Why is the Nifty Fifty so cheap?

Still about $100 new street price.

I believe the next cheapest new prime from Canon is the 35mm f/2 , and that's $200 more.

And obviously the 50mm is a great bang for the buck. Is Canon willing to forego large profits on the 50mm to get people to buy it as a "gateway drug" into more expensive lenses down the line?

My guess its the construction and the simplicity of it (prime).

It's plastic, like handling a toy, but still capable of lovely shots. Not to be dismissed for people on a budget for a prime

Drug dealers often give you the first hit of crack for free. Canon does a similar thing with prime lenses.

Have you never held the nifty fifty? That will tell you right in your hand why it is so cheap

gonzogolf wrote in post #15113823
Drug dealers often give you the first hit of crack for free. Canon does a similar thing with prime lenses.

The purpose of the nifty has never before been described so perfectly.

gonzogolf wrote in post #15113823
Drug dealers often give you the first hit of crack for free. Canon does a similar thing with prime lenses.

I've read that 50mm is basically the "easiest" FOV in lenses to produce, and the fact that it is made entirely out of plastic and uses a simple AF motor keep costs down too.

gonzogolf wrote in post #15113823
Drug dealers often give you the first hit of crack for free. Canon does a similar thing with prime lenses.

Genius

sssshh! not so loud.. If Canon hears you, they'll double the price tomorrow!

nightcat wrote in post #15113884
sssshh! not so loud.. If Canon hears you, they'll double the price tomorrow!

That wouldn't make it any less cheap... just more costly!

gonzogolf wrote in post #15113823
Drug dealers often give you the first hit of crack for free. Canon does a similar thing with prime lenses.

Just like harley sells the sportster, set da hook!

The quality isn't built very well it feels too plasticky

nightcat wrote in post #15113884
sssshh! not so loud.. If Canon hears you, they'll double the price tomorrow!

lol

It is basically a disposable lens. I once dropped on off a desk and it shattered into pieces. Fisher Price could've made a better quality lens.