The Canon bargain lens, the EF 50mm f1.8, is indeed a bargain. Solid optics and image results, in tandem with the very open aperture, adds up to a dream. But the dream does come with limits, let's take a look.
Test shot with the EF 50mm f1.8 Mark I. Shot with a Canon XTi, an older 10.1 megapixel DSLR camera.
50mm lenses have limited uses, some say. And on a crop sensor camera, the naysayers point to the 80mm length as also limiting. I say no, and that the 50mm, no matter what version, is a great "walkaround" lens, on any camera, crop sensor or full frame.
If the lens is quality, then we can yell "Bingo!"
The lens has a metal mount and solid construction, considering its rank. The plastic body doesn't feel cheap. The Mark I version also has a "depth of field" window and manual focus, albeit not full time. The lens does extend during focusing, but does not rotate, making easy use for polarizers.
If the lens is quality, then we can yell "Bingo!"
The lens has a metal mount and solid construction, considering its rank. The plastic body doesn't feel cheap. The Mark I version also has a "depth of field" window and manual focus, albeit not full time. The lens does extend during focusing, but does not rotate, making easy use for polarizers.
Autofocus is fast and snappy, and sometimes loud. But efficiency isn't hampered by the loud focusing, and this lens is capable of very nice images at fast speeds. The aperture at 1.8 isn't perfect, but it is very usable, producing nice bokeh and sharp images that are realistically rendered.
A new 50mm f1.8 direct from Canon will set you back $125.99, and the used versions are usually around a hundred bucks. The Mark I is priced a bit more, considering its build quality and depth of field window,and is usually around $130. It is well worth the money, as the lens provides much bang for the buck.
On my older Canon XTi, the lens combines for an ultra-light DSLR. I barely notice the thing when I am shooting street photos, and it fits into my coat pocket. The compact nature of this camera and lens is valuable for many reasons. As a tourist, it is an awesome choice, and takes up very little precious space. As a field camera, it is versatile and lightweight, as well as high resolution. On the street, it is tiny and ultra quality, although very noticeable. The XTi and 50mm, when utilized as a back-up camera, is compact and very capable.
The lens has a 52mm filter mount and the lens hood is the full bowl kind, not the flower petal design. Often, these extras come with a purchase, as mine came with both the full hood and a filter set.
Focus and speed remain constant throughout the aperture range, with awesome results in the middle. At f5.6 to f8, sharpness is very nice, and at open apertures, the depth of field and bokeh looks smooth if not buttery.
Focus and speed remain constant throughout the aperture range, with awesome results in the middle. At f5.6 to f8, sharpness is very nice, and at open apertures, the depth of field and bokeh looks smooth if not buttery.
The image quality of the Canon "Nifty Fifty" is something to sing about. The lens produces very nice images, from the seat of my Canon XTi, in all situations. For speed, the wide aperture allows fast shutters, and for low-light, the aperture opens up to let light in, allowing for hand-held photos that are printable and enjoyable.
This lens gets four and a half stars, out of five. In my opinion, the lens outperforms my XTi in many spots. This lens would benefit from higher resolution and a full frame. This lens is awesome, and with its low price, the Canon EF 50mm f1.8, the "Nifty Fifty" is doubly awesome. Highly recommended.
IMAGES(from initial test):
Sunpak flash unit on a Canon XTi, EF 50mm f1.8. The Zeiss Ikon is from 1937, and featured a Nettar lens and Telma shutter.
The Canon EF 50mm f1.8 is outstanding, and is my lens-of-choice for an everyday, walkaround lens.
More recent photos:
The Canon EF 50mm f1.8 is outstanding, and is my lens-of-choice for an everyday, walkaround lens.
More recent photos:
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