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).
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!
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Hit or miss, Friday, 30 May 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
3.3
Sharpness
4.0
Build Quality
4.0
AF Speed
2.0
Value for Money
3.0
First off, in a previous life I worked as a portrait photographer. Nowadays it's more of a hobby, but I spend a significant amount of time involved in it, and have travelled to many countries specifically to take pictures. I know my way around a camera, but don't consider myself a pro.
I learned photography 'old school' in the film days; pick up a camera, put a 50mm lens on it, and shoot about 10000 pictures, then you can change lenses. Like a lot of photographers, the 50mm lens has a special place in my heart.
This still applies on the full frame 5D which I shoot with. I don't find the 50mm length useful on crop sensor bodies.
So in looking to fill this 50mm gap, over the last few years I have used the 50 1.8, the 1.4, and the 1.2. The 50 1.8 is actually pretty fantastic for the price. The focusing and build quality, along with the kinda crummy bokeh later led me to the 50 1.4 which I have been pretty happy with. The 1.4 has good bokeh, decent build quality.
What led me to try the 50 1.2 was that the 1.4 seemed to miss focus often enough (maybe 2/10 shots) that I ended up throwing away some photos that would have been quite good had it hit properly. Though the price is quite a Bit steeper, I figured the 1.2 was probably going to be worth it, as I have been extremely impressed by most of the L lenses from canon.
I hate to say it, but I am pretty disappointed. I have tried 2 different copies now. Don't get me wrong, it's not a bad lens. But I ended up returning both copies soon after getting them for a few reasons. First, there's the well-known backfocus issue that I will not go into except to say, both of my copies backfocused a bit, but not so much I couldn't live with it. It was about 2-4 mm.
The second reason I returned them is that it misses focus nearly as often as the 50 1.4. And don't mistake this for operator error in a very shallow depth-of-field. My real-world shots along with tripod test shots often were out of focus for no apparent reason. Taking 3 shots without moving the camera or subject would only yield 1/3 in focus shots. (and none of my other lenses have this issue so it can't be blamed on the camera: 17-40, 24-105, 85 1.8, 70-200/2.8, 135, 100-400).
Third, and worst of all, aside from a small improvement in bokeh at 1.2, there is very little difference in most comparison shots between the 1.4 and the 1.2. I suspect that the 1.2 would hold up better in flare situations and other times, but in my real-world shooting, my 1.4 is sharper and has the same color and contrast rendition. I'm not a photojournalist in Somalia so while the build quality is nice, I don't forsee breaking my 1.4 anytime soon and if it does I can pick up 3 more backup copies for the same price as the 1.2.
I really hope Canon comes out with a 50mm that befits the L standard someday. I'll be the first to buy it and try to hide the receipt from my wife. But for now, in my opinion, it's just not in this lens.
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My favorite lens, but you have to work at it., Monday, 19 May 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
4.0
Sharpness
4.0
Build Quality
4.0
AF Speed
4.0
Value for Money
4.0
I spent weeks reading all of the reports about the focus problems with this lens. I still went ahead and bought it in September 2007. On my 30D, I immediately experienced the focus problems, but I knew what to look for so I didn't spend much time experimenting. Rather than sending it back and messing with the "I got a defective, bad copy" claims, I decided to send it right to Canon, days after I bought it. I didn't want to give up on it - I wanted this lens, and I wanted it to work right. Canon (Irvine) confirmed my claim that it "mis-focused" (I still don't understand that "backfocus" means). This was very gratifying, and I couldn't wait to get it back. After a seven-day turn around, and about $20 for shipping/insurance, I got the lens back, and I mean the lens I wanted from the beginning. I now have every confidence that my lens works how it's supposed to, but I still need to be careful about depth of field. I still get mis-focused pictures from time to time, but I know it's user error, not lens error. I believe the autofocus works well on my XTi and 30D, but I don't think these cameras are able to "nail it" when I pick a different focus point and shoot wider than f/2. I may not understand this correctly, but I am confident when I use the center focus point, and hopeful on the rest. I'm getting a 5D tomorrow, and I can't wait. In my opinion, the focal length of this lens on a crop camera is too long, narrow and tight. I bought this lens for my future full-frame camera. I'm expecting the auto focus accuracy to be even better, more accurate; even with various focus points selected. I hope I'm right and I hear that I may need different focus screens for the 5D for wider apertures. If you want this lens, don't give up on it. Send yours to Canon for service, with a clear letter about the problem, and get it right. It was well worth it to me. I love this lens. It's my favorite.
