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Canon RF 50mm F1.4 L VCM 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

CanonRF 50mm F1.4 L VCMCanonRF 50mm F1.8 STM
Overview
ReleasedDecember 2024December 2020
Optics
Lens typePrimePrime
Focal length50 mm50 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.4f/1.8
Minimum aperturef/16f/22
Optical constructionFourteen elements in eleven groupsSix elements in five groups
Special elementsOne UD and two aspherical elements, including one glass-moulded aspherical element; ASC and Super Spectra coatings; front fluorine coatingOne aspherical element
Coatings–Super Spectra anti-reflection coating
DiaphragmEleven blades with circular apertureSeven blades
Angle of view–Full-frame horizontal40°, vertical27°30′ and diagonal46°
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon RFCanon RF
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityCanon 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 firmwareCanon 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 distance0.4 m0.3 m
Maximum magnification0.15×0.25×
Optical stabilisationNoNo
Autofocus detailElectronic floating focus control combines VCM and Nano USM motorsSTM autofocus; electronic manual focus. Photography Blog reports selection of manual focus through the camera menu
Focus distance detailMinimum focus 0.4 mMinimum 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Magnification detailMaximum 0.15×Maker maximum magnification0.25×; no unpublished AF/MF distinction inferred
Stabilisation detailNo optical stabiliser; relies on in-body stabilisation where provided (Dustin Abbott)No lens optical IS; compatible cameras may provide body stabilisation separately
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYes–
Filter diameter67 mm43 mm
Maximum diameter76.5 mm69.2 mm
Length99.3 mm40.5 mm
Weight580 g160 g
ControlsElectronic manual-focus, customisable control and smooth-action iris rings; customisable lens function button; AF/MF switchShared focus/control ring with focus-control selector; control mode can adjust camera settings
Filter detail–43mm front filter thread; maker lists Canon250D/500D close-up lenses and PL-C B circular polariser incompatible
Weather resistanceDust and moisture resistant construction with mount rubber sealUK maker dust/moisture resistance entry is a dash; OpticalLimits explicitly reports no weather sealing
Dimensions detailApproximately 76.5 mm maximum diameter × 99.3 mm lengthApproximately69.2mm maximum diameter ×40.5mm length, measured retracted by Canon
Weight detailApproximately 580 g lensApproximately160g lens
Lens hoodES-73 hood includedES-65B, sold separately
In the boxLens, E-67 II front cap, RF dust cap, ES-73 hood, LP1219 case and user manualLens, E-43 front cap and Lens Dust Cap RF; hood and LP1014 pouch are optional according to UK maker specifications
Release detailDecember 2024 marketed month in 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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