50mm choices

Unfortunately the RF revolution has just come at the end of my working life and an upcoming reduction in disposable income. I'm trying to get a posse of lenses just before I retire in March

I've just settled on a 24mm f1.4L and I'm going for a fast 50mm for use with my ordered R6.

Aged hands and heavy lenses don't go well together so I'm probably looking for an alternative so the admittedly super-duper RF 1.2L but I'm struggling a little.

The Canon 1.4 I don't find to be of any value for me. I'm really hoping that Canon release an RF 50mm f1.4 soon, revamped in the way the RF 1.2 has been but hopefully a lot lighter. Anyway they haven't so far!

The Sigma 50mm f1.4 ART is possible. I'm not a major fan of Sigma but if their lens was lighter I might take a punt on this and get over any AF issues as required, but with an RF adapter is the same weight as the RF 1.2L so back to square one. Maybe it would even be worse as I believe it is more forward - weighted than the Canon RF so maybe be worse to hold The only advantage it now has is price. Not insignificant, I know, and I could also use this on my DSLR I guess but I'm really looking to R cameras for future use. Maybe Sigma will oblige with a lighter RF offering soon?

Canon EF 50L. I really, really, really, like the results of this lens. know its not the sharpest wide open and has a bit of a CA issue, oh, and the slight worry about focus shift and ease of use but its light and I have seen so many fantastic images made from this. It's currently my number one choice. If the RF version hadn't come out I'd have bought it and been happy but the new one has slightly raised my expectations in performance: as has the Sigma to some extent - at least regarding IQ.

So far my thoughts are that I have the budget for the RF50L but at the moment I'm pretty likely to go the EF50L purely due to weight. Then, I saw a review today where the guy claimed the RF 50L felt the same as the EF 50L+adapter on R cameras and felt quite light in the hand because it was so well-balanced. Hmmmm! I've heard this line before and though I'm desperate to believe him, it doesn't make sense to me! Someone tell me it's true .... please!!

Am I making a mistake going back to the EF50L?

Just considering this. In an ideal world I'd grab the RF50L but the weight scares me. It's not that I'm being precious or lazy or whatever. It's weight in the hand I'm concerned about and this is due to arthritic hands. I don't care about in the bag weight much.

Here's my hope regarding the weight


I'm telling myself that I might not feel any heavier in the hand than, eg my 5Ds and 16-35 because
1. the shorter R flange allows more weight to be put towards the back of the lens so is sort of similar to body weight
2. the combined weight of the R6 and RF50L is around 1580g and the combined weight of the 5Ds and say 24-105 more at around the same at 1610g
3. It will feel as light as the 5Ds and EF50L for the same reasons

I need to try and the only way I can is to wait until my R6 arrives ( someday it will, Im sure! ) and then renting the lens. Given the virus situation it seems the easiest way at the moment.

In the meantime I'd like to hear of any hands on experiences if possible or corrections to any wrong assumptions I'v made.

I am currently using my old EF 50L with the EOS R I purchased back in December. I have been very happy with the results. The R has given new life to the lens.

I just cannot justify the cost of the RF 50L, as I am an amateur and retired. If Canon comes out with a RF 50mm f/1.4 I may move to that eventually. But for now, considering my use, I am happy with what I have.

I'm curious ... the "normal" focal length of a lens traditionally was approx equal to the diagonal of the format ... except for 35mm SLRs because the mirror needed space and it was cheaper to make a fast 50mm lens than a 43mm lens for that format.

Now with mirrorless we don't have to worry about the space that the mirror occupied. So why do we still want a 50mm normal FL lens? Just tradition, I guess.

I prefer the rendering of the EF 50mm f/1,2L. Prefer low element count lens design.
Meanwhile, with an adapter the EF can be used on RF mount.

[QUOTE=Scott M;19127598]I am currently using my old EF 50L with the EOS R I purchased back in December. I have been very happy with the results. The R has given new life to the lens.

