Product Description

The CANON EF 50MM f/1.4 USM is a standard lens featuring superb quality and portability. Two high-refraction lens elements and new Gaussian optics eliminate astigmatism and suppress astigmatic difference. Crisp images with little flare are obtained even at the maximum aperture. Max. Diameter & Length - 73.8mm x 50.5mm

Product Details

• Brand: Canon
• Model: 2515A003
• Dimensions: 2.00" h x 2.00" w x 2.90" l, .64 pounds

Features

• 50mm standard lens with f/1.4 maximum aperture for Canon SLR cameras
• 2 high-refraction lens elements and Gaussian optics help eliminate astigmatism
• Delivers crisp images with little flare at the maximum aperture
• Extra-small Micro USM focus adjustment and full-time manual focusing
• Measures 2.9 inches in diameter and 2 inches long; 1-year warranty

Amazon.com Product Description
When accuracy matters, the Canon EF 50mm standard lens steps to the plate. The lens offers two high-refraction lens elements and new Gaussian optics, helping eliminate astigmatism and suppress astigmatic differences. As a result, the lens provides an image that's extremely close to how your eye perceives a subject, making it excellent for portraits and images that require a natural depth of field. The lens even delivers crisp images with little flare at the maximum aperture. Compact and affordable, the EF 50mm is the only lens in the EF system to offer the extra-small Micro USM while still providing full-time manual focusing. As with all Canon lenses, the EF 50mm carries a one-year warranty.

• Focal length: 50mm
• Maximum aperture: 1:1.4
• Lens construction: 7 elements in 6 groups
• Diagonal angle of view: 46 degrees
• Focus adjustment: Overall linear extension system with USM
• Closest focusing distance: 1.5 feet
• Filter size: 58mm
• Dimensions: 2.9 inches in diameter, 2 inches long
• Weight: 10.2 ounces

Customer Reviews

Why did I wait so long?
I bought a camera with a kit lens, and I figured I'd learn the camera's ins and outs before I began investing in lenses. I still think there's wisdom in that decision, mainly because I've discovered what I like to shoot. Having said that, though, I have bought three new lenses, one of them the "middle" EF f/1.4 50mm, thinking that I'd probably beat up the less expensive one and break the bank with the L lens. I received the f/1.4 50mm today and shot with it all afternoon, and my opinion is that it's spectacular. I can do everything from very creative work with closely controlled depth of field to beautiful action-stopping photos with the lens stopped down. It's tack, tack, tack sharp, fast, and the color and contrast are so excellent and true that I've taken several like shots just to make sure the beauty of them wasn't some sort of freak accident. I can't speak for the outrageoulsy expensive f/1.2L or for the heapo cheapo f/1.8, but this middle-of-the-roader is absolutely wonderful, and it just might become my very favorite lens of all. I own two L's, but I like this one just as well. I like the focal range because what I see in the view finder is nearly identical in size to what I see with my naked eye, so composition becomes a different and fun challenge. Run don't walk to the "add to basket" button. You won't be sorry.

A must have prime lens
Set the lens at f/1.4 and you will be rewarded with precise isolation of the subject matter at portrait distances bathed in a buttery bokeh. You won't get that with the more expensive Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM.

The EF 50mm f/1.4 USM is a great choice in low light situations. From f/2.8, the images are sharp edge to edge. No present Canon mount zoom will match the 50mm's resolution at this focal length.

Non L lenses do not come with the lens hood. I purchased a Canon OEM hood online for $25 USD.

So far, this lens is on my EOS 5D more than the EF 17-40mm f/4L USM. That would speak volumes for the 50mm.

My Favorite Portrait Lens
This is without a doubt the lens I grab first when heading out to a portrait shoot.

This lens has been reviewed accurately a few thousand times online so I won't give the lengthy version. But the highlights:

This lens is extremely sharp for portraits but gives an incredible background blur for a fabulous professional look.

Many people compare it to the f/1.8 at under $100 and wonder why you would spend over 3 times as much for this one but the reason is simple. This lens is built like a tank. The f/1.8 takes very good pictures and if $350 isn't in your budget, it's a good alternative. But if you can afford the price difference, go for the f/1.4. It performs beautifully, even in very low light, and will last forever.

I use this lens on a 20D and a 40D body to take professional portraits, and I love the results. You won't regret adding this lens to your collection.