Here are the full specifications for the Canon RF 50mm f/1.8, I expect this lens to be announced later tonight.

Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM:

  • 6 elements in 5 groups
  • Minimum focusing distance: 0.3m /  11.8″
  • Maximum magnification: 0.25x
  • 7 aperture blades
  • 43mm filter thread
  • Size: 69.2mm / 2.72″ x 40.5mm / 1.59″
  • Weight: 160g / 0.35lbs
  • Price: $199 USD
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55 comments

  1. Interesting stuff. Let me complain, but still be happy (i.e. price): filter thread is odd size, # of apeture blades is lacking but 7 is better than 5 (...), and cool they have moved away from double gauss lens design (right, or is it just -- different..?). It will likely be my first RF lens for my EOS R (still anxious about selling my EF lenses..!).
  2. This is really a good news. I was hoping for such a small and cheap lens. If it had IS or 1:2 macro it wouldn't be that small and cheap. But 1:4 magnification is still fine (the 1:6 magnification with my EF 50mm 1.4 bothered me so much). The optical quality won't be the best in the market I guess but it's fine to me.
  3. 1:4 max. reproduction ratio converts to 95 x 144 mm image field which is a post card sized object: Fine!
    I expect a quality similar to the EF 2.8 40mm (both have one aspherical element which helps a lot wide open and in the 50mm range) and great flare resistance/contrast in contralight due to the low lens element/group count: Fine!

    I will use the RF 35 due to its better 1:2 macro and the built in IS but if I wouldn't own it I would buy it without hesitation!
    EDIT: And if I find out that this lens is better suited to film lessons from a tripod than 35mm I will buy this one which will well perform AF with DPAF and STM.
  4. Interesting stuff. Let me complain, but still be happy (i.e. price): filter thread is odd size, [...]

    Same filter thread size like EF-M 32 and EF-M 22 - is there any chance for a convergence between RF and M camera line (with a dual flange distance mount however this will be realized)?
  5. Any word on official UK pricing?
    Hoping it's isn't just the usual swap the $ for £.

    £200 ($260) for the 50mm wouldn't be that much of a bargain when the previous Nifty Fifty's have been nearer £100.
  6. Interesting stuff. Let me complain, but still be happy (i.e. price): filter thread is odd size, # of apeture blades is lacking but 7 is better than 5 (...), and cool they have moved away from double gauss lens design (right, or is it just -- different..?). It will likely be my first RF lens for my EOS R (still anxious about selling my EF lenses..!).


    No it's a pure simple double-gauss design. So it's pretty much identical in capabilities to the EF 50mm STM. Slightly better macro (0.3m MFD vs 0.35m = 0.25x instead of 0.21), same number of diaphragm blades, and same weight.
  7. Sorry for being late in the thread but does this come with a hood? Even an additional cost might interest me. I own the pancake and it is a pain to use it outdoor or near a window light. Third party hoods don't always deliver. The price is really fantastic for the time I need a 50mm, and if a native hood is available, I am all for it.
  8. Sorry for being late in the thread but does this come with a hood? Even an additional cost might interest me. I own the pancake and it is a pain to use it outdoor or near a window light. Third party hoods don't always deliver. The price is really fantastic for the time I need a 50mm, and if a native hood is available, I am all for it.
    Only L series lenses come with hoods.
  9. Wow - only $199 - that'll sell a lot of lenses, and help some people wanting to jump into the R mount system.

    It's not a lens for me, as I'd prefer a 50mm f1.4L which would have great IQ & build at a more moderate size & weight than the f1.2L. But anything that helps Canon with its market share and balance sheet is good news for everyone in the R mount system.
  10. Interesting stuff. Let me complain, but still be happy (i.e. price): filter thread is odd size, # of apeture blades is lacking but 7 is better than 5 (...), and cool they have moved away from double gauss lens design (right, or is it just -- different..?). It will likely be my first RF lens for my EOS R (still anxious about selling my EF lenses..!).
    No it is a double gauss formula and appears to be very similar to that used in the 1964 Canonet rangefinder camera where a similar optical formula appeared as a 45mm f/1.7 lens. The fifth element is aspherical in the new version. (As opposed to the other Fifth Element which was a rather lovely Milla Jovovich.
    Screenshot 2020-11-01 at 12.17.17.jpg
    I don't know what reputation this camera had as far as IQ goes, but I do remember that the simple double gauss 5 element 5 groups 40mm f/1.9 in the 1981 Canon Sure Shot AF35ML was very sharp indeed. In fact annoyingly so; it was better than my Nikkor lenses at the time.
  11. $199 is a great price for a RF version of the nifty 50. The $125 of the EF 50mm F/1.8 STM is also a great price, but was kept low due to it being a tweaked and repackaged EF 50mm F/1.8 lens. Now what Canon needs to do is release an intermediate RF 50mm F/1.4 lens, possibly with IS.
  12. $199 is doable-i'll definitely buy it. But also definitely a bit cheeky on Canon's part for what is obviously a low-effort (albeit nice) plastic 50mm lens. I have a feeling this will go down to $149 as a normal price.

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