Request a product

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 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/1.4 USMCanonEF 50mm f/1.8 STM
Overview
ReleasedJune 1993May 2015
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
Special elementsTwo high-refraction glass elements according to Canon Camera Museum–
CoatingsSuper Spectra coating according to Canon UKLens coating optimised for digital cameras to reduce ghosting and flare
Aperture detail–Minimum f/22 with one-third-stop camera aperture increments
DiaphragmEight blades; Canon UK's store describes a circular diaphragm, while Photozone finds angular highlights when stopped downSeven 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
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.45 m0.35 m
Maximum magnification0.15×0.21×
Optical stabilisationNo–
Autofocus detailMicro 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 detailOverall linear extension focusing according to Canon USA; front filter thread does not rotate according to The Digital PictureElectronic focus ring requires camera power; no distance scale (Digital Camera World)
Magnification detailEF12 II extension tube gives 0.24–0.39×; EF25 II gives 0.53–0.68× according to Canon UKEF12 II extension tube gives 0.45–0.24×; EF25 II gives 0.74–0.53×
Stabilisation detailNo image stabilisation according to The Digital Picture's exact-model specification table–
Design
Dust and moisture resistantNo–
Filter diameter58 mm49 mm
Maximum diameter73.8 mm69.2 mm
Length50.5 mm39.3 mm
Weight290 g160 g
ControlsAF/MF switch, focusing ring, distance scale and infrared index according to Canon's manual–
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 mm69.2 mm maximum diameter × 39.3 mm length in the retracted state
Weight detail290 g for the lens only according to Canon's manualApproximately 160 g according to Canon UK specifications and Camera Museum; the UK store dimension panel instead lists 159 g
Lens hoodOptional ES-71 II hood; reversible for storage according to Canon's manualOptional ES-68
In the boxLens, E-58II cap, Lens Dust Cap E and user manual according to Canon UK's storeLens, E-49 front cap, Lens Dust Cap E and user manual
Release detailCanon Camera Museum records June 1993 marketingMarketed in May 2015 according to Canon Camera Museum

More comparisons