I just cannot justify the cost of the RF 50L, as I am an amateur and retired. If Canon comes out with a RF 50mm f/1.4 I may move to that eventually. But for now, considering my use, I am happy with what I have.[/QUOTE

Yes I'd love an RF 50mm f1.4 which is useable wide open

willie45 wrote in post #19140420

Scott M wrote in post #19127598
I am currently using my old EF 50L with the EOS R I purchased back in December. I have been very happy with the results. The R has given new life to the lens.

I just cannot justify the cost of the RF 50L, as I am an amateur and retired. If Canon comes out with a RF 50mm f/1.4 I may move to that eventually. But for now, considering my use, I am happy with what I have.

Yes I'd love an RF 50mm f1.4 which is useable wide open

'How much heavier can it be?'

I asked myself... especially if you add the weight of the EF/RF converter...

Difference of 260 g is the answer, about 9 oz.

...and about $100/oz extra...

Ouch!...

I know you aren't a Sigma fan.. But if you are tempted in 3rd party, the Tamron 45mm is an excellent lens. The difference in mm between 45 and 50 is negligible. The cost is palatable. I haven't found any of the Canon 50s (never tried the L) to be worth it for me. I shoot the Tammy 45 on my 5d4 and I couldn't be happier with it..

YMMV

Heya,

Unfortunately Canon seems to have just sort of figured the 50mm camp in their line up is going to be ancient or low end or straight to high end with nothing in the middle.

Where's the 50mm F1.4 or F1.8 USM IS?

The STM is slow to focus. Cheap plastic. Good glass.
The ancient 50 F1.4 is old AF, old parts, over-priced for what it is these days.
Nothing in between....
The L series 50's are excellent. Cost a mint of course.

So Tamron and Sigma have that "in between" and Sigma's ART is a lot closer to an L than the middle of the road.

Take a look at Tamron's 45mm.

Or just spring for the 50L flavor of your choice.

Very best,

I would (will) get the new RF (yes you read it right, RF) 50mm f/1.8 STM for $199.00 and be done with it IMHO.

https://www.dpreview.c​om …enses/canon_rf_​50_1p8_stm

I also have the R. I currently have the EF 50 1.8 stm. I amjust not happy with IQ. I am not sure the RF 50 1.8 would be much better. I thought about the EF 50 1.3L, Sigma Art, or Tamron 45. I also am looking for an 85. The Samyang looks good but the RF 85 f2 is stabilized but the 1.4 from Samyang is very appealing

I prefer 50 over 85 but I certainly need an 85 as well. I worry about weight as well. I certainly can’t afford the RF 1.2. So far I just keep using the EF 50 stm but I am not impressed with it

So the RF lens is still 9oz heavier than the EF + adapter?

MakisM1 wrote in post #19140563
'How much heavier can it be?'

I asked myself... especially if you add the weight of the EF/RF converter...

Difference of 260 g is the answer, about 9 oz.

...and about $100/oz extra...

Ouch!...

I purchased the Tamron 45mm on earlier this month. The $200.00 discount on this lens was nice.
I wrote a short review of my 45mm lens.
Its a sweet smooth focusing lens for the sale price.
I also have arthritis and don't find it too heavy. I'm in my middle 50's
I purchased my lens from the local dealer avoiding shipping abuse and damage.
The photos taken with my mirrored DSLR and the 45mm look fine in my opinion.
Note that their 35mm and 45 mm lenses need a firmware update to work with mirrorless camera bodies.
Tamron said the dealer can send it to them for the free update or the owner can ship it.
Bottom line for me.
I enjoy most Canon lenses and very few disappoint.
A couple poor or low star reviews about the less expensive Canon 50mm lens having mechanical issues or short lens life turned me away.
Not my idea of fun after spending $399.99
Youtube has a video of someone replacing the 50mm gear assembly.

CyberDyneSystems wrote in post #19148028
I would (will) get the new RF (yes you read it right, RF) 50mm f/1.8 STM for $199.00 and be done with it IMHO.

https://www.dpreview.c​om …enses/canon_rf_​50_1p8_stm

I missed that announcement. I can see this lens in my bag in the near future, and selling my EF 50L. Thanks!