The EF 50mm f/1.2L USM is a peerless new standard lens featuring an ultra-large aperture for a narrow Depth of field and soft background Blur so loved by photographers everywhere. The EF 50mm f/1.2L USM is suitable for any shooting situation; its lens Coating and construction are optimized to minimize the ghosting and flare that frequently occurs when lenses are used with digital cameras. This high-performance, weather-resistant lens delivers all the superb image Resolution and Contrast you expect in a Canon L Series Lens.
EF50mm F1.2L USM is an ultra-large aperture standard lens ideally
suited for portrait photography. In addition to offering a shallow
depth of field with a maximum aperture of F1.2, the lens enables the
use of fast shutter speeds to reduce motion blur and support shooting
in low light. Employing a large, high-precision Aspherical lens element
made of highly refractive glass to minimize aberrations during
focusing, the EF50mm F1.2L USM lens maintains the superior image
quality throughout the shooting range for which Canon’s L-series lenses
are renowned. Additionally, the lens’s ring-type USM (Ultrasonic
Motor), high-speed CPU, and optimized AF (AutoFocus) algorithm enable
silent and extremely accurate autofocus operation. Designed to meet the
diverse needs of professional and advanced amateur photographers, the
bright lens features Full-time manual focusing, which enables users to
focus by hand in the AF mode, and a dust- and moisture-proof
construction, ensuring unfailing performance even under harsh
conditions. Ideal for photographers who shoot portraits and weddings,
Canon’s EF50mm F1.2L USM lens features a round aperture that achieves
excellent background blur.
This month's Technical Report introduces
two L-series lenses, the EF50mm f/1.2L USM and EF70-200mm f/4L IS USM
lenses, released together with the EOS Kiss Digital X.
Photo 1 : EF50mm f/1.2L USM
Concept of development
With the increasing popularity of digital SLR cameras, calls for large
aperture single-focal length lenses with excellent image quality and
pleasing bokeh (blur effects) for portraits have increased. To meet
this demand, the EF85mm f/1.2L II USM was released in March 2006, and
now the EF50mm f/1.2L USM (Photo 1), developed to further improve the
L-series lineup of ultralarge aperture single-focal length lenses, is
available.
The key development concepts are as follows:
• Ultralarge maximum aperture of f/1.2
• Superb image quality over the entire shooting area
• Dust - and moisture - resistant construction
• Digital camera compatibility
Feature 1: Ultralarge f/1.2 maximum aperture
The optical system of the EF50mm f/1.2L USM is completely new. It uses
a Gauss type optical system with 8 elements in 6 groups and unit
focusing (Fig. 1).
The ultralarge aperture of f/1.2 and high definition throughout the entire shooting area befitting an L-series lens.
Fig. 1 : EF50mm f/1.2L USM Optical System
Feature 2: Superb image quality over the entire shooting area
The 8th element is a large aperture precision aspherical lens, which
helps minimize aberrations that occur during focusing giving a large
f/1.2 maximum aperture with high definition befitting of an L-series
lens throughout the entire shooting area (Fig. 2).
Thick lines: 10 lines/mm; thin lines: 30 lines/mm. The darker black
lines represent the MTF characteristics at maximum aperture; the blue
lines at f/8. The solid lines trace the radical S (sagittal) curve,
while the broken lines trace the tangential M (meridional) curve.
Fig. 2 : MTF Characteristic Chart of EF50mm f/1.2L USM
Feature 3: Excellent dust- and moisture-resistant construction
By utilizing dust- and moisture-resistant construction (Fig. 3) in the
lens mount, switch panel and focusing ring to prevent dust and water
from reaching the interior, the lens can be used in harsh environments.
*This applies when the lens is used with a dust- and moisture-resistant
EOS body and a filter is attached to the front of the lens.
Fig. 3 : The Dust- and Moisture-resistant construction of the EF50mm f/1.2L USM
Feature 4: Lens coating optimized for use with digital SLR cameras
The EF50mm f/1.2L USM has element curvature and coating optimized for
use with digital SLR cameras. It successfully realizes both good color
balance and minimization of ghost and flare attributable to surface
reflections from the digital imaging element.
Feature 5: Superb operability
• Circular aperture for attractive bokeh effects
Thanks to the electromagnetic diaphragm's (EMD) circular aperture, the lens provides attractive bokeh (blur effects).
