Product Comparison: Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM vs Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM


General Specifications
Brand
Canon
Canon
Model
EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM
EF 50mm f/1.4 USM
Origin
Japan
Japan
About the Product
The Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM lens is a peerless standard lens for Canon digital SLR cameras. The lens is suitable for any shooting situation, with a lens coating and construction type that are optimized to minimize the ghosting and flare that frequently occurs when lenses are used with digital cameras. The lens also offers an ultra-large aperture that produces a narrow depth of field and the type of soft background blur so loved by photographers everywhere. The high-performance, weather-resistant lens delivers all the superb image resolution and contrast you expect in a Canon L Series lens.
It’s often said that a face can tell a thousand stories. And the real beauty of portrait photography is that every shot is as individual as the person in it. Capturing a face can be one of the most satisfying and rewarding types of photography. And, with a good lens and the right technique, it’s easy to get the results you want.
Key Specs
Mount Type
Canon EF
Canon EF
Maximum Aperture
1.2 /f
1.4 /f
Minimum Focal Length
50 millimeters
50 millimeters
Maximum Focal Length
50 millimeters
50 millimeters
Lens Type
Fixed
Fixed
What customers say about "Key Specs"
 
Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Lens for Canon DSLRs
  • Another reason that I preferred this lens was the metal mount, though I believe the f/1.8 II transitioned to a metal mount as well.
  • The mounting is plastic and the front focus ring feels like an after thought.
  • Additionally, it doesn't really have a good mount for a hood. Finally, the focus ring is very touchy - the full motion of the focus is only about a quarter of a turn, so you have very little room for fine tuning.
  • Beyond the angle of view though, it's most commendable quality is the super-bright f1.4 aperture.
  • Really though, I think the number one reason that I love this lens is because it is such a versatile focal length with a fast aperture, and great performance in low light.
Size & Weight
Height
3.4 in.
2.9 in.
Width
3.4 in.
2.9 in.
Depth
2.8 in.
2 in.
Weight
20.8 oz.
10.2 oz.
What customers say about "Size & Weight"
 
Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Lens for Canon DSLRs
  • Well-built. It's a fairly small lens that has tight tolerances and an appropriate weight for the size.
  • It is just the right size and weight. Most lenses are just too big, bulky, and heavy for general purpose use.
  • The lens has more weight and has a real hood attachment, and photos just come out better than the f/1.8 - better focus and more saturation and contrast.
  • First off this lens is amazingly solid (makes the plastic kit lens feel like a toy). I swear it doubles the weight of my camera (not in a bad way)... I now understand the reviews which said that the T2i feels cheap.
  • It has some weight to it, so it feels like great quality.
Imaging
Minimum Focus Distance
17.7 in.
17.7 in.
Field Of View
46°
46°
Zoom Type
Manual
Manual
Focus
Auto Focus, Manual Focus
Auto Focus, Manual Focus
Optical Stabilization
No
No
What customers say about "Imaging"
 
Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Lens for Canon DSLRs
  • The focus and recompose method will not suffice most of the time. If you've have microadjust, put that to use.
  • It doesn't zoom, it just does bokeh and does it well. Sharp enough for my general purpose.
  • It's not a zoom lens so get ready to move those feet :) This is a very nice prime lens and if you are a beginner like me, this lens should definitely be in your collection.
  • Though technically not a macro lens since the minimum focal length is 18 inches, you can still achieve some very nice close-up images.
  • Crisp focus with zero adjustment needed and AI servo through 10 frame run and all spot on in focus.
Features
Brand Compatibility
Canon
Canon
Sensor Type Compatibility
Full-Frame
Full-Frame
Lens Groups and Elements
8 Elements in 6 Groups
7 Elements in 6 Groups
Number of Aperture Blades
8
8
Filter Diameter
72 millimeters
58 millimeters
Extras
Ultrasonic autofocus motor (USM), Polaroid Optics 72mm 4 Piece Filter Set (UV, CPL, FLD, WARMING), Polaroid 5 Piece Camera Cleaning Kit, Bower Lens Pouch 4.5-Inch Basic, Polaroid Studio Series 72mm Snap Mount Lens Cap & Lens Cap Strap
Ultrasonic autofocus motor (USM), The ultimate mixture of versatility and image quality, Super Spectra coating, Smooth background blur
What customers say about "Features"
 
Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Lens for Canon DSLRs
  • Great product. If you are rocking a cropped sensor also consider the 35mm f/2. Both great for the money, the 35mm on the cropped sensor will look a lot like this lens on a full.
  • This lens is a lot of fun to play around with. It takes excellent pictures and the 1.4 aperture creates jaw-dropping pictures in dark scenarios. For an amateur photographer, this is a really cool feature.
  • The prime focus is very very sharp. I think that is my favorite feature about the lens.
  • Now the canon 50mm 1.4 I bought brand new in amazon some time ago and take very special care with because I know the USM motor is very sensitive and gets damaged with any little bump and if you twist to hard on a filter you can damage as well .
  • The front element is recessed well and serves like a hood. Fully focused to infinity, the front barrel is completely flush. However, if you add on a filter, that filter ring will jutt out a little. I happened to have dropped the lens once on the filter.
Warranty / Certifications
Manufacturer Warranty
1 year(s)
1 year(s)
Certifications
CE
CE
Other Information
Manufacturer
Other reviews