Camera lens that brings a compact, fast prime option to Canon mirrorless shooters, the Canon RF 50mm Lens. Photographers gain creamy background blur and better low-light flexibility, ideal for everyday portrait and street work. Is this lightweight 50mm the right addition to an on-the-go EOS R kit?
⚡ At a Glance
- • Image Quality: Shallow depth of field at f/1.8 for strong subject separation and usable low-light shooting
- • Best for: Street and portrait photographers who want a lightweight, everyday prime for EOS R cameras
- • Not ideal for: Photographers needing zoom capability or compatibility with non-EOS R mounts
Compact 50mm prime with a wide f/1.8 aperture and STM autofocus. Lightweight 160g construction and 40.5mm length suit everyday carry.
Creamy subject separation – thanks to a wide f/1.8 aperture
A maximum aperture of f/1.8 reduces depth of field, allowing the plane of focus to remain sharp while foreground and background elements blur. Larger aperture also increases light intake, aiding exposure in dim conditions.
Easily create portraits with soft backgrounds and clear subject focus, even when available light is limited.
Smooth, quiet focusing for hybrid shooting – with STM stepping motor
STM (Stepping Motor) technology drives the focus group in small, precise increments, delivering continuous and nearly silent autofocus during stills and video when using Servo AF.
Focus transitions remain unobtrusive during filming and candid shooting, making it suitable for vloggers and street photographers.
Truly pocketable prime – with compact, lightweight construction
At 160g and 40.5mm in length, the optical and mechanical design minimises size and weight while keeping essential controls and mount compatibility intact.
Easy to carry as a walkaround lens, encouraging more spontaneous shooting without adding bulk to camera kits.
✨ The 4 Key Reasons for Canon RF 50mm Lens
- Compact dimensions - Fits into small camera bags and slips into coat pockets
- Lightweight 160g body - Reduces fatigue during long handheld sessions
- Wide f/1.8 aperture - Produces attractive background blur and helps in low light
- STM quiet autofocus - Smooth, silent focusing suitable for video and candid photography
📋 Technical Details at a Glance
- Focal length: 50mm
- Maximum aperture: f/1.8
- Lens mount: Canon RF
- Format compatibility: Canon EOS R series mirrorless cameras
- Autofocus: STM (Stepping Motor) continuous/servo AF
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will this lens work on my Canon camera?
A: Compatibility extends to Canon EOS R series mirrorless cameras; it works with EOS R models such as EOS R100, R50, R10, R6, R7 and R8.
Q: Is the lens suitable for low-light shooting?
A: The wide f/1.8 aperture lets in more light and enables shallower depth of field, making it practical for lower-light conditions and subject separation.
Q: Is autofocus quiet enough for video?
A: STM autofocus provides smooth and quiet continuous focusing during both stills and video when using Servo AF.
🏆 Our Verdict
The Canon RF 50mm Lens is ideal for photographers seeking a lightweight, go-anywhere prime for EOS R cameras. The combination of a wide f/1.8 aperture, STM autofocus and pocketable dimensions makes it a practical choice for portraits, street and everyday shooting. Known for affordability and compactness, it represents strong long-term value for a daily-use prime.
