Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Review

Prime lenses like the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens are generally considered to be among the best available options for DSLR cameras. Photographers who are seeking a lens that can be used for a variety of purposes and has great image quality frequently go with this one because of its convenient size and low weight.

The lens has a large maximum aperture of f/1.8, which enables it to perform very well in low-light conditions and produce stunning background blur. As a result, it is ideally suited for portrait photography as well as artistic expression. In the following paragraphs, we will look into a number of different features of the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens, including its performance, autofocus system, build quality, image stabilization, picture quality, and more.

Key Specs

• Focal Length & Maximum Aperture: 50mm f/1.8
• Lens Construction: 6 elements in 5 groups
• Diagonal Angle of View: 46°
• Focus Adjustment: Autofocus (AF) with full-time manual override
• Closest Focusing Distance: 1.15 ft./0.35m
• Filter Size: 49mm
• Max. Diameter x Length, Weight: 2.7 x 1.6 in., 5.7 oz. (69.2 x 39.3mm, 160g)

Performance

In a wide range of shooting settings, the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens delivers exceptional results because of its fast aperture. Because it has such a large maximum aperture of f/1.8, it has the ability to have a quick shutter speed, which makes it ideal for capturing moving subjects with accuracy and clarity. The lens creates images that are crisp and have high contrast and color accuracy, guaranteeing that the end product will always be spectacular.

The lens produces images of exceptional quality over the entirety of its aperture range, making it ideal for photographing portraits, landscapes, and even daily situations. Because of its large aperture, it fares very well in low-light circumstances, enabling you to take photographs that are crisp and detailed despite the adverse lighting conditions in which you find yourself working.

Autofocus System

The lens is equipped with Canon’s STM (Stepping Motor) autofocus mechanism, which enables exceptionally smooth and nearly silent operation of the focusing function. When recording video or in other instances when you need to have a calm environment, this is a very helpful feature to have. Because the autofocus technology is both rapid and precise, it enables you to gain focus on your subject in a short amount of time.

In addition to this, it possesses a full-time manual focus override, which enables manual corrections to be made precisely even when the autofocus feature is active. Because of its versatility, the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens is appropriate for a wide range of shooting circumstances, including catching subjects that are moving quickly and fine-tuning focus for artistic purposes.

Vibration Reduction

Even though it does not have optical image stabilization (IS) built in, the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens is one of the several Canon DSLR cameras that has in-body image stabilization, which helps to correct for camera shake. Because of this, you will still be able to take use of the feature of image stabilization when you pair this lens with a camera that is compatible with it.

It helps to decrease the impacts of camera wobble, helping you to take clearer shots, particularly in scenarios where shorter shutter speeds are necessary or while shooting handheld in low-light circumstances. This is especially helpful when shooting in situations where slower shutter speeds are required. Even while the absence of a built-in image stabilization system may be a disadvantage for certain photographers, the wide maximum aperture of the lens plus the in-body image stabilization of cameras that are compatible with it has the potential to provide exceptional results still.

Build Quality

The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens has a robust build quality that is capable of withstanding frequent usage, despite the fact that its price point is relatively reasonable. The lens barrel is constructed from high-quality materials, providing both longevity and dependability in its design. It has a metal mount that provides a tight connection to the camera body so that you may use it without worry.

Because of its lightweight construction, the lens is convenient to transport about for extended periods of time without resulting in weariness for the user. Adjusting the focus manually is made easier thanks to the focus ring’s silky smoothness and high level of damping. The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens has an impressively excellent build quality for a lens in its price range, despite the fact that it does not have weather sealing like some other, more expensive lenses.

Handling and Ergonomics

Because of its little size and low weight, the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens is a delight to work with and transport. The fact that it is only 69.2 millimeters in length and weighs close to 160 grams makes it the ideal traveling companion for photographers who place a premium on mobility. The lens has a comfortable focus ring made of rubberized plastic that is textured for a nice grip and enables fine manual adjustment of the focus.

Because aperture adjustments are made electronically through the camera body, there is no ring for adjusting the aperture. Additionally, the lens has a metal lens mount, which ensures a safe and reliable connection between the lens and the camera body. In general, the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens is well-designed and provides a pleasant experience for photographers when they are behind the camera.

Image Stabilization

As was previously stated, the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens does not come equipped with an optical image stabilization system that is built in. When using this lens, however, if your Canon DSLR camera has in-body image stabilization (IBIS), it will be able to stabilize the image and correct for any camera shake that may occur. IBIS works by physically rotating the image sensor of the camera in order to offset any undesired movement, which ultimately results in photos that are sharper. The individual camera type and the capabilities of the camera’s image stabilization will determine how effective the image stabilization feature is.

It is important to keep in mind that image stabilization helps lessen the wobble of the camera produced mostly by the operator’s hand movement, but it may not be as efficient in counteracting the movement of the subject. Using the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens in conjunction with a camera that features IBIS may considerably increase picture sharpness and overall image quality. This is especially true if you frequently shoot in low-light circumstances or without a tripod.

Shooting Experience

Because of its little size, lightweight construction, and adaptable focal length, the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens provides a shooting experience that is both pleasurable and productive. Because the lens produces an image with a natural field of vision that is analogous to that of the human eye, it may be used for a variety of photographic applications. Because of its large maximum aperture of f/1.8, it enables creative depth-of-field adjustment, which enables you to isolate subjects and produce a background blur that is attractive to the eye.

Because the autofocus technology of the lens is both rapid and accurate, it is simple and fast to acquire focus on the subjects you are photographing. When shooting videos, having an autofocus motor that is both smooth and nearly silent, like the STM, is very helpful since it ensures a quiet operation and seamless transitions between focus points. In addition, the capability to override the autofocus with manual focus at any moment offers you freedom and control over your shooting experience.

