Canon RF 50mm F/1.2L USM vs Canon RF 50mm F/1.8 STM — Which Is Better?
Side by side38 specifications |
Canon · f/1.2 · Canon RF mount
Canon RF 50mm F/1.2L USM
89
WINNER
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Canon · f/1.8 · Canon RF mount
Canon RF 50mm F/1.8 STM
55
SCORE
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| General | ||
Read the General ComparisonGeneralThe Canon RF 50mm F/1.2L USM and the Canon RF 50mm F/1.8 STM are full-frame 50mm primes for the Canon EOS R system. The F/1.2L USM arrived in 2018 as an L-series lens, and the F/1.8 STM followed in 2020 as a compact version I alternative. Both are autofocus primes, so the choice turns on aperture, size and protection. | ||
| Release Year | 2018 | 2020 |
Production Status ⓘCurrent status of lens manufacturing (e.g., in production, discontinued). |
 In Production | In Production |
Version ⓘThe iteration or release number of a particular lens model. |
N/A | I |
Pro Branding ⓘSpecific branding codes used for professional-tier lenses. |
L | N/A |
Lens Mount ⓘThe lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. |
Canon RF | Canon RF |
System ⓘIndicates which camera system the lens is designed to attach to. |
Canon EOS R | Canon EOS R |
Maximum Format ⓘLargest sensor size compatible with the lens. |
 Full Frame | Full Frame |
| Physical | 100/100 | 64/100 |
Read the Physical ComparisonPhysicalThe F/1.8 STM is the easy one to carry. At 160 g and 40.5 mm long, it weighs roughly one sixth of the 950 g, 108 mm F/1.2L USM, and its 69.2 mm barrel is slimmer than the F/1.2L's 89.8 mm. For a walkaround or travel kit, that difference shapes how much you bring. The filter threads differ at 77 mm on the F/1.2L and 43 mm on the F/1.8, so each lens takes its own direct-fit filters. Both accept front filters, keeping polariser and ND options open either way. | ||
| Lens Weight | 950 g | 160 g |
Lens Diameter ⓘWidth of the lens at its widest point |
89.8 mm | 69.2 mm |
Lens Length ⓘHow long the lens is from front to back. |
108 mm | 40.5 mm |
Front Filter Compatible ⓘSome lenses are compatible with front filters, some are compatible with back filters and some are compatible with both. Front filters are usually more convenient to add and remove. |
 Yes | Yes |
Front Filter Size ⓘDiameter of attachable filters. |
77 mm | 43 mm |
| Optics | 91/100 | 82/100 |
Read the Optics ComparisonOpticsThe F/1.2L USM is the stronger choice for low-light portraits and events, because its f/1.2 maximum aperture gathers more light than the F/1.8 STM's f/1.8 and allows shallower depth of field. In a dim reception, that wider stop gives shutter speeds and background blur the F/1.8 cannot match. For close work the advantage swings to the F/1.8 STM. It focuses as near as 30 cm, against 40 cm for the F/1.2L, which suits tighter framing of close subjects. Its maximum magnification is also higher, at 0.25x versus 0.19x, useful when small subjects should fill more of the frame. | ||
Focal Range ⓘShortest to longest focal length of the lens (zoom range start - end ) |
50 mm | 50 mm |
Aperture Range ⓘLargest aperture at the lens's shortest focal length to longest focal length (aperture range start - end) |
1.2 | 1.8 |
| Focal Length Angle of View | 46.8° | 46.8° |
Flange Focal Distance ⓘDistance from lens mount to sensor. |
20 mm | 20 mm |
Diaphragm Type ⓘStructure and design of the aperture |
 Automatic | Automatic |
Blades ⓘNumber of diaphragm blades in aperture |
10020 | 7020 |
Zoom Lens ⓘZoom allows you to vary the focal length, change between long shots and close-ups |
✗ | ✗ |
Closest Focusing Distance ⓘMinimum distance for a subject to be in focus. |
40 cm01500 | 30 cm01500 |
Maximum Magnification ⓘLargest size a subject can be reproduced |
0.19x | 0.25x |
| Autofocus Mode |  Yes | Yes |
| Manual Mode |  Yes | Yes |
| Manual Focusing Ring |  Yes | Yes |
| Features | 52/100 | Unscored |
Read the Features ComparisonFeaturesThe F/1.2L USM is the one to take out in poor weather, because it offers weather sealing while the F/1.8 STM does not. It also has a fluorine coating on the front element, which helps dust and smudges wipe away more easily. Stabilisation is a similarity between the two. Neither lens offers built-in image stabilisation, and neither supports teleconverters, so handheld work at 50mm gains no lens-based help on either. | ||
Weather Sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |
 Yes | No |
Fluorine Coating ⓘCoating to repel water and oil from lens elements. |
 Yes | No |
| Built In Lens Hood | ✗ | ✗ |
| Lens Hood Type |  Round | Round |
Teleconverter ⓘA teleconverter (extender) is an extra piece of equipment that fits between the lens and the camera body to enhance magnification |
✗ | ✗ |
| Image Stabilization | ✗ | ✗ |
| Construction | 31/100 | 15/100 |
Read the Construction ComparisonConstructionThe F/1.2L USM carries the more elaborate design, with 15 elements in 9 groups including three aspherical elements and one low-dispersion element. The F/1.8 STM keeps to 6 elements in 5 groups with a single aspherical element. That correction glass accompanies the f/1.2 aperture on a full-frame prime. Neither lens uses internal focusing, so the barrel extends as focus changes on both. | ||
Elements ⓘLens elements refer to individual pieces of glass within the lens. |
15 | 6 |
| Groups | 9 | 5 |
Aspherical Elements ⓘThe number of aspherical lens elements which can help correct aberrations such as spherical aberration. |
3 | 1 |
Bi Aspherical Elements ⓘElements with two non-spherical surfaces |
0 | 0 |
Low Dispersion ⓘElements that reduce chromatic aberration |
1 | 0 |
Super Low Dispersion ⓘAdvanced elements further reducing chromatic aberration |
0 | 0 |
CA Reduction ⓘBuilt-in features to reduce chromatic aberration |
0 | 0 |
Internal Focusing ⓘInternal Focusing means that the lens does not change in size during focusing, and the front element does not rotate. |
✗ | ✗ |
Read: Verdict
Verdict
Choose the Canon RF 50mm F/1.2L USM for portraits, weddings and dim interiors where f/1.2 depth of field and light-gathering matter. Its weather sealing and fluorine-coated front element suit outdoor, hands-on work.
Choose the Canon RF 50mm F/1.8 STM for a 50mm that travels light at 160 g, covering everyday street and family photography, and focusing closer at 30 cm with 0.25x magnification for detail shots. It offers neither weather sealing nor a fluorine coating.