Overview
ReleasedJanuary 2007December 2024
Optics
Lens typePrimePrime
Focal length50 mm50 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.2f/1.4
Minimum aperturef/16f/16
Optical constructionEight elements in six groupsFourteen elements in eleven groups
Special elementsLarge-diameter, high-precision aspherical glass element according to Canon's manual and Camera MuseumOne UD and two aspherical elements, including one glass-moulded aspherical element; ASC and Super Spectra coatings; front fluorine coating
CoatingsSuper Spectra coating according to Canon UK's store–
DiaphragmEight circular blades according to Canon Camera MuseumEleven blades with circular aperture
Angle of view46° diagonal, 40° horizontal and 27° vertical–
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon EFCanon RF
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityCanon EF full-frame and APS-C camerasCanon RF mount for full-frame and APS-C EOS R cameras; RF extenders not compatible. Iris ring provides movie aperture control; Canon lists EOS R, RP, Ra, R3, R5, R6, R6 Mark II, R7, R8, R10, R50, R100 and R5 C as unable to set still-photo aperture with this ring even with their latest firmware
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 m0.4 m
Maximum magnification0.15×0.15×
Optical stabilisationNoNo
Autofocus detailRing USM with mechanical full-time manual focus; Canon's manual permits adjustment after One Shot AF while holding the shutter button halfwayElectronic floating focus control combines VCM and Nano USM motors
Focus distance detail–Minimum focus 0.4 m
Magnification detailEF12 II extension tube gives 0.24–0.39×; EF25 II gives 0.53–0.67×; Canon recommends manual focus with extension tubesMaximum 0.15×
Stabilisation detail–No optical stabiliser; relies on in-body stabilisation where provided (Dustin Abbott)
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter72 mm67 mm
Maximum diameter85.8 mm76.5 mm
Length65.5 mm99.3 mm
Weight580 g580 g
ControlsAF/MF switch, focusing ring, distance scale, depth-of-field scale and infrared index according to Canon's manualElectronic manual-focus, customisable control and smooth-action iris rings; customisable lens function button; AF/MF switch
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 resistantDust and moisture resistant construction with mount rubber seal
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 diameterApproximately 76.5 mm maximum diameter × 99.3 mm length
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 580 g lens
Lens hoodSupplied ES-78 hood; reversible for storage according to Canon's manualES-73 hood included
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-67 II front cap, RF dust cap, ES-73 hood, LP1219 case 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 2006December 2024 marketed month in Canon Camera Museum

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