Can You REALLY Tell a $2000 Difference?! (Canon RF 50mm 1.8 vs 1.2)

Today we're taking a look at a budget friendly RF lens from Canon, the RF 50mm 1.8! We've reviewed the RF 50mm1.2L in the past but mostly in comparison with the EF L series version. Today we're looking at this affordable prime lens from Canon to see if it's a viable options for someone looking to make money as a photographer but can't afford the $2000+ pricetag of the L series version!

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0:00 Hello!
00:53 Disclaimers
02:20 What Makes These Lenses Different?
03:29 1st Impressions Holding RF 50mm 1.8
05:09 Testing the Lens
10:38 Reviewing the Images
14:46 Conclusion

[brent.cowley]

For anyone who has some of the budget RF f1.8 primes, I think one of the key things is to shoot it at around f2.2-2.5 if you want to get better sharpness and contrast while still retaining a good amount of background separation. This is especially true when shooting against bright lights.

[kolorbrown]

This is the content we're looking for, unbiased, , straight froward and honest. Thanks

[jasonwrites]

As Katelyn pointed out - if you can't afford the fancy version of any lens...don't stress about it. You can certainly grow your business with a 1.8 or a 2.8 or even a kit lens, really. Don't go into debt buying gear. Work on being a better photographer, on how to create a sustainable business, how to appeal to your market, etc, etc, rather than the quick dopamine payoff of gear acquisition.

I'm just entering year 3 as a wedding photographer, and while my business has grown quite a bit, I still pay cash for everything - well, I put it on my CC, but I pay it off in its entirety. ;)

A nice rule to consider if you're not sure if you can afford a product is whether you can buy it twice; if you can't buy it twice, then it might be worth holding off so you're not riding the line all day, every day. Because you never know when something might suddenly break and you'll be glad you have some cash to help cover the unexpected costs of running a biz.

[andrewelder]

One other thought about the Nifty Fifty (RF 50mm f/1.8) is that it also solves the travel question you asked some weeks back. Not only is this MUCH less of an investment to worry about losing or dropping, but it's also MUCH lighter and more compact to carry around, but still gives you VASTLY better shots than you could take with your phone. The 35mm could also be a great solution, depending on your focal preference. Both are versatile and give great results and FANTASTIC value!

[RexB]

The RF glass from Canon is honestly so sharp and they have fantastic autofocus. I have the RF 35 f1.8 and the RF 85 F2 and paired with my R6, the results are often sharper than even some of their older EF L lenses. You really can't go wrong with RF glass, even on the budget end.

[vocefuoricampo]

So much fun to see you taking pictures of the kids having fun! I completely lost focus on testing the lenses and had to review everything! Much better than those very serious technical reviews

[melissakeranen]

The 1.8 was a huge upgrade from my kit lenses... and I am by NO means a professional photographer, even though I would love to be some day... But I have noticed that the 1.8 doesn't quite give the crispness that I yearn for, but it has been an excellent addition for me, and has really helped me feel more confident! Thank you for this comparison. I really appreciated it!

[kellih]

So happy to listen to this video. I'm shooting with an R5 and the 50 mm 1.8 and have been so happy with the images I'm getting during family sessions. I can't afford the money for the 1.2 right now and my clients have been super happy with their images as well. This made my day!

[xodius]

L lenses do bring presence, I find it important because it makes my clients feel secure that my prices are justified just looking at the hardware, it might be shallow, but is very relevant

[WanderAroundTown]

i love how calm your voice and video are, thank you for this!

[zambination]

2:32 It's not all metal. It has a poly-carbonate body, a metal mount, and some metal parts inside
3:40 The EF version has also a metal mount
Nice video. ☺

[shotbysifa]

By far my favorite video explaining the difference between two different classes of lenses. Thank you!

[andrewelder]

YES!! When I switched to the Canon R6 this past June, I bought this exact 'trifecta' of budget lenses: the 35mm, 50mm, and 85mm (all together for <$1000, Canon should REALLY just bundle these :D) and I've been VERY happy with the results! I've booked client shoots and they've loved their photos. With the money I made with these three humble beasts, the first "L" lens I saved up for and bought was the 70-200 f/2.8, simply because it wasn't a focal length I could cover with those three (waiting for that 135mm prime!). That allowed me to sell my EF 70-200 and go all RF. And honestly, I have no plans to buy the RF 28-70 or 24-70 for awhile. Just gonna sock away some more and buy one in CASH maybe around the holidays if there's a sale. These primes are doing GREAT for me!

[TheArtofKAS]

Ooooo... Can't get enough of these comparisons. They're all so fun to work with and The feel and images made by them are just 👏🏿👌

[loganz]

I have L lenses and the cheaper RF lenses. I switch to the cheaper RF 50, 35, 24 for candid time. It really saves on the weight and fatigue for those few hours.. and less intimidating to guests.

[ivanjasper]

Solid advice. I would like to see a similar comparison between an ef 1.2 and an Rf 1.2

[ro]

I really respect the honesty, practicality and reasonableness of your advice. I think it's spot on!

[TaylorMclawhorn_]

This is the most fun I’ve had watching a review in a long time.

[DustinBairdsolo]

I’m kind of more blown away by the even exposure inside of your house to the outside. This video looks amazing. Great work on the whole thing!

[zayanything]

I had a wedding a weekend from August until October 1st and found the RF 50 1.2 for $500 less than retail on eBay and decided to purchase as sort of a long term rental and I’d sell it once the wedding season was over.

It’s fall mini and senior session season and I still can’t let it go. It never leaves my camera. I often debate whether it’s worth it, as it’s sometimes too sharp for some of my clients, but I still love it.