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Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II vs Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

CanonEF 50mm f/1.8 IICanonRF 50mm F1.8 STM
Overview
ReleasedDecember 1990December 2020
Optics
Lens typePrimePrime
Focal length50 mm50 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.8f/1.8
Minimum aperturef/22f/22
Optical constructionSix elements in five groups; Gaussian optical designSix elements in five groups
Special elements–One aspherical element
Coatings–Super Spectra anti-reflection coating
DiaphragmFive bladesSeven blades
Angle of viewFull-frame diagonal 46°; vertical 27°; horizontal 40°Full-frame horizontal40°, vertical27°30′ and diagonal46°
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon EFCanon RF
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityCanon EF mount for full-frame, APS-H and APS-C cameras (DPReview)Canon EOS R cameras; full-frame RF mount. Distinct from EF50mmF1.8STM and RF50mmF1.2LUSM
Teleconverter support–Canon RF extenders not compatible
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.45 m0.3 m
Maximum magnification0.15×0.25×
Optical stabilisationNoNo
Autofocus detailDC micromotor autofocus (DPReview)STM autofocus; electronic manual focus. Photography Blog reports selection of manual focus through the camera menu
Focus distance detailSwitch to MF before turning the focusing ring; do not touch rotating parts during autofocusMinimum focus distance0.30m; maker table does not distinguish AF and MF figures, so no mode inferred. Extending inner tube during close focusing, as documented by OpticalLimits
Magnification detail0.15×; 240 × 160 mm field of view at 0.45 m according to CanonMaker maximum magnification0.25×; no unpublished AF/MF distinction inferred
Stabilisation detailNo optical image stabilisation (DPReview)No lens optical IS; compatible cameras may provide body stabilisation separately
Design
Filter diameter52 mm43 mm
Maximum diameter68.2 mm69.2 mm
Length41 mm40.5 mm
Weight130 g160 g
ControlsAF/MF switch and focusing ring; no distance scale (The-Digital-Picture)Shared focus/control ring with focus-control selector; control mode can adjust camera settings
Filter detailOne 52 mm front filter; with the optional hood, mount the filter on the hood adaptor43mm front filter thread; maker lists Canon250D/500D close-up lenses and PL-C B circular polariser incompatible
Weather resistance–UK maker dust/moisture resistance entry is a dash; OpticalLimits explicitly reports no weather sealing
Dimensions detailLength measured from the mount surface to the front of the lens, excluding capsApproximately69.2mm maximum diameter ×40.5mm length, measured retracted by Canon
Weight detailApproximately 130 g lens onlyApproximately160g lens
Lens hoodOptional ES-62, requiring its supplied screw-in hood adaptor; reversible for storageES-65B, sold separately
In the boxFront and rear caps according to DPReview; accessories may vary by regionLens, E-43 front cap and Lens Dust Cap RF; hood and LP1014 pouch are optional according to UK maker specifications
Release detailMarketed in December 1990 according to Canon Camera MuseumDecember2020 marketed month in Canon Camera Museum. Canon Canada scheduled mid-December2020 availability; Canon Japan records first sale24December2020. Headline retains month because the exact earliest international retail day is not documented; Japan's later day is not presented as a worldwide date

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