• Silent , High-speed AF
The ring-type ultrasonic motor (USM), high-speed CPU and optimized AF algorithm contribute to silent, speedy autofocus.
• Manual focusing - even in AF mode
The
EF50mm f/1.2L USM has full-time mechanical manual focusing that allows
manual focus after one-shot AF operation without leaving AF mode.
• Switch design that prevents unintended switching
The focus mode switch is designed to prevent unintended switching during shooting or while being carried.
• Non-rotating filter ring
Since the EF50mm f/1.2L USM does not change in length and the filter
does not rotate or move while focusing, it allows smooth operation of
accessories including circular polarizing (PL) filters.
• Dedicated large cylindrical hood with superb light blocking
The ES-78, a large cylindrical hood dedicated to the EF50mm f/1.2L USM,
has superior antireflection flocking on the inner surface. It is very
effective in keeping unwanted light out of the lens (Photo 2).
Photo 2 : ES-78 dedicated hood for EF50mm f/1.2L USM
• Distance information for improving flash exposure precision
Distance
information is sent to the camera during AF, making the EF50mm f/1.2L
USM compatible with the E-TTL II autoflash system for optimal flash
exposure.
Feature 6: Environmentally friendly design
The optical system contains only environmentally friendly lead-free
glasses.
Furthermore, EU (European Union) restricts the use of certain hazardous
substances in the electrical and electronic equipment according to the
''EU's Restrictions on Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive''. The
EF50mm f/1.2L USM meets Canon's own standard to comply with the RoHS
Directive.
*The 6 substances: lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent
chromium, bromine flame retardant PBB (polybrominated biphenyl) and
PBDE (polybrominated diphenyl ether).
If you can afford it, go for it!, Monday, 29 June 2009
Overall rating (weighted)
4.8
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
4.0
Value for Money
5.0
It may seem there are too slight differences between 1.4 and 1.2 on paper to justify spending 4 times more money. Just like so many people, I spent so much time comparing 1.2 and 1.4 on various websites before I finally ended up with 1.2. I've been using it about a year now on my 40D. You just have mount them on a cameras and try a few shots on your hands. You will feel the difference. That's how my confusion ended. You just can NOT talk about 1.2 when you haven't touched it. Yes, it costs 4 times more but the build quality is at least 10 times better than 1.4. Image quality is far better of course. Some says you get sharper images on certain stops with 1.4 but sharpness is not everything about image quality. I agree 1.4 is a good lens but I'd rather use 1.8 than 1.4. Both produces good images and both feels cheap.. why spend 4 times more than 1.8 for 1.4.. 1.2 is built like a tank and produces beautiful photos and looks fantastic on a camera. That's all I can say. So stop reading these reviews and go to a nearest camera shop and try them for yourself!
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Best for Video, Friday, 19 June 2009
Overall rating (weighted)
5.0
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
Now that Canon has started HD video in its SLR cameras (starting with 5D Mark ii), this lens is a must for those serious not only about photography but also about some serious, professional quality video. Many of the above reviews have already highlighted the technical superiority of this lens, I just wanted to add that now that video will soon be a part of most high end Canon models, investing in this lens will improve your versatility. This is the lens mounted on my 5D Mark ii on regular basis. Expensive? Yes, but there's something about the dreaminess of a 1.2 speed image/video that one can't argue with.
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my favorite lens in my lineup, Monday, 30 March 2009
Overall rating (weighted)
4.8
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
4.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
So i've had this lens for about 2 months now and it is my favorite lens in my lineup.. it's the best 50mm lens you could buy and i have no trouble with focusing issues. the auto focus is fast and at f/1.2 it's highly useable. I also had the 85mm 1.2L and after a week of using both, i chose to keep the 50mm and returned the 85mm for a 70-200 2.8L IS. I recommend this lens to anyone willing the shell out the money for it, and whenever i let anyone try the lens out, they are immediately in love with it. although it's expensive i think it's worth every penny and am so glad i picked this lens up.
