Canon EF 50mm f1.8 II Lens for Portraiture Review

What You Want, Need and Why

Want

One of the classic approaches to taking a portrait shot is the subject placed against a blurred background in an angle that is flattering to them.

Need

Blurred background – A large aperture lens – the smaller the f-number, the larger the aperture –, such as 2.8 or smaller. For really blurred backgrounds, go with an even smaller number.

Lens that works in low light – Another advantage of using lenses with smaller f-numbers since they can catch more light and may be used without flashes or increased ISO sensitivity.

Flattering view – Lenses sporting an equivalent focal length of 70 to 135mm. Lenses with shorter focal lengths are a good choice for group shots.

Lens of Choice – Canon EF 50mm f1.8 II

Specifications

50mm focal length
f1.8 aperture (maximum)

F 22 aperture (minimum)
Canon EF lens mount

35mm full frame
80mm equivalent on EF-S
FF compatible

47 diagonal angle of view (FF)

31 diagonal angle of view (APS-C)
Micro AF Motor
45cm (1.5 feet) closest focus
Filter thread: 52mm
ES-62 hood (optional)
6 el. / 5 groups optics
5 diaphragm blades

0.15x maximum magnification

6 elements of lens construction
130g (4.6 oz) weight
68x41mm size

52mm filter thread

DC Micro Motor

Unit focus method

Front and rear caps provided

Canon EF lens mount

First out in 1991, f1.8 II replaced the f1.8 model, which had the same optics but was had a simpler all-plastic case housing them – it kept the cost down.

The focal length allows standard coverage and the Canon APS-C body acts like a short telephoto. Its shallow depth-of-field makes it perfect for placing your subject against a blurred background. Its focal ratio allows it to gather four times more light than an f3.5, making it an ideal choice when working in low light conditions.

When compared to a kit zoom in low light, this lens gives you faster shutter speeds, lower sensitivities, and shallower depth-of-field – more blurring – effects. When desiring a short telephoto for portraiture, mount it on a Canon DSLR with an APS-C sensor. Basic build quality and AF performance are more than made up for by good optical quality and low price.