Canon EF 50mm f1.8 II#
The “nifty fifty” — Canon’s legendary budget prime. At 130g and with a fast f/1.8 aperture, it punches well above its price. On APS-C it renders equivalent to 80mm — a classic short telephoto / portrait focal length. The DC motor AF is audible and not as fast as USM, but it works. Replaced in 2015 by the EF 50mm f/1.8 STM with a quieter motor.
Compatibility#
| Body | Notes | Photos in library |
|---|---|---|
| Canon EOS 40D | EF native | 1,138 |
| Digital Rebel XT | Listed as “50.0mm” | 948 |
| Digital Rebel XTi | EF native | 262 |
EF mount — compatible with all Canon EF/EF-S bodies.
Key Specifications#
| Attribute | Spec |
|---|---|
| Focal length | 50mm (80mm equiv on APS-C) |
| Maximum aperture | f/1.8 |
| Minimum aperture | f/22 |
| Optical construction | 6 elements in 5 groups |
| Aperture blades | 5 (straight) |
| Minimum focus | 45 cm |
| Filter thread | 52mm |
| AF motor | DC motor (not USM — audible) |
| Stabilization | No |
| Weight | 130g |
| Dimensions | 68.2 × 41mm |
| Year | 1990 |