This is a CR2, folks… so let’s realise a quite different 50mm prime could come out in the end. (CR2 does not equal CR3!) Over the years there have been many CR2 rumours that did not come to fruition (but I remain thankful to Canon Rumors for being a great resource, and the many rumours that were accurate).
I too want a new Canon EF 50mm in the ‘line’ of recent non-L prime releases (ie 24/28/35mm- with USM and IS).
Aperture
I definitely want faster than f/2.8 for the 50mm. I consider f/2.8 aperture to be only ‘moderately fast’. ‘Fast’ for me means f/1.8 – f/2, and ‘very fast glass’ is f/1.2 – f/1.4. So if Canon is about to release a new 50mm, please between f/1.4 and f/2.
I’m interested / curious… has there ever been a f/1.6 lens? A f/1.6 lens would fill a neat ‘sweet spot’ in terms of aperture speed, imho. Just a thought / idea / conversation starter (pretty please, Canon?!)
AF / Focusing
I would love USM focusing; but would settle for STM if it is implemented well on the 50mm. So far my experience with seeing and trying STM on modern Canon bodies is good, very good- not quite USM but decent enough for general photography (not perhaps the best for fast moving subjects – eg birds, other fast wildlife or sports). Don’t talk to me about
At this stage, I’m wary of Sigma AF issues. Although some people have good experiences with various Sigma lens’ AF (from Sigma 50 HSM EX to Sigma 50 Art, etc) I had used a number of Sigma lenses, and a few of them – even with HSM had definite AF inconsistencies (I tested them on various bodies and in situations – and compared to Canon USM).
(Having said that, I am very grateful for, and happy with my Sigma 8-16mm which has HSM. Not that ‘exact accurate focus’ is a big deal with this lens, often I use this lens in MF mode anyway.
For critical applications (as this 50mm fast prime would be) I need an AF system to nail focus at least 19 times out of 20 – i.e. 95%. I’ve never been let down by Canon USM though. And having a lens that is fast, means the more accurate ‘fast glass’ AF points functionality can be used too.
Image Stabilisation (IS)
I would love 4 stop IS, but if the price is competitive and IQ is great I would settle for a 50mm without IS.
IS is particularly helpful (even with primes, and for that matter, also with ‘wider angle’ lenses for hand-holding, to allow a lower ISO (ie higher IQ) where you don’t want to shoot wide open, eg to use f/11, at ISO400 with a shutter speed of 1/25 second….
Vignetting
While some people like the ‘effect’ of vignetting, I have rarely (if ever) appreciated it. Horses for courses… in nearly all cases, I like photos to look ‘as my eye sees it’ when it comes to vignetting. So a minimal amount of vignetting is what I appreciate. Good thing is that this is easily corrected in post processing (‘post’ or PP).
CA
In the past I have had a few lenses where Chormatic aberration (CA) was quite noticeable at certain settings (eg cheaper Canon zooms, eg EF-S 18-55mm mkII, EF 28-135mm USM IS, EF100-300mm USM and Sigma’s 10-20mm f/4-5.6). I don’t find it objectionable if it can be repaired in post… and as I use DxO, it auto-corrects (ie, removes) CA in batch post very well. Main impact if it’s so bad it might impact on actual or perceived sharpness. Thankfully I now have and use lenses which are on the whole low CA (eg Canon EF-S 15-85mm and Canon EF 70-300mm L USM IS, as well as the Sigma 8-16mm is much better than the Sigma 10-20mm).
Hoping (& expecting) the 50mm will have low CA… the existing Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM has high, and quite objectionable CA….
Bokeh
It would be great if the 50mm has smooth, creamy bokeh, both fore & background – and also in the transition zones. Having rounded aperture blades (with 8 or 9 of these) would be great!
Build quality / lens body
For me, I generally don’t need ‘L’ / weather sealed… though at times (eg an unexpected bit of rain, etc) – that comes in handy (as it did yesterday when I was out – and a light shower passed by – I hd my 70-300mm L lens on my 7D, so it was ok). Yes, I prefer a metal mount – with a focus window, having tightly assembled parts.
If the size size & weight can be close to the existing Canon 50mm f/1.4 that would be good. I like 58mm filters (have a few of these already…) so hoping it will be a 58mm, but I don’t know if that will ‘work’ given the aperture and design. Otherwise I do have 67mm and 72mm filters, but hoping for a smaller / more pocketable / portable lens as a prime.
Price
Depending on all the various criteria / variables that a potential Canon EF 50mm prime could be, I would be happy / willing to pay between $400 and $800… Eg if it has fast, reliable USM, 4 stop IS, has absolutely fantastic IQ – also wide open, etc, etc, etc – then closer to the $800. If it misses some of the above features / quality, then perhaps around $400 to $500. I don’t expect a new ‘good’ EF 50mm to sell / retail for less than $400 (at least not initially). And I’m talking AUD (Aussie dollars).
Paul
