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Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM vs Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

CanonEF 50mm f/1.4 USMCanonEF 50mm f/1.8 II
Overview
ReleasedJune 1993December 1990
Optics
Lens typePrimePrime
Focal length50 mm50 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.4f/1.8
Minimum aperturef/22f/22
Optical constructionSeven elements in six groupsSix elements in five groups; Gaussian optical design
Special elementsTwo high-refraction glass elements according to Canon Camera Museum–
CoatingsSuper Spectra coating according to Canon UK–
DiaphragmEight blades; Canon UK's store describes a circular diaphragm, while Photozone finds angular highlights when stopped downFive blades
Angle of view46° diagonal, 40° horizontal and 27° verticalFull-frame diagonal 46°; vertical 27°; horizontal 40°
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon EFCanon EF
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityCanon EF full-frame and APS-C camerasCanon EF mount for full-frame, APS-H and APS-C cameras (DPReview)
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.45 m0.45 m
Maximum magnification0.15×0.15×
Optical stabilisationNoNo
Autofocus detailMicro USM with mechanical full-time manual focus; Canon's manual permits adjustment after One Shot AF while holding the shutter button halfwayDC micromotor autofocus (DPReview)
Focus distance detailOverall linear extension focusing according to Canon USA; front filter thread does not rotate according to The Digital PictureSwitch to MF before turning the focusing ring; do not touch rotating parts during autofocus
Magnification detailEF12 II extension tube gives 0.24–0.39×; EF25 II gives 0.53–0.68× according to Canon UK0.15×; 240 × 160 mm field of view at 0.45 m according to Canon
Stabilisation detailNo image stabilisation according to The Digital Picture's exact-model specification tableNo optical image stabilisation (DPReview)
Design
Dust and moisture resistantNo–
Filter diameter58 mm52 mm
Maximum diameter73.8 mm68.2 mm
Length50.5 mm41 mm
Weight290 g130 g
ControlsAF/MF switch, focusing ring, distance scale and infrared index according to Canon's manualAF/MF switch and focusing ring; no distance scale (The-Digital-Picture)
Filter detail–One 52 mm front filter; with the optional hood, mount the filter on the hood adaptor
Weather resistanceNo weather sealing according to The Digital Picture's exact-model specification table–
Dimensions detail73.8 mm diameter × 50.5 mm length in the retracted state according to Canon UK; Canon's manual measures length from the mount surface to the front, with caps adding 21.5 mmLength measured from the mount surface to the front of the lens, excluding caps
Weight detail290 g for the lens only according to Canon's manualApproximately 130 g lens only
Lens hoodOptional ES-71 II hood; reversible for storage according to Canon's manualOptional ES-62, requiring its supplied screw-in hood adaptor; reversible for storage
In the boxLens, E-58II cap, Lens Dust Cap E and user manual according to Canon UK's storeFront and rear caps according to DPReview; accessories may vary by region
Release detailCanon Camera Museum records June 1993 marketingMarketed in December 1990 according to Canon Camera Museum

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