Canon RF 50mm F/1.2L USM

This Canon RF prime uses a fixed 50mm focal length on full-frame cameras. Canon introduced it in 2018. It suits portraits, everyday details and dim interiors when a wide aperture matters more than the convenience of a zoom. The normal view keeps some surroundings around a person.

The f/1.2 maximum aperture is its main attraction, but the large body adds weight to the camera. Consider the full setup for long events or walks. It is a lens to choose for a particular view and aperture, rather than for a range of focal lengths.

The lens weighs 2 lb 1.5 oz (950 g) and measures 4.25 in (108 mm) long and 3.54 in (89.8 mm) across. Support it with your free hand when shooting. A secure strap or rest can reduce the load between photographs. Screw-in filters must match the 77mm front thread to attach directly.

The fixed 50mm view cannot widen or tighten with a turn of a zoom ring. Moving changes both framing and perspective. In a small room, a wider lens can include more people when there is no room to step back. For distant details, a longer lens gives tighter framing from the same position.

The f/1.2 maximum aperture lets in substantial light. In a dim room, that gives more room for a fast shutter speed or lower ISO than a smaller opening. Bright outdoor conditions may instead need a very fast shutter speed or a suitable neutral-density filter to retain that aperture.

At close portrait distances, f/1.2 can leave only a thin zone sharp. Focus on the eye that matters most and check focus if the person moves. Stop down when both eyes, more of a face or several people need to stay sharp. A distant background can still become soft at smaller apertures.

Closest focus is 1.3 ft (40 cm), measured from the sensor. Maximum magnification reaches 0.19x, useful for larger details such as a place setting. Small objects will occupy less of the frame. Keep enough distance for focus to lock and leave room ahead of the front glass.

There is no stabilization built into the lens. A camera with body stabilization can reduce shake for still subjects. A tripod gives a firm base for long exposures. Neither support nor stabilization stops a moving person, so choose shutter speed for their movement as well.

Dust and moisture resistance help outdoors. Use cover in persistent rain. Fluorine coating helps water and oily marks wipe away from the front glass. Remove loose grit before cleaning so it does not scratch the surface.

Three aspherical elements help correct distortion and spherical aberration, which can bend lines or soften detail. A UD element helps reduce coloured fringes along high-contrast edges, such as a bright window behind a person. These design features do not by themselves prove measured sharpness.