Canon ambassador Irene Rudnyk has posted a review of the recently-announced Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 where she compares it to the old EF version from a build-quality perspective as well as shows the quality of the images she was able to produce with it.
As a fan of the original EF version, Rudnyk was excited to shoot with the new RF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens on the EOS RP, Canon’s budget mirrorless camera. The total value of her setup was about $1200, which is pretty cheap for access to a full-frame sensor and wide aperture of f/1.8.
For comparison purposes, Rudnyk took a few images with a much more expensive setup: the EOS R5 and the RF 50mm f/1.2 lens.
There is a clear difference between the two images, but with such a giant gap in price that is to be expected. That said, Rudnyk’s photo with the cheaper setup still looks really good and is a testament to the equipment as well as the philosophy that it’s less about the gear and more about how it is used.
“When it comes to close-up portraits, you won’t see a big visual difference between the cheaper f/1.8 lens and the more expensive f/1.2,” Rudnyk says. “But you really start noticing differences when you step back for full body shots. If you want to get the most out of the f/1.8, I suggest to stay close to your subject or place them further from the background.”
Rudnyk shows that there are indeed limitations to the f/1.8 lens, but they can be overcome and the results you can get out of the inexpensive lens can be quite attractive. Considering the difference in price between the 50mm f/1.8 and the 50mm f/1.2 L, it’s likely many photographers will opt for the $200 lens, especially if they are just starting out.
For more from Rudnyk, check out her Instagram or subscribe to her YouTube Channel.
(via Canon Watch)