Canon EF 50 mm 1.8 STM Lens - Compact and Lightweight Lens for Canon DSLR Cameras, Fast Aperture, Smooth Focusing - Ideal for Portraits and Creative Photography

Great price for an industry standard lens. Sharp, fast, great for low light. Excellent build quality as expected from Canon, packaging could have been a little better - box was untaped.

Great non intrusive wide lens, great for carrying long distance and are photography, also on darker environments without flash. Recommended for quality shots.

Great lens! Takes nice shallow depth of field. Highly recommend!

Good quality and fits cannon camera perfect

When the aperture is set low on this Lens it’s amazing I got some great photos of my dog with it

I bought this to pair with a 7D as a lightweight walk around lens. I wanted a camera package that was relatively portable and compact that I could sling into whatever bag I was taking out with me at any given time. My 7D and 17-55 2.8 were not cutting it in this regard.I have been draw to the mirrorless cameras as a solution, but I had not been sufficiently impressed with the handling of them in my limited camera store trials. Given the prices and performance compromises of these units I decided instead that for £150 I would have a ago with the 40mm 2.8 to see if I could benefit.Let me say this upfront, I am not trying to insinuate that a shorty forty mounted to a 7D is comparable in portability to a mirrorless system - it's not. However, what it does do is make the 7D a lot more comfortable to haul around on a casual basis when the prime purpose of the trip is not photography. The arguments I have seen online about this lens being pointless on a bulky DSLR miss the point of people celebrating the lack and size and weight of this lens.I wont go into yet another review of the image quality of this lens as it is well documented as a good performer and I can only agree. Yes it isn't the pinnacle of lens performance but it certainly very good and better sharpness wide open than the 17-55.To me this lens was always about the handling and portability, allowing me to take my camera out more. Yes there are other lightweight canon lenses, but depth of the package is not to be underestimated either when trying to cram it in somewhere. Also the lack of lens depth makes it more comfortable if carrying the camera over the shoulder with a strap, as the lens is not intrusive or off balance.In terms of the focal length being 'wrong' for APSC...as with other primes I find that I adjust and work with the focal length I have. It may not fall within one of the classic focal lengths but it is certainly suitable for a number of situations and subjects. I think this is a bit overblown, as is any concern over the AF motor noise. Under normal conditions and operation it is quiet and not intrusive. Speed could be a bit faster (certainly not as fast as USM) but very practical all the same. It also keeps up relatively well in SERVO mode.All in all this lens is a great performer not just for the price but for any real practical considerations. What it does give you over any other lens in the Canon lineup is lightweight compact handling. The only thing I am still struggling with is a suitably compact lightweight case to pair the system with (if anyone knows of something I would be delighted to hear about it).Recommend it.

The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens is a standout choice for photographers seeking an affordable, high-quality prime lens. Its impressive image quality, wide aperture, and compact design make it an excellent tool for portraits, street photography, and low-light conditions. While it may not cater to all specialized needs, it excels within its designated range. The "nifty fifty" remains a valuable addition to any photographer's kit, providing outstanding performance at an accessible price point.Pros:Superb Image Quality: The 50mm f/1.8 STM lens delivers impressive sharpness and clarity, even when shooting wide open at f/1.8. It excels in capturing details and producing vivid, true-to-life colors, making it an excellent choice for portraits, low-light conditions, and everyday photography.Wide Aperture: The wide maximum aperture of f/1.8 allows for exceptional low-light performance and beautiful background blur (bokeh) effects. It enables users to shoot in challenging lighting situations without sacrificing image quality.Lightweight and Compact: Weighing just over 5 ounces, this lens is incredibly portable, making it a perfect companion for travel or casual photography. It adds minimal weight to your camera, allowing for easy handling and maneuverability.Silent and Fast Autofocus (STM): The STM motor ensures smooth and near-silent autofocus, which is particularly beneficial for video recording or situations where quiet operation is crucial. It provides quick and accurate focus without causing any disruption.Affordability: The 50mm f/1.8 STM offers exceptional value for its price. It's an accessible option for photographers looking to upgrade from a kit lens or those seeking to expand their lens collection without a substantial financial commitment.Cons:Plastic Build: The lens is primarily constructed from plastic, which may not feel as durable as some higher-end lenses. However, this contributes to its lightweight design and doesn't necessarily compromise its overall performance.Lack of Image Stabilization: This lens does not feature built-in image stabilization. While the wide aperture helps in low light, users may need to employ stable shooting techniques or use a tripod for longer exposures.Fixed Focal Length: The 50mm focal length provides a natural perspective, but it may not be ideal for all types of photography. Users looking for a zoom lens or a wider field of view might need to complement this lens with others.