Canon RF 50mm f/1.2 L USM Review

Summary

A lot of pressure was on Canon for this 50mm f/1.2 lens, being (at the time) Canon’s fastest mirrorless lens, and their first RF 50mm lens. Luckily for Canon, the RF 50mm f/1.2 L USM performs with distinction in almost every regard.

Optically, it is very strong even at f/1.2, and by f/2.8 it is one of the sharpest lenses we’ve tested before. It manages this without sacrificing on bokeh quality, which is better than that of the previous 50mm f/1.2, both in smoothness and in longitudinal chromatic aberration. The only real optical issue with this lens is its heavy vignetting at f/1.2, but that is far from unusual for such a lens – and it is better than average once you get to f/2 and beyond.

Besides its strong optical characteristics, the lens also offers a reassuringly built weather-sealed body, very accurate autofocus, and excellent ergonomics (both the focus limiter and the Control Ring). This is a professional lens in every way and will live up to years of hard use.

There are only a few shortcomings: the size, the price, and the lack of image stabilization. These are not surprising drawbacks – and even then, other high-end 50mm f/1.2 lenses have the same drawbacks.

Overall, the RF 50mm f/1.2 L USM is one of the best standard prime lenses around. If you can afford it and don’t mind the weight, I highly recommend it. You’ll find few lenses out there with such amazing optical characteristics as this.

Conclusion

I hope that you found this review of the Canon RF 50mm f/1.2 L to be helpful in making your decision! If you want to purchase the lens, you can thank us at Photography Life for the work that went into this review by using the links below:

• Canon RF 50mm f/1.2 L at B&H – Current Price and Sales
• Canon RF 50mm f/1.2 L at Amazon
• Used: Canon RF 50mm f/1.2 L at KEH

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Canon RF 50mm f/1.2 L USM

• Size and Weight
• Build Quality and Handling
• Sharpness Performance
• Other Image Quality
• Value

Photography Life Overall Rating

4.8