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I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS LENS!, Monday, 23 February 2009
Overall rating (weighted)
4.5
Sharpness
4.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
4.0
Value for Money
5.0
This lens is Awesome...if you know how to use it. This is the second time I've bought this lens. I've had all versions of the 50mm, f/1.8, f/1.4 twice, and f/1.2L twice. The 1.2 version is in a class of it's own! I shoot with a 1D Mark III and had to micro adjust the lens +9. Now I can shoot wide open at f/1.2 all day long and get sharp pictures. There is no way I could do that with the f/1.4 version. Even after microadjusting it I would still get very bad focus shifts.
I have a 24-70mm f/2.8L, 17-40mm f/4L, and 70-200mm f/2.8L IS. They are now collecting dust on my desk. The 50mm has not left my Mark III since I calibrated it. It's so small (compared to my other lenses) I can carry it everywhere. The f/1.2 allows me to shoot pretty much anywhere I want so I don't even need to carry a flash. This thing can see in the dark!
So if you're deciding between the f/1.4 or the f/1.2, just go borrow or rent the lens and try it out first. Online reviews don't mean anything. Shoot with it for a week and you'll be hooked. Hands down my favorite lens! If I had to pick one lens to cover my weddings it would be the Canon 50mm f/1.2L!!!
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I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS LENS!, Monday, 23 February 2009
Overall rating (weighted)
4.5
Sharpness
4.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
4.0
Value for Money
5.0
This lens is Awesome...if you know how to use it. This is the second time I've bought this lens. I've had all versions of the 50mm, f/1.8, f/1.4 twice, and f/1.2L twice. The 1.2 version is in a class of it's own! I shoot with a 1D Mark III and had to micro adjust the lens +9. Now I can shoot wide open at f/1.2 all day long and get sharp pictures. There is no way I could do that with the f/1.4 version. Even after microadjusting it I would still get very bad focus shifts.
Manual focus on the f1.4 is very difficult due to the play on the outside focus ring. You need to turn it 1 or 2mm before the lens would actually focus. Not with the f1.2 version. When you turn the focus ring it will react instantly, no lag. It's a pleasure to manual focus.
I have a 24-70mm f/2.8L, 17-40mm f/4L, and 70-200mm f/2.8L IS. They are now collecting dust on my desk. The 50mm has not left my Mark III since I calibrated it. It's so small (compared to my other lenses) I can carry it everywhere. The f/1.2 allows me to shoot pretty much anywhere I want so I don't even need to carry a flash. This thing can see in the dark!
So if you're deciding between the f/1.4 or the f/1.2, just go borrow or rent the lens and try it out first. Online reviews don't mean anything. Shoot with it for a week and you'll be hooked. Hands down my favorite lens! If I had to pick one lens to cover my weddings it would be the Canon 50mm f/1.2L!!!
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Once you try it, you'll be hooked., Friday, 20 February 2009
Overall rating (weighted)
4.8
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
4.0
This lens is a Bit larger than I expected, but it sure takes in the light. Focus is a little tricky, but certainly worth the effort. Manual focus ring seems to work well. I think that this lens will be in use on my 5D for a long time.
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Amazing Lens, So fast hard to keep up with, Tuesday, 13 January 2009
Overall rating (weighted)
4.5
Sharpness
4.0
Build Quality
4.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
So far I'm loving this lens. It's a purchase I put on hold for a long time due to the expense, but the investment has been well worth it. The single length forces me to frame my shots better and I am liking the results. The photos I am getting with this new lens are pretty amazing. It allows a flexibility that I've not had with other point and shoots or my 35mm SLR.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
One of the best lenses ever made..., Tuesday, 21 October 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
4.8
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
4.0
Value for Money
5.0
To many, this focal length may be the ideal length for portraits. For my particular skills it can be, as can it's sister lens, the 85mm, f/1.2L.
Be forewarned, this requires a certain level of skill, and a certain knowledge of the camera itself. Furthermore, I am shooting a 1Ds Mk III. And while this lens is not known to be a particularly fast focusing lens, it is clear that it focuses better with the 45 point AF of this system than with that of the lower end cameras (I also own a 50D and a 5D - and a film EOS 3. And I have owned a 10D, 20D and a 40D also).
Many users may have problems using the lens stopped wide open or nearly wide open, due to the EXTREMELY shallow depth of field, and this is an important consideration. It should, however, be noted that the lens can be stopped down quite a few steps to still obtain superior shots than you would with any zoom, Canon L Zooms included. It's the ultimate prime, and it is noticeably such.
