The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM is a popular choice among photographers due to its affordable price and impressive image quality. This review will delve into the lens’s key features and performance to help you determine if it’s the right fit for your photography needs.

Image Quality

  • Sharpness: The EF 50mm delivers excellent sharpness, even wide open at f/1.8. The center of the frame is particularly sharp, with only a slight falloff towards the corners. Stopping down to f/4 or f/5.6 further improves sharpness across the entire frame.
  • Bokeh: The lens produces pleasing bokeh with smooth, circular bokeh balls. The quality of the bokeh is largely dependent on the aperture and the distance to the subject. At wider apertures, the bokeh is more pronounced and creamy.
  • Color Rendering: The EF 50mm accurately renders colors, producing vibrant and natural-looking images. The lens’s color rendition is consistent across the entire focal length range.

Performance

  • Autofocus: The lens employs a stepping motor (STM) for autofocus, which is generally quiet and smooth. It’s suitable for both stills and video, providing accurate and reliable focusing performance.
  • Image Stabilization: While the EF 50mm doesn’t have built-in image stabilization, it can still be used effectively for handheld shooting in moderate lighting conditions.

Design and Build Quality

  • Size and Weight: The lens is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry and use for extended periods.
  • Build Quality: The EF 50mm is well-constructed with a plastic exterior. While it may not feel as premium as some other lenses, it’s still durable and capable of withstanding regular use.

Overall 

The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM is a fantastic budget-friendly portrait lens that offers excellent image quality and reliable performance. Its compact size and affordable price make it a great choice for photographers looking for a versatile lens to add to their kit.