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Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 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/1.4 USMCanonRF 50mm F1.4 L VCM
Overview
ReleasedJune 1993December 2024
Optics
Lens typePrimePrime
Focal length50 mm50 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.4f/1.4
Minimum aperturef/22f/16
Optical constructionSeven elements in six groupsFourteen elements in eleven groups
Special elementsTwo high-refraction glass elements according to Canon 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–
DiaphragmEight blades; Canon UK's store describes a circular diaphragm, while Photozone finds angular highlights when stopped downEleven 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
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.45 m0.4 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 halfwayElectronic floating focus control combines VCM and Nano USM motors
Focus distance detailOverall linear extension focusing according to Canon USA; front filter thread does not rotate according to The Digital PictureMinimum focus 0.4 m
Magnification detailEF12 II extension tube gives 0.24–0.39×; EF25 II gives 0.53–0.68× according to Canon UKMaximum 0.15×
Stabilisation detailNo image stabilisation according to The Digital Picture's exact-model specification tableNo optical stabiliser; relies on in-body stabilisation where provided (Dustin Abbott)
Design
Dust and moisture resistantNoYes
Filter diameter58 mm67 mm
Maximum diameter73.8 mm76.5 mm
Length50.5 mm99.3 mm
Weight290 g580 g
ControlsAF/MF switch, focusing ring, distance 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 resistanceNo weather sealing according to The Digital Picture's exact-model specification tableDust and moisture resistant construction with mount rubber seal
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 mmApproximately 76.5 mm maximum diameter × 99.3 mm length
Weight detail290 g for the lens only according to Canon's manualApproximately 580 g lens
Lens hoodOptional ES-71 II hood; reversible for storage according to Canon's manualES-73 hood included
In the boxLens, E-58II cap, Lens Dust Cap E 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 records June 1993 marketingDecember 2024 marketed month in Canon Camera Museum

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