The results that can be achieved with this lens are simply mind-boggling. It is so tack sharp when shot correctly, it is almost unbelievable. The color is more correct than with most other lenses, and definitely deeper, with a higher amount of contrast. Using the high end 1Ds Mark III body accentuates this effect a bit more.
With that said, I would suggest that equal consideration be given to the 85mm f/1.2L lens, as I consider this to be an equal companion (as stated, a sister) to this lens. If you can't afford both, base your decision on which focal length would provide the most use for your particular needs. If you can afford both, I recommend both equally.
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Fantastic lens if you aren't in the "Danger Zone"., Tuesday, 14 October 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
2.0
Sharpness
2.0
Build Quality
3.0
AF Speed
1.0
Value for Money
2.0
I have owned/tested several copies of this lens from 2006-2008, the most recent one having a date code of UW07xx and have found that all have the infamous focus shifting issue.
Focus Shift Issue: When shooting from within 4-5ft from the subject and closer all the way to MFD, at an angle (say 45 degrees), and between the apertures of f2-f4, even f5.6, as you stop the lens down, the focus plane shifts towards the back. For the lack of a better description the lens progressively back-focus as you stop the lens down from f1.2 to f5.6 so what was in focus at f1.2 is OOF by the time the lens is stopped down to f2-f5.6. At f8 the shift is hidden due to widening DoF. What this means is that focusing on the left eye will result in an OOF left eye and the left ear being in focus. Completely unacceptable.
Again, I stress the point that this is situation specific. When you are further away from the subject, the problem is still there, but is "hidden" by DoF limits.
But the problem is very real. Canon have known at least since May of 2007, promised to "take a look into it". Over a year later, nothing.
Good luck sending in the lens to Canon for Calibration. They don't have the medicine for this illness! Granted my copy came back a little better than before (used to backfocus very badly and not even the Micro Adjust feature of my 1DMKIII could compensate for it). I sent mine in 3 times and grew tired of this exercise.
On the seldom occasion that the lens nails the AF, it can be as sweet as the 85L, which makes it even more frustration. So much potential...
I would recommend purchasing this lens from a place you can easily return it. If you are lucky enough to find a copy that's acceptable (again, the shift problem is inherent in the design of the lens, so you cannot completely avoid it) then hang on to it for dear life.
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Awesome lens. Exceed my expections., Sunday, 05 October 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
4.5
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
4.0
Value for Money
4.0
I was a little uncertain when I read quite a few on-line discussions regarding its focusing issues. The first day I got the shipment, I did some careful focus tests, along with 85/1.8 and 35/1.4L on both 20D and 40D.
I am quite surprised by how good AND consistent 50/1.2L's focus. It is extremely accurate at wide open of f/1.2. In comparison 35/1.4L performed not as well some front focus can be detected, which is also a big surprise since it is raved all over the photo discussions.
On my copy of 50/1.2L:
(1) extremely accurate and consistent focus at f/1.2 (2) bokeh is heavenly! (3) color and dynamic range is superb.
I have no complaint except the price ;) I recently got intersted in the Sigma 50/1.4 EX DG HSM which cost only about 1/3 of 50/1.2L. It has VERY good review and if I were to start again I'd give the siggy a serious consideration.
...
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Wonderful Lens!, Tuesday, 26 August 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
4.5
Sharpness
4.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
4.0
This lens takes beautiful pictures with amazing bokeh. I haven't noticed any of the focusing issues so far; will update if I do. I use it for child portraiture
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vertually FlawleSS, Monday, 28 July 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
4.5
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
4.0
Value for Money
4.0
As close to an ideal prime as it gets. Sharp, with quiet focusing, and all the expectations met. Thanks, Canon.
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Solid, fast, incredible build quality., Friday, 04 July 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
4.8
Sharpness
4.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
I now own 4 "L" lenses (see below). This Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM Lens is so fast, quiet, and just feels great. The quality of the images I've taken is fantastic. At 1.2 you need to focus carefully as there is virtually no depth of field. On my 40D with a 1.6 multiplication factor this lens has a 35mm equivalent of 80mm which makes it great for head and shoulder shots. I think of this lens as a telephoto (because of the multiplication factor). Highly recommended.
