Canon · RF

RF 50mm F1.2 L USM

Released October 2018

A full-frame f/1.2 standard prime for EOS R cameras, with ring-type USM autofocus, a customisable control ring and dust and moisture resistant construction.

Mount
Canon RF
Focal length
50 mm
Max aperture
f/1.2
Stabilisation
No
Weight
950 g

What reviewers say

Both EOS R tests praise sharp results at f/1.2, low distortion and smooth background blur, while noting its size, weight and price. OpticalLimits finds autofocus quiet; Cameralabs hears focus clicks during video. Both note wide-aperture vignetting. Cameralabs finds the older EF lens produces similar background blur for less money, while the RF delivers substantially sharper corners.

From cameralabs.com, cameralabs.com, cameralabs.com and opticallimits.com

Optics

Lens type
Prime
Focal length
50 mm
Maximum aperture
f/1.2
Minimum aperture
f/16
Optical construction
Fifteen elements in nine groups
Special elements
One UD element, two ground and polished aspherical elements and one glass-moulded aspherical element; Air Sphere Coating
Diaphragm
Ten blades with circular aperture

Mount and compatibility

Mounts
Canon RF
Image circle
Full frame
Compatibility
Canon RF mount for full-frame and APS-C EOS R cameras; not compatible with EOS DSLRs

Focus and stabilisation

Autofocus
Yes
Minimum focus distance
0.4 m
Maximum magnification
0.19×
Optical stabilisation
No
Autofocus detail
Ring-type USM; electronic manual focusing with full-time manual override
Focus distance detail
Minimum focus 0.4 m; focus limiter selects full range or 0.8 m–infinity (Cameralabs)
Magnification detail
Maximum 0.19×
Stabilisation detail
No optical image stabiliser (Cameralabs)

Design

Dust and moisture resistant
Yes
Filter diameter
77 mm
Maximum diameter
89.8 mm
Length
108 mm
Weight
950 g
Controls
Electronic manual-focus and customisable control rings; AF/MF and focus-limiter switches
Weather resistance
Dust and moisture resistant construction
Dimensions detail
Approximately 89.8 mm maximum diameter × 108 mm length
Weight detail
Approximately 950 g lens
Lens hood
ES-83 hood included
In the box
Lens, E-77 II front cap, RF dust cap, ES-83 hood, LP1319 case and user manual
Release detail
October 2018 marketed month in Canon Camera Museum

Pros and cons

Pros

  • f/1.2 maximum aperture
  • Dust and moisture resistant construction
  • Customisable control ring

Cons

  • 950 g lens weight
  • No optical stabilisation
  • Maximum magnification 0.19×

Closest rivals

Model
MountFocal lengthMax apertureStabilisationWeightReleased
Canon RF50 mmf/1.8No160 gDec 2020
Canon RF50 mmf/1.4No580 gDec 2024
Canon RF45 mmf/1.2No346 gNov 2025

Sources

  1. downloads.canon.com/nw/camera/products/lenses/rf-50mm-f1.2l-usm/specifications/…
  2. canon.co.uk/store/canon-rf-50mm-f-1-2l-usm-lens/2959C005
  3. global.canon/en/c-museum/product/rf472.html
  4. cameralabs.com/canon-rf-50mm-f1-2l-usm-review
  5. cameralabs.com/canon-rf-50mm-f1-2l-usm-review/2
  6. cameralabs.com/canon-rf-50mm-f1-2l-usm-review/4
  7. opticallimits.com/canon/canon-rf/canon-rf-50mm-f-1-2-usm-l-review

Photo: Canon Asia Photo Library; official press archive member RF50mm f1.2L USM.jpg; complete supplied canvas and white background retained.

Spot a mistake? Tell us