Canon EF 50mm F1.2 L USM Review

General information

This is a prime lens manufactured by Canon and the lens was released 2007.
The lens belongs to the category standard prime lenses, a normal lens where you do not have the possibility to zoom in and out.

Product description from Canon

At launch 2007 Canon wrote this regarding Canon EF 50mm F1.2 L USM :

"The EF 50mm f/1.2L USM is a peerless new standard lens featuring an ultra-large aperture for a narrow depth of field and soft background blur so loved by photographers everywhere. The EF 50mm f/1.2L USM is suitable for any shooting situation; its lens coating and construction are optimized to minimize the ghosting and flare that frequently occurs when lenses are used with digital cameras. This high-performance, weather-resistant lens delivers all the superb image resolution and contrast you expect in a Canon L Series Lens.

EF50mm F1.2L USM is an ultra-large aperture standard lens ideally suited for portrait photography. In addition to offering a shallow depth of field with a maximum aperture of F1.2, the lens enables the use of fast shutter speeds to reduce motion blur and support shooting in low light. Employing a large, high-precision aspherical lens element made of highly refractive glass to minimize aberrations during focusing, the EF50mm F1.2L USM lens maintains the superior image quality throughout the shooting range for which Canon’s L-series lenses are renowned. Additionally, the lens’s ring-type USM (Ultrasonic Motor), high-speed CPU, and optimized AF (AutoFocus) algorithm enable silent and extremely accurate autofocus operation. Designed to meet the diverse needs of professional and advanced amateur photographers, the bright lens features full-time manual focusing, which enables users to focus by hand in the AF mode, and a dust- and moisture-proof construction, ensuring unfailing performance even under harsh conditions. Ideal for photographers who shoot portraits and weddings, Canon’s EF50mm F1.2L USM lens features a round aperture that achieves excellent background blur."


Compatibility, autofocus and focal length

This lens is constructed to fit all models of Canon cameras, regardless of camera model or type of sensor.

The ability to use autofocus is available for all cameras.

The lens has a focal length of 50 mm. Depending on which camera the lens is used, the experienced and perceived focal length will be different. Please visit the list of compatible cameras below, it will provide the equivalent focal length you get on each camera.

Lens brightness and image stabilizer

The lens brightness and aperture value is f/1,2.

This aperture value indicates that the lens is extremely bright.  This will make it so much easier shooting in darker environments where you do not want or can use flash lighting, for example in churches or at different sports venues.

The lens lacks image stabilization, which otherwise os good for avoiding the blur that can occur when using slow shutter speeds. Since the lens is bright, with good aperture value, the lack of image stabilization might not be that big of a deal, although a image stabilizer is always an advantage to have.

Filter and Lens Hood

The lens has a traditional filter thread on the front and its measuring 72 mm which also the filter you will use must have. If you use for example an UV filter can be a cheap insurance against scratches and dust.

If you buy this lens it will come with a lens hood, whose model name is "ES-78 ".

Images of Canon EF 50mm F1.2 L USM

In order to see larger product images of the lens, click the link below.

Things to consider before buying

Below you will find some summarized points and facts that can be considered as the 'pros and cons' of this lens. These are based entirely on the facts and values that are accessible through the lens specification, so we highly recommend that you also read the reported reviews available (see tab 'Reviews'); this in order to get a more complete view of the lens and its capabilities. Reviewer opinions reflect the lens, its use and its optical performance in a more accurate way, but any way - here a few different points to consider before buying this lens.

  • The lens brightness, f/1,2
  • Works on all sensor types
  • A lens hood is included
  • The lens is sealed against dust and moisture
  • Heavy (580 gr)
  • The price (more info)

Our Review Ratings

Time to grade Canon EF 50mm F1.2 L USM .

Build Quality     
Image Quality     
Autofocus     
Sharpness     
Versatility     
Value     
Overall rating 3 of 5

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