Friday, June 6, 2014

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Lens Review

Brand: Canon
Lens: Canon EF 50mm F/1.8 II
Lens Type: Prime Lens (Standard and Medium Telephoto Lens)
Lens Mount: EF

Test Shots Result of the Canon 
EF 50mm f/1.8 II lens

One of the 6 (six) EF 50mm lenses made by Canon, the EF 50mm f/1.8 II is considered to be the least expensive lens available yet ranging at P4,499.00 to P4,998.00 and light weight at 130g EF lens Canon has ever made. It has been in the line up of the Canon EF Series since 1991 replacing the late EF 50mm f1.8 lens of 1987 (referred to as the Mark I).

The EF 50mm II lens is a compact standard length prime lens that features a faster maximum aperture of f/1.8 which is effective in low light situations. With symmetric-Gaussian optics that offers great aberration correction combines with 6 elements of 5 groups, and 5 diaphragm blades, this lens provides sharpness from near distance throughout its focus range.

Auto-focus:
Since the EF 50mm f/1.8 II uses an old feature of micro motor drive in order to focus, the AF motor produces noisy sound which is somewhat like distracting. Nonetheless, the AF is fast enough to detect the given subject especially on its maximum aperture at f/1.8.

Manual focus:
Same as the other EF 50mm lenses and other EF lenses Canon produced, the EF 50mm f/1.8 II also comes with full-time manual focus allowing manual adjustments. However, the EF 50mm f/1.8 II doesn't have a focus and/or distance scale which mainly measures the distance and set it on the scale compared to other EF 50mm lenses such as the EF 50mm f/1.4 USM.

Optical Features (Specifications):
Lens Focal Length:
50mm
35mm film format equivalent focal length :
About 80mm
Lens Construction (Elements/Groups):
6/5 group
Camera Mount Type:
Canon EF
Format Compatibility:
Canon (APS-C Sensor, APS-H, 35mm Film, Full-frame)
Aperture:
Maximum: f/1.8
Minimum: f/22
Number of Diaphragm Blades:
5
Closest Focusing Distance (m):
0.45m
Maximum Magnification (x):
0.15x (at 18mm)
Image Stabilizer:
No
Auto-Focus:
Yes (DC Micro Motor)
Filter Diameter (mm):
52mm
Weight (g):
130 g
Maximum Diameter x Length (mm):
68.2 x 41.0mm

Accessories:
Lens Cap:
E-52mm
Lens Hood:
ES-62 Bowl-shaped Plastic Hood (With Adapter Ring)
Supplied Accessories: 
Front and Rear Caps
Rear Cap:
Standard EOS cap
Tripod Collar:
No

CONCLUSION:
Although the EF 50mm f/1.8 II is built with mostly plastic, the glass is made of Canon's finest multi-coated optics. The image quality produced by this lens is much better compared to standard zoom lenses. Sharpness is very excellent which creates less or even no lateral chromatic aberration.

Given the super low price compared to other EF lenses produced by Canon, the EF 50mm f/1.8 II is reasonably satisfactory.

Overall, this lens is suggestively an added line up of your lenses especially those who do portraiture. Additionally, any photographers won't be discouraged with the performance of this lens given its quality, AF speed and price.