The Nifty Fifty Mini Review

In the world of photography, lenses play a vital role in capturing beautiful images. One lens that has gained widespread popularity among enthusiasts and newbie photographers alike is the Canon EF 50mm f1.8 II. Often referred to as the "nifty fifty," this lens is celebrated for its exceptional image quality and affordability. And perhaps the best thing about this lens is that it’s fully compatible with Canon’s new mirrorless R camera system (Using an EF to RF Adapter). In this blog post, we'll delve into the features and benefits of the Canon EF 50mm f1.8 II, exploring why it has become a favorite tool for many photographers.

Optical Excellence:

We all know about how good Canon L glass is. As an owner of several L lenses as well as the EF 50mm f1.8 II I can tell you that comparatively this little lens is a hidden gem when it comes to optical performance. Surprisingly it holds its own against the top end lenses. The Canon EF 50mm f1.8 II boasts remarkable optical performance, delivering stunningly sharp images with excellent detail and clarity. Its fast f1.8 maximum aperture allows for impressive low-light shooting capabilities, enabling photographers to capture captivating images even in challenging lighting conditions. The wide aperture also facilitates beautiful background blur, commonly known as "bokeh," which adds a pleasing visual element to portraits and close-up shots.

Compact and Lightweight:

One of the key advantages of the Canon EF 50mm f1.8 II is its compact and lightweight design. Weighing just 130 grams, this lens is incredibly light, making it an ideal choice for photographers who value convenience and mobility. Its small form factor ensures that it won't add unnecessary weight to your camera bag, allowing you to carry it effortlessly wherever your photography journey takes you. 

Versatility:

The 50mm focal length is known for its versatility, making the Canon EF 50mm f1.8 II an incredibly adaptable lens. With its standard angle of view, it closely resembles the perspective of the human eye, resulting in natural-looking images that are neither too wide nor too narrow. This makes it suitable for a wide range of photography genres, including portraits, street photography, landscapes, and even product photography. Whether you're capturing intimate portraits or documenting the beauty of the world around you, this lens can handle just about every situation. 

Affordability:

One of the most appealing aspects of the Canon EF 50mm f1.8 II is its affordability. Priced significantly lower than many other lenses in its category, it provides exceptional value for money. This accessibility has made it an excellent choice for photography enthusiasts who are looking to expand their lens collection without breaking the bank. It’s often the first lens bought by photographers who are looking to experiment with prime lens photography. The EF 50mm f1.8 II was actually the first lens I bought to accompany my kit lens when I decided to invest more into developing my craft. This lens proves that you don't need to spend a fortune to obtain a high-quality lens that produces outstanding results.

Learning Tool:

Beyond its technical capabilities, the Canon EF 50mm f1.8 II can also serve as a valuable learning tool for photographers. Its fixed focal length encourages photographers to move around and actively compose their shots, honing their skills in framing and composition. I found that this prime lens really helped me develop that aspect of my skill set early on. Furthermore, the lens's wide aperture offers an opportunity to experiment with shallow depth of field, encouraging photographers to explore creative techniques and unlock their artistic vision.

The Drawbacks:

In order to keep this lens at such an affordable price Canon had to make some concessions. They’re not deal breakers at this price point but if you’re going to invest in this lens there are a few things you need to be aware of. First of all the lens has a 100% plastic housing including a plastic bayonet mount. Due to the popularity of this lens there are a few third party manufacturers that have made metal lens mounts for this lens. It’s pretty easy to swap lens mounts. The next thing to be aware of is that this lens is not weather sealed. Taking it out in the snow, rain or even a sandy desert is probably not a good idea. And finally the focusing motor on this little lens is far from silent. It’s not loud by any means but if you’re shooting an event and trying to be inconspicuous good luck.   

EF to RF Adapter & Autofocus:

I feel it’s important to mention that this lens is an older EF mount lens designed for Canon’s EF mount DSLR cameras. If you’re shooting with a Canon DSLR than this lens will mount to your camera without issue. However, if you’re using one of Canon’s new mirrorless R system cameras you’ll need an EF to RF adapter. Canon makes their own adapters but there are also a variety of third party adapters you can find online as well if you want to save some money. I have a video about one here. I’m also pleased to announce that when it comes to autofocus there is no difference in AF speed and performance between using this lens on a DSLR or adapted to mirrorless. It can even take full advantages of modern features such as eye tracking. This is great news for anybody interested in this amazing little lens.

Conclusion:

The Canon EF 50mm f1.8 II, affectionately known as the "nifty fifty," is a lens that has won the hearts of countless photographers. Its exceptional image quality, versatility, affordability, and light weight build make it a valuable addition to any camera bag. Whether you're a beginner or are looking to get into prime lens photography, this lens has the power to unleash your creative potential and capture stunning photographs in a wide range of scenarios. So, if you're in search of an affordable yet remarkable lens, the Canon EF 50mm f1.8 II is undoubtedly worth considering.