Is the Canon 50mm 1.8 STM the BEST LENS EVER?

Summary

The Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM lens has been one of the most popular and affordable lenses for photographers and videographers, thanks to its sharp images, versatile focal length, and beautiful bokeh. Despite being over 10 years old, its lightweight design, fast autofocus, and value for money make it a top choice for both beginners and professionals. Its ability to create blurred backgrounds and work in low light makes it ideal for portraiture and creative photography. Even though the EF mount is discontinued, the lens remains relevant with thousands still in use across the world.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Canon 50mm f1.8 STM is the best-selling lens of the past decade, consistently topping sales on platforms like Amazon and B&H Photo.
• 😀 Despite being 10 years old, the Canon 50mm STM still holds a 5-star rating with great reviews.
• 😀 The lens is popular because it’s an affordable way to achieve a beautiful blurry background (bokeh) in photos and videos.
• 😀 With an f/1.8 aperture, you can easily separate subjects from backgrounds, even in low light conditions.
• 😀 The lens is versatile: it’s sharp enough for landscapes at smaller apertures and excellent for close-up photography, with a minimal focus distance of just 35 cm.
• 😀 The Canon 50mm STM can be turned around and used as a macro lens with a reverse ring adapter for even closer shots.
• 😀 The lens is built with a durable metal mount, unlike its predecessor, which was made entirely of plastic.
• 😀 Despite being lightweight and compact, the Canon 50mm STM is solidly built, unlike some cheaper competitors that feel like toys.
• 😀 The lens is portable and perfect for travel, easily fitting into a backpack or pocket.
• 😀 It's an affordable lens at just over $100, providing excellent value and longevity, making it a staple for both beginners and professionals in photography and filmmaking.
• 😀 Even though the Canon EF mount system has been discontinued, many photographers still use EF-mount cameras, meaning the Canon 50mm STM remains relevant and widely used.

Q & A

Why is the Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM lens so popular despite being over 10 years old?

The Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM lens is popular because of its excellent combination of affordability, quality, and versatility. It provides fantastic image sharpness, beautiful background blur (bokeh), and reliable performance at a low price, making it a top choice for photographers and filmmakers.

What is the main feature that makes the Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM lens stand out?

The main feature that stands out is its ability to create a creamy, blurred background (bokeh) thanks to its wide f/1.8 aperture. This makes it ideal for portraits and videos, allowing photographers to isolate subjects effectively from the background.

Can the Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM lens be used for other types of photography besides portraits?

Yes, the lens is versatile enough for other types of photography, including landscape and macro photography. When stopped down a few apertures, it can deliver sharp images for landscapes. Additionally, it can be used as a macro lens when reversed with a special adapter.

What are the benefits of the Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM lens in low-light conditions?

The f/1.8 aperture allows the lens to gather more light, making it ideal for low-light conditions. Even during dusk or at night, the lens can still perform well without needing high ISO settings, which is beneficial for video and still photography.

How does the Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM lens perform when wide open at f/1.8?

While the lens is capable of shooting at f/1.8, it’s not as sharp as when stopped down a few stops. Wide-open at f/1.8, it provides a shallow depth of field and beautiful bokeh, but for sharper images, especially in outdoor conditions, it’s better to use a slightly smaller aperture.

What is the minimum focus distance of the Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM lens, and how does it benefit photographers?

The Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM lens has a minimum focus distance of 35 cm (about 1.15 feet), allowing photographers to get very close to their subject. This feature is particularly useful for capturing detailed close-up shots or even using the lens as a makeshift macro lens with a reverse ring adapter.

What is the reverse ring adapter, and why is it useful for the Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM lens?

A reverse ring adapter allows you to attach the Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM lens backward to the camera, enabling macro photography. This adapter is useful for getting extremely close to subjects, though the lens can be difficult to hold in this configuration, which is why the adapter is recommended.

How durable is the Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM lens compared to its predecessor?

The Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM lens is more durable than its predecessor due to its metal mount, which enhances its longevity. While the lens is still primarily made of high-quality plastic, the build quality is solid, and it is more resistant to wear and tear compared to the earlier versions.

How does the Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM compare to its competitors in terms of build quality?

The Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM stands out in terms of build quality compared to its competitors. Many cheaper lenses feel plasticky or rattly, but the Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM feels more robust and high-quality, making it a better option for those looking for durability without the premium price tag.

Is the Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM lens a good option for travel photography?

Yes, the Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM is an excellent option for travel photography. Its lightweight and compact design make it easy to carry in a backpack or even a pocket, while its versatile focal length and sharp performance make it a great all-around lens for various types of photography.