Canon 50mm 1.8 STM Hidden Gem Or Overrated?

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[ecka]

That's one of my favorite lenses too. Its size, its weight, its character, its superb sharpness when stopped down a little, its 0.21x magnification, its front element sitting deep inside the barrel safely and no lens hood required (for the EF STM version, not the RF), all of those things plus the low price make it unbelievably practical and capable tool, or should I say "nifty" 😊 It's fun to use, it's always with me and the results can be stunning, just like the ones in this video. Well done!

[infinitesky-]

A used 40d with this lens is an unbeatable value for money combination if someone is on a very tight budget and will produce some lovely looking images.

[jallythekid]

I have some more premium L lenses than the 50mm f1.8, but I have to say, the 50 1.8 stm is my favorite and most used lens so far, because it's so small and lightweight, like he said, you can have it with you anyway, why not. And it goes everywhere with me. It's so cheap, you don't have to worry about it at all, it's so easy to replace. The photos are sharp enough and the renderin is pleasing

[bertjeeninga]

Thanks for mentioning the Canon 80D with the 1.8 50 mm as a good match. I own this combination and use it mostly for concert and street photography. Indeed in low Light it somtimes hunts for focus.

[Nekojitablog]

Thank you for your videos! Not many people talk about those old cameras and lenses anymore. I bought this lens recently but my copy is very soft or maybe my 5D suffers from front focusing or back focusing. My 50mm never gets sharp and the rendering is flat and boring. I mean, there is no a sense of three dimensional space. I shot the 50mm f1.4 during 2009-2010ish and the pictures came out great. Now I use Zeiss/Leica/Voigtlander and the images look so 3D it is impressive. I would buy the 1.2L but it is too big for walking the streets the whole day😅. Have you tried manual lenses like the 50mm Planar?

[joopruck]

Your review is absolutely right, Martin. I use this lens extensively on my 6D Mark I and 700D, primarily for portraits, and I'm very satisfied with it. As you mentioned, the lens does have its limitations, so you need to be aware of them and adjust your shooting accordingly. But that's part of the fun of photography (at least for me).

[karlbrodowsky]

For my system the 50/f1.4 is really small and I often take it if I take multiple lenses along and anticipate that it might be useful.
Interesting point that you have the 1.8 and the 1.2, but the way you explained it it makes perfect sense. Btw. I did start with a 50/f1.7 as very first lense, but I don't have that anymore.

[sharpskilz]

This lens has paid for itself a thousand times over, ive bought 3 copies of it so far. I do have a sigma 50 f1.4 but I rarely use it. I love its character at F1.8 buts its a banger around f2.8 totally smokes both versions of the 24-70 f2.8 at 50mm. Ive sold/used 1000s of images from this lens in my professional work.

[Sooch]

You should do a video on how you color grade your photos, would love to see that and hear your thoughts

[bestill]

Thank you for all of you in depth insights. This lens is my everyday carry lens on my Canon Rebel T2i. One of the best things about using it for indoor on-the-spot portraits is that it’s helped me to learn to value having my people face the window during daylight, and face the neon lights of the signs in the bar, along with the overhead lights above the bar. So much fun!

[MichaelPLibby]

I used it one my crop body, Canon Rebel T5, and something was not perfect in that combination and it was more out of focus. But on my Canon 5D classic it is al most always in focus which has really helped me getting to be confident in photography cause I know, it will be in focus. I has helped me a lot to grow.

[snakechmr]

Martin: I just subbed your channel and have referred your work to a couple of my photo buddies. Absolutely love it! Please keep them coming. I’m a fan of the “Nifty 50”. On a recent trip to the UK, I challenged a buddy of mine to a 50mm contest where both of us came away with some fantastic photos. BTW, we both had the Canon R6MkI and RF 50mm 1.8 STM. In addition to great photos, we also came away with a renewed appreciation for that lens. Despite being a BIG fan of my RF 24-70 2.8L - my “money-maker”, I still keep the 50mm in my bag and is a key lens in my travel kit. Great lens at a great price. I wish folks would stop calling it “cheap” - it’s inexpensive and a tremendous value for dollar/pound especially the RF version’s better build quality.

Canon is announcing its 50mm 1.4 tonight. I’ve been waiting for 1.4s in that focal length and the 85mm. We’ll have to see how it performs.

[ianphillips]

Totally agree. My copy of the F1.8 50mm STM lives in a pocket in the camera bag as a go to 2nd lens when with one of the more premium L/F4 zooms are not giving the image. Have used the lens on all 3 of the currently owned Canon cameras, purchased initially when only shooting on APS, but still gets used when shooting the 5D.

[Boohooooo]

I’d definitely pay to have a full course taught by you on lighting and posing. I doubt I could afford it but you’re a great speaker.

[andrefelixstudio]

I highly recommend this lens for a crop sensor. it’s ideally suited for a three-quarter image or a headshot as it has the same similar look as an 85 mm on a full frame camera!

[photobugz]

I do like your video style! As for this lens it is quite simple. Simply everyone should have one!!

[thethhour]

You are great man !! Easy to listen to !!

[billb]

Love this! Martin, would you consider the 50mm 1.4 from Canon to be a step up from this lens if affordability on the 1.2 is not there yet, or would you recommend the 1.8 over the 1.4 and just save for the 1.2?

[iphoneography]

I use the 50mm 1.8 on my 90D, great combo.

[Bahman.t.a]

Very nice video as always. Subscribed. My 50 mm f1.8 is on my 5Dii the most of the time. I even put it on my m43 bodies using focal reducer and it renders beautifully