Canon Digital EOS 40D Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM Canon EF 1.4X II Extender
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I bought the f1.2 instead of the f1.4 and I'm happ, Sunday, 29 June 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
4.3
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
4.0
AF Speed
4.0
Value for Money
4.0
Before buying this lens, I'd struggled between this one and the f1.4 which is so much cheaper. I'm sure a lot of other people are struggling with this decision too, so I'll address that. Take a look at any forums on the internet and you'll find the f1.4 commonly has auto focus issues - people love the lens until the autofocus suddenly stops working altogether and it costs a couple of hundred dollars to get fixed. It has happened to hundreds (or thousands) of people, a friend of mine being one of them. He recently upgraded to the f1.2L and he said although the f1.4 had previously been his favourite lens, the f1.2 was superior as it was noticeably sharper. Having also read in forums that the f1.2 was supposedly sharper at the larger apertures, which I planned to mainly shoot at, I chose the f1.2.
I also have the 28-70 mm f2.8L and 70-200mm f2.8L so I was wondering did I really need this expensive lens? After all surely there couldn't be too much difference between f2.8 and f1.2. But there is! For children photography it is the perfect lens! I love it wide open, that beautiful shallow depth of field where only the eyes are in focus and the rest drops off.
I actually don't know when I'll take it off my camera now. It's so small and light compared to my other two lenses which also makes it a treat when you're out and about. To be honest if I had purchased this lens first I probably wouldn't have purchased the other lenses and saved myself a packet, as its now my favourite lens. (BTW Americans may think this lens is expensive but you should try paying Australian prices ... $2,500 as opposed to $1,300! And our dollar is almost worth the same as yours!)
I'm glad I got this lens over the f1.4. Because I'm using it at the widest apertures I just didn't want to take the chance that it wouldn't be sharp. Although you aren't going to get every photo at f1.2 sharp anyway cause you have to be so precise with your focusing. But if what you want it as a general lens and you're not frequently shooting at wide apertures, I'd go the cheaper f1.4, just take out an extra couple of years warranty and be aware that you may have to spend a few hundred dollars on it at some stage in the future!
I love this lens - I really think its the perfect portrait lens. If you want your photos to look better, buy this lens and shoot wide open! You will instantly appear to be a better photographer!
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I bought the f1.2 instead of the f1.4 and I'm happ, Sunday, 29 June 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
4.8
Sharpness
4.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
Before buying this lens, I'd struggled between this one and the f1.4 which is so much cheaper. I'm sure a lot of other people are struggling with this decision too, so I'll address that. Take a look at any forums on the internet and you'll find the f1.4 commonly has auto focus issues - people love the lens until the autofocus suddenly stops working altogether and it costs a couple of hundred dollars to get fixed. It has happened to hundreds (or thousands) of people, a friend of mine being one of them. He recently upgraded to the f1.2L and he said although the f1.4 had previously been his favourite lens, the f1.2 was superior as it was noticeably sharper. Having also read in forums that the f1.2 was supposedly sharper at the larger apertures, which I planned to mainly shoot at, I chose the f1.2.
I also have the 28-70 mm f2.8L and 70-200mm f2.8L so I was wondering did I really need this expensive lens? After all surely there couldn't be too much difference between f2.8 and f1.2. But there is! For children photography it is the perfect lens! I love it wide open, that beautiful shallow depth of field where only the eyes are in focus and the rest drops off.
I actually don't know when I'll take it off my camera now. It's so small and light compared to my other two lenses which also makes it a treat when you're out and about. To be honest if I had purchased this lens first I probably wouldn't have purchased the other lenses and saved myself a packet, as its now my favourite lens. (BTW Americans may think this lens is expensive but you should try paying Australian prices ... $2,500 as opposed to $1,300! And our dollar is almost worth the same as yours!)
I'm glad I got this lens over the f1.4 (although the price really shouldn't be so expensive, which is the only thing I can fault about this lens). But because I'm using this lens at the widest apertures I just didn't want to take the chance that it wouldn't be sharp. Although you aren't going to get every photo at f1.2 sharp anyway cause you have to be so precise with your focusing. But if what you want it as a general lens and you're not frequently shooting at wide apertures, I'd go the cheaper f1.4, just take out an extra couple of years warranty and be aware that you may have to spend a few hundred dollars on it at some stage in the future!
I love this lens - I really think its the perfect portrait lens. If you want your photos to look better, buy this lens and shoot wide open! You will instantly appear to be a better photographer!
