Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Review
Many a photographer has looked to Canon's "nifty fifty"—the EF 50mm f/1.8 II USM ($125.99)—as a first lens due to its attractive price and wide aperture. The first update to the lens in nearly two decades, the EF 50mm f/1.8 STM ($125.99), keeps the optics and the price the same, but uses a stepping motor (STM) for focus. The new motor provides smooth, quiet focus when paired with newer Canon cameras, but it's on the slow side. If you're buying on price alone, the 50mm f/1.8 STM is a solid choice, but it's not the best standard-angle prime available for Canon cameras. Editors' Choice honors for fast 50mm lenses stay with the Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM Art ($948.99 at Amazon) . The Sigma is a larger, heavier, and pricier prime lens, but its optical quality is fantastic.
DesignThe EF 50mm f/1.8 ($125.00 at Amazon) is a small, light lens. It measures 1.6 by 2.7 inches (HD), weighs just 5.7 ounces, and supports 49mm front filters. Canon doesn't include a lens hood, but you can buy the ES-...
The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM is the company's least expensive lens. It's an excellent value, even if it does have some flaws.
Sharp at f/1.8; Lightweight; Silent, smooth video focus; Very affordable
Modest barrel distortion; Slower focus; Can flare; Some fall-off at wide aperture; Omits stabilization; Narrower field of view on APS-C cameras; Hood not included