Image Quality

Image quality is greatly improved by using the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens, which performs quite well in this regard. Its maximum aperture of f/1.8 enables exceptional performance in low-light conditions, in addition to the ability to create a narrow depth of field. The lens creates images that are crisp, with strong contrast and true color reproduction. significantly when shooting with the aperture wide open at f/1.8, the sharpness in the center of the frame is admirable.

However, decreasing the aperture to f/2.8 or lower results in photos that are significantly crisper across the frame. The lens’s ability to effectively manage chromatic aberration and distortion is another factor that contributes to its high overall image quality. Images taken with the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens are reliable and of a pleasant and high-quality standard, regardless of the subject matter being photographed (portraits, landscapes, or everyday situations, for example).

Teleconverter Compatibility

Officially speaking, the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens is not compatible with teleconverters of any kind. Teleconverters are specialized optical attachments that may increase the focal length of a lens by a predetermined amount. They are inserted between the lens and the camera body, thus extending the lens’s focal length while preserving the camera’s ability to autofocus and manually adjust the aperture.

However, because of the way the lens is constructed and the distance between its back element and the image sensor in the camera, using the use of a teleconverter may result in a reduction in the picture quality as well as the inability to use autofocus. Because of this, the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens is the one that should be used without a teleconverter if you want to get the highest possible picture quality and performance.

Comparison with Competitors

When compared to other lenses in its price range, the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens maintains its position as a strong performer despite the presence of its rivals. Although it may not have the same build quality as more costly models or a larger aperture, it has exceptional image quality, dependable autofocus performance, and a compact shape that makes it very portable. When it comes to image quality, the lens is capable of competing with more costly lenses. It provides a level of sharpness and clarity that fulfills the requirements of the majority of photographers.

Because of its low price, it is an appealing choice for beginning photographers as well as photographers working with limited funds who are interested in gaining exposure to the advantages of using a prime lens without breaking the bank. However, it is important to note that there are solutions available that are of a higher end, which offer extra features like as weather sealing, wider apertures, or improved construction quality, although at a higher price point. These options are worth considering.

Specifications

Focal Length & Maximum Aperture	50mm f/1.8
Lens Construction	6 elements in 5 groups
Diagonal Angle of View	46°
Focus Adjustment	AF with full-time manual
Closest Focusing Distance	1.15 ft./0.35m
Filter Size	49mm
Max. Diameter x Length, Weight	2.7 x 1.6 in., 5.7 oz. <br>69.2 x 39.3mm, 160g

Pros and Cons

There are a number of significant benefits that come with using the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens. To begin, the camera has a maximum aperture of f/1.8, making it capable of achieving a small depth of field while still providing good performance in low-light conditions. Because of its low weight and small size, the lens is extremely portable and simple to transport from place to place for lengthy periods of time.

In addition, the STM autofocus technology offers a performance that is quick, accurate, and nearly silent, making it appropriate for use in both photography and filming. Impressive picture quality is produced by the lens thanks to its sharpness, strong contrast, and accurate color reproduction. Another important feature is its reasonable price, which makes it possible for photographers working with little funds to enjoy all that a prime lens has to offer.

Price and Availability

Because of its low price point, the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens is a popular choice among photographers who want to purchase a prime lens but do not want to go over their budget. The lens may be purchased easily from a wide variety of authorized Canon stores, both online and in-store. Because of how popular it is, it is almost always in stock, and quite easy for buyers to get their hands on it.

It is normally priced in the lower price range when compared to other Canon lenses, however, the price may change based on the location as well as any continuing specials or discounts that may be available. In general, the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens provides outstanding value for its price, making it a well-liked option for novice photographers as well as those with more experience.

Conclusion

The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens is a prime lens that can be used in a variety of situations, is very inexpensive, and produces images of remarkable performance and clarity. The lens excels in low-light conditions thanks to its wide maximum aperture, which also enables creative control over the amount of depth-of-field that is captured. The autofocus technology allows for focusing that is both speedy and accurate, and the lens’s design, which is both tiny and lightweight, makes it a pleasure to both hold and carry.

Despite the fact that it does not have an integrated optical image stabilization system and that it is not officially compatible with teleconverters, the lens nevertheless provides outstanding value for its price, which has made it a popular option among photographers of all skill levels. It doesn’t matter if you’re starting out and learning about prime lenses for the first time or if you’re an experienced photographer searching for a reliable and cost-effective alternative; the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens is one that you should absolutely take into consideration due to its fantastic performance and affordable price.

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM FAQs

Q. Is the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens compatible with both full-frame and APS-C Canon DSLR cameras?
A. Yes, the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens is compatible with both full-frame and APS-C Canon DSLR cameras. On APS-C cameras, the lens will have an effective focal length of approximately 80mm due to the crop factor.
Q. Does the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens have image stabilization?
A. No, the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens does not have built-in optical image stabilization. However, if your Canon DSLR camera has in-body image stabilization (IBIS), it can compensate for camera shake when using this lens.
Q. Can I use filters with the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens?
A. Yes, the lens has a filter thread size of 49mm, allowing you to attach various filters such as UV, polarizing, or neutral density filters to enhance your photography.
Q. Can I achieve a blurred background (bokeh) with the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens?
A. Yes, the lens’s wide maximum aperture of f/1.8 enables you to achieve a shallow depth of field and create a beautifully blurred background, making it ideal for portraits or subject isolation.
Q. Can I use the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens for video recording?
A. Absolutely! The lens features Canon’s STM (Stepping Motor) autofocus system, which provides smooth and near-silent autofocus performance, making it well-suited for video recording. It also allows for full-time manual focus override, giving you control over focus adjustments during video capture.