Canon EF 50mm f/1.8

Canon · EF

EF 50mm f/1.8

Released March 1987

The original full-frame 50 mm f/1.8 Canon EF prime, launched alongside the EOS 650, with micromotor autofocus, a focusing-distance window and a separate manual-focus ring.

Mount: Canon EF
Focal length: 50 mm
Max aperture: f/1.8
Stabilisation: –
Weight: 190 g

Prime

Specifications

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Optics

Lens type: Prime
Focal length: 50 mm
Maximum aperture: f/1.8
Minimum aperture: f/22
Optical construction: Six elements in five groups
Diaphragm: Five blades

Mount and compatibility

Mounts: Canon EF
Image circle: Full frame
Compatibility: Canon EF lens for full-frame and APS-C cameras (Bob Atkins Photography)

Focus and stabilisation

Autofocus: Yes
Minimum focus distance: 0.45 m
Maximum magnification: 0.15×
Autofocus detail: Micromotor autofocus

Design

Filter diameter: 52 mm
Maximum diameter: 67.4 mm
Length: 42.5 mm
Weight: 190 g
Controls: Focusing-distance window and separate manual-focus ring; metal lens mount and infrared focus index (Bob Atkins Photography)
Dimensions detail: 67.4 mm maximum diameter × 42.5 mm length
Release detail: Released alongside the EOS 650 in March 1987, confirmed by Canon's retrospective EOS anniversary release

Pros and cons

Pros

f/1.8 maximum aperture
Focusing-distance window
190 g lens weight

Cons

0.15× maximum magnification
Five-blade aperture

Closest rivals

Model	Mount	Focal length	Max aperture	Stabilisation	Weight	Released
CanonEF 50mm f/1.8 II	Canon EF	50 mm	f/1.8	No	130 g	Dec 1990
CanonEF 50mm f/1.4 USM	Canon EF	50 mm	f/1.4	No	290 g	Jun 1993
CanonEF 35mm f/2	Canon EF	35 mm	f/2	No	210 g	Oct 1990

Newer model: EF 50mm f/1.8 II.

Sources

Photo: global.canon

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