Canon EF 50mm f1.8 II Mini Review
If you're a photographer looking for an affordable lens with great image quality, then let's talk about the Canon EF 50mm f1.8 II. This lens was first released in 1991 and quickly became a popular choice among newbie photographers during the DSLR days. Even today, it remains a favorite among photographers who want to capture stunning images without breaking the bank. I know it’s a bit of a stretch but I’d even go so far to say that this lens has legendary status because the performance to price ratio is so awesome.
The Canon EF 50mm f1.8 II, also known as the Nifty Fifty, produces tack sharp images at a fraction of the cost of higher-end 50mm lenses. It's an excellent option for those who want to achieve amazing image quality without spending a fortune. This lens has a plastic housing and a plastic mount, which helps keep production costs low. But with that being said you definitely don’t want to be dropping this lens.
Despite its low price, this lens offers fantastic center sharpness and can hold its own against modern lenses. It's especially great for low-light situations, such as shooting bands or events in dimly lit rooms, or taking pictures at night. With its f1.8 aperture, it lets in a lot of light, making it easier to get a good exposure without pushing the ISO.
The Canon EF 50mm f1.8 II is not known for having blazing fast autofocus and it was never designed for video work or AF tracking. The focusing motors are also a bit noisy. Despite all that, in my use with this lens on mirrorless cameras I have found that the auto focus works just as good as it did on my EOS 5DmkIII, quick and snappy. I’m also happy to report that this EF 50mm f1.8 is also works with modern auto focus tracking modes such as animal tracking and eye tracking.
Unfortunately, Canon discontinued this lens as they focus on the RF mount. But, the good news is that it's still easy to find used for anywhere between $50 to $100, which is an amazing deal considering the quality of the images this lens produces. If you're looking to get the benefits of shooting with a prime lens on a budget, then the Canon EF 50mm f1.8 II is definitely worth considering.
Keep in mind that if you’re planning on using any EF mount lens on a new RF mount body you’ll need an adapter. I have both the Canon EF to RF adapter and the budget JJC EF to RF adapter and recommend both of them. More info on the adapters here.
In conclusion, the Canon EF 50mm f1.8 II is a great lens that delivers excellent image quality at an affordable price. Its low-light performance and sharpness make it an ideal choice for photographers who are looking to capture stunning images without spending a lot of money. If you're on a budget but still want to capture amazing photos, then the Canon EF 50mm f1.8 II is a lens that you should definitely consider.
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EF to RF Adapters
JJC EF-RF Adapter - https://amzn.to/3fv09Jn
Canon EF-RF Adapter - https://amzn.to/3jhoCTK
