EF 50mm F/1.8 STM Lens For Canon DSLR Cameras 50mm Black – CAN EF 50MM STM Review
Table of Contents
The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM (CAN EF 50MM STM) is a popular choice amongst photographers, particularly those on a budget. This review is based on several weeks of extensive testing in various shooting conditions, from dimly lit indoor settings to bright outdoor scenes. I’ve put this lens through its paces to give you an honest assessment of its capabilities and limitations.
This 50mm lens boasts several impressive features. The wide f/1.8 aperture is a standout, allowing for beautiful background blur (bokeh) and excellent low-light performance. The STM (Stepping Motor) autofocus is incredibly quiet and smooth, making it ideal for both stills and video recording. The build quality feels surprisingly robust for its price point, and the inclusion of a fluorine coating on the front element adds welcome protection against dust and smudges. The dust and moisture sealing is a definite plus for shooting in less-than-ideal conditions.
Other notable features include three focus hold buttons and a focus range limiter, which contribute to faster and more intuitive operation.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Product Weight | 160 g |
| Colour Name | Black |
| Connection Type | PS/2 |
| What’s In The Box | 1 x 50mm Lens |
| Camera Lens Adjustment | Automatic with manual |
| Secondary Reflector | No |
| Product Length | 1.54 in |
| Product Height | 2.72 in |
| Product Width/Depth | 6 cm |
| Features | Personal, Ergonomic, Mechanical, Programmable, Travel |
| Model Number | CAN EF 50MM STM |
| Model Name | CAN EF 50MM STM |
| Item Quantity | 1 |
| Image Stabilization | Yes |
The image quality produced by the CAN EF 50MM STM is consistently sharp, even at wide open aperture. Color rendition is accurate and pleasing, and I experienced minimal distortion or chromatic aberration. The autofocus, as mentioned, is incredibly fast and reliable, making it a joy to use for capturing spontaneous moments. Low-light performance is surprisingly good, given the lens’s price point. The wide aperture allows for shooting in much lower light than many other lenses in this class.
I did find that at its widest aperture, some slight softness can appear in the corners of the image, but this is easily corrected in post-processing, and generally not noticeable for most users.
Video performance was also excellent, with smooth and silent autofocus tracking during recording.
Pros:
- Excellent image quality
- Fast and quiet autofocus
- Wide f/1.8 aperture for low-light shooting and bokeh
- Durable build quality
- Fluorine coating for protection
- Affordable price
- Dust and Moisture Resistant
Cons:
- Slight softness in corners at f/1.8
- No image stabilization (requires camera body stabilization)
- Plastic mount might feel less premium than metal
Overall, the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM (CAN EF 50MM STM) is a fantastic lens, offering exceptional value for its price. The image quality, autofocus performance, and build quality far exceed expectations for a lens in this price range. While minor shortcomings exist, they are easily outweighed by the lens’s numerous strengths. I highly recommend the CAN EF 50MM STM to any Canon DSLR owner looking for a versatile and affordable 50mm prime lens.