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Problem Lens!, Monday, 19 May 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
2.0
Sharpness
2.0
Build Quality
2.0
AF Speed
2.0
Value for Money
2.0
Bought from Amazon and it came soft. Couldn't focus with my 1DS Mk III, even at higher f-stops. So I sent it to Canon and it came back STILL soft below f4! I checked it with a 5D body and it was soft below f4. I called Canon and they said send it in, and they will bring it up to factory spec. I finally got it back from canon - more than 30 days after ordering - and the lens is only sharp at f1.8 and higher. Below that, it is UNACCEPTABLY soft for a lens that costs this much. I have tried various AF point configurations and used a flat dollar-bill test, and at f1.8 the lens is nice and sharp, but below that it's no longer an L lens. I asked Amazon for a full refund and they agreed, as I had spent most of the time waiting for it to come back from Canon. I don't know if it was this particular copy, but Canon claims they brought it up to full factory spec.
Moral: Test your lenses when you get them, and act in the first 30 days if you need to.
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Great lens, but a bit too expensive, Saturday, 26 April 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
3.8
Sharpness
4.0
Build Quality
4.0
AF Speed
4.0
Value for Money
3.0
This is a great lens with creamy smooth bokeh and fast low light performance. It focuses fast and silently. Although it's a bit heavy for a 50mm lens, it feels very well built and sturdy. I feel it's a bit too expensive, but if you like to shoot wide open with super smooth out of focus areas, this is a great lens.
The 50mm field of view is very versatile for a prime. If I had to choose only choose one prime lens to use, this would be the one - it's among my favorites although the 85mm f1.2 is a gem too and seems to yield even better bokeh, especially for portraits.
Amazon.com said "usually ships within 1-2 months" for this lens however they shipped my order of this lens within a couple of days after I placed the order, nice!
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Only worth it if you have the money to spend..., Monday, 21 April 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
4.8
Sharpness
4.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
There is no doubt that this is a fantastic lens. It's well built, very fast, produces amazing photos, and is almost silent. But is it worth nearly $1000 more than the f1.4? That's what you have to decide. For me the answer is "No." While there is something about that little red line that Canon puts on their "L" lenses that is sexy, this baby is just a bit overkill for me. It's very specialized meaning it's great for portrait work (especially on a small frame camera) but lacks the versatility of a tele-photo. Since I'm a wedding photographer I need something that doesn't have to be taken on and off the camera a lot.
If you can afford it and still feed your family then by all means go for it. If not, settle on the f1.4.
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go see for yourself, Friday, 14 March 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
4.8
Sharpness
4.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
When I ran across this lens on Amazon, I thought it would have the same mixed reviews as other sources filled with people that don't actually take pictures. I have the the 85 f/1.2L II and had the 35 f/1.4L which was stolen and also have owned some of Nikon's best lenses. I picked up the 50 f/1.2L to see for myself. On a full frame body, the 50 f/1.2L offers the same very unique f/1.2 isolation you get with the 85L but with faster focusing and more compact size and weight compared to the 85L and 35L. It reminds me of why the 50mm lens was the go to lens in the film days. I used to take my 35L with me everywhere but now find 50mm on a 5D wide enough and pack either the 24mm ts-e or 24-70 if I know I'll need something wider. I don't like using a flash and am used to shooting with very little light. If you are comfortable with shooting at wide apertures, than you'll likely love this lens. If not, start with the 50 1.4 or 1.8 and see if you notice anything that could be improved on. Don't take my word for it. It's not like you're buying a car where you lose thousands of dollars when you drive away from the dealer. Lenses hold there value really well. Buy one, try it out, than sell it for a small 'rental fee' if it's not for you.
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Take the Plunge and Get This Lens!!!, Thursday, 28 February 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
5.0
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
i went back and forth trying to decide between this lens and the 50mm f1.4 because of cost...in the end i went with this one and added it to my growing collection of L series lenses...i received it yesterday and was not disappointed...i mounted it to my 5D and took a walk...there's a short learning curve getting used to the razor thin DoF...but once i felt comfortable with it, i made some incredible pictures...i also build mission furniture and over time came to realize that the quality of my work increased proportionaly with better equipment...that's the logic i used when i finally chose to buy this f1.2...yes, it's a lot of money, but it's an investment in your reach as a photographer....you will not regret handing over the money !!! get this lens !!!!
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High Quality Optics and Build, superior AF on 1D s, Saturday, 19 January 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
3.8
Sharpness
4.0
Build Quality
4.0
AF Speed
3.0
Value for Money
4.0
I bought this lens for the f/1.2 aperture, considering that i have a 50mm 1.8 and was very happy with it, it was time to somehow invest into something much better.
Indeed, it was, this would be my first "L" prime lens and maybe my only one, unless i sell it for the 85mm f/1.2, but for the price, i'll just settle with the 50mm. The contrast and the DOF "bokeh" effect are uch much better than the 1.8, the price is somewhat crazy compared to the 1.8, even with the 1.4 which is a quarter of its price.
For the ultimate in 50mm, this would be it, if someone would ask me for an advice, i'll say buy the 50mm f/1.4 and save your money for something else.
I'm very happy with this lens BUT sometimes, i too, thinks what i could have bought for that amount of dough :)
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You need to buy this lens..., Wednesday, 26 December 2007
