Canon EF vs RF - 50mm F/1.2 - My Thoughts + Example Photos - Portrait Photoshoot Behind the Scenes!

Summary

In this review, photographer Zach compares the Canon RF 50mm f/1.2 L lens with its predecessor, the EF 50mm f/1.2 L. He highlights the RF's superior sharpness, faster autofocus, and better contrast, making it ideal for those seeking perfection in image quality. However, he appreciates the EF lens's unique character, particularly its magical bokeh and lens flare. Despite the RF lens’s premium build and features, Zach concludes that the EF lens still suits his gritty, imperfect shooting style, making it a difficult decision for those prioritizing budget or artistic flexibility over sheer performance.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L lens is significantly sharper than the older EF version, offering superior image quality, even wide open at f/1.2.
• 😀 Despite the RF lens' improved sharpness, the EF 50mm f/1.2L is still a sharp lens and performs well with mirrorless cameras, especially with their superior autofocus systems.
• 😀 The RF 50mm lens features better autofocus performance, especially in backlit situations, thanks to the enhanced autofocus system of Canon's R-series cameras.
• 😀 The RF 50mm lens offers better contrast and less color fringing in high contrast areas compared to the EF lens.
• 😀 Both lenses produce beautiful bokeh, but the RF lens offers a smoother and creamier blur, while the EF lens has a unique, magical character with a distinctive lens flare.
• 😀 The RF 50mm lens has a modern design and includes a control ring, which is useful for aperture control on certain Canon cameras like the EOS R.
• 😀 The RF lens is significantly larger and heavier than the EF version, which can affect comfort and handling, especially for photographers used to the lighter EF lens.
• 😀 Despite its size and weight, the RF 50mm lens balances well on the Canon R6, making it comfortable to shoot with, despite its bulk.
• 😀 The RF lens is much more expensive than the EF lens, which raises the question of whether the improved image quality justifies the price difference for certain photographers.
• 😀 Zach concludes that while the RF lens is technically superior, for his personal shooting style, the EF 50mm f/1.2L remains a better fit, as he values its unique character and imperfections in image quality.

Q & A

Why did Zach decide to try the RF 50mm f/1.2 lens?

Zach wanted to explore the differences between the RF 50mm f/1.2 and the older EF version, particularly to understand if the RF lens's larger size, higher cost, and improvements in sharpness and autofocus were truly worth the upgrade.

How much more expensive is the RF 50mm f/1.2 lens compared to the EF version?

The RF 50mm f/1.2 lens is approximately $1000 more expensive than the EF version, with the EF lens priced around $1400 and the RF lens priced at about $2300.

What is the key difference in image quality between the RF and EF 50mm f/1.2 lenses?

The RF lens is notably sharper, even at f/1.2, offering better contrast and much less color fringing compared to the EF lens. The RF lens excels in terms of sharpness, especially in high-contrast situations.

How does the autofocus performance compare between the RF and EF lenses?

The RF lens offers faster and more accurate autofocus, particularly in backlit situations. However, the EF lens still performs well with modern mirrorless cameras, so it doesn't significantly slow down the shooting process for Zach.

What are Zach's thoughts on the bokeh produced by both lenses?

Zach finds both lenses produce beautiful bokeh, but the RF lens creates a smoother, creamier blur, while the EF lens has a unique and magical character, particularly with its dreamy lens flare when shooting into direct sunlight.

Does the RF lens sacrifice character for sharpness, according to Zach?

Zach initially feared the RF lens might feel clinically sharp and lack character, but he was pleased to find that the RF lens still has its own unique beauty, with impressive sharpness combined with a smooth fall-off in focus that creates a near 3D effect.

How does the build quality of the RF and EF lenses compare?

Both lenses are well-built and weather-sealed, but the RF lens is much larger and heavier than the EF lens. Despite this, Zach found that the RF lens balanced nicely on the EOS R6, making it a viable option for many photographers.

What feature does the RF lens have that the EF lens lacks?

The RF lens includes a control ring, which can be useful for adjusting settings like aperture, especially on the EOS R camera. The EF lens does not have this feature.

Does Zach believe the RF lens is worth the upgrade over the EF lens?

While Zach is tempted by the RF lens due to its superior image quality and autofocus performance, he concludes that the EF lens still meets his needs. He appreciates its slightly less sharp wide-open image but values its imperfections, which suit his gritty editing style.

Who would benefit most from upgrading to the RF 50mm f/1.2 lens?

Photographers who prioritize achieving the sharpest, most accurate images, particularly for beauty and portrait photography, would benefit the most from upgrading to the RF lens. The improved autofocus, sharpness, and contrast make it ideal for those seeking perfection in their work.