Canon EF 50mm f1.8 II - Lens Info
Canon EF 50mm f1.8 II - The Classic Nifty Fifty
Released in December 1990, the Canon EF 50mm f1.8 II quickly earned its place as one of the most beloved entry-level prime lenses in the Canon ecosystem. With its lightweight build, sharp optics, and unbeatable price point, it became a go-to for photographers wanting to experience the creative freedom of a fast aperture without breaking the bank. Often this Nifty Fifty was a first purchase for many new photographers myself included. This with the first lens I bought after I got tired of my kit zoom lens.
LENS SPECS
Release Date: 1990
Format: 35mm
Mount: EF
Filter: 52mm
Aperture Blades: 5
Aperture Range: 1.8 - 22
Min Focus Distance: 0.45m
Weight: 130g
Lens IS: No
Weather Sealing: No
Optical Design: 6 elements in 5 groups
Gear Shots
Build Quality
The EF 50mm f1.8 II is as minimalist as they come. It features an all-plastic construction, including the lens mount, a decision that helped Canon reduce weight and cost. While it may not feel premium in the hand, the trade-off is a featherlight design at just 130g, making it an ideal everyday carry. There were many times when I just stuffed this lens in my pocket and headed out the door to shoot pictures. It’s so light you might even forget you have it in your pocket.
Focus Motor
Autofocus is driven by a micro motor, which gets the job done but lacks the speed and silence of Canon's USM or STM systems. It’s a bit noisy and not the most precise when shooting in the dark, but for casual photography or learning the ropes of shallow depth of field, it holds its own. I actually shot my first wedding with this lens as an assistant. It shot some beautiful shots, most of my shots were in focus and most importantly it sparked my interest in wedding photography.
Lens Elements
The optical design is simple and effective, consisting of 6 elements in 5 groups. Despite this straightforward layout, the lens delivers surprisingly excellent sharpness, particularly when stopped down, and decent contrast. Wide open at f1.8, you’ll get some softness and visible vignetting, but nothing unexpected for a lens in this class.
Physical Attributes
This lens features a 52mm filter thread, a minimum focusing distance of 0.45m, and a 5-blade aperture diaphragm, which results in pentagon-shaped bokeh highlights when stopped down. The lack of a distance scale and manual focus ring grip adds to its stripped-down feel, but again, it’s all about value and simplicity with this lens. If you want to step up the quality back in the 90s you’d look up to the EF 50mm f1.4.
A Bit of History
The EF 50mm f1.8 II replaced the original EF 50mm f1.8 (1987) and remained in Canon's lineup for over two decades before being succeeded by the EF 50mm f1.8 STM in 2015. Despite its budget build, it became a cult favorite, earning nicknames like the “nifty fifty” for its creative potential at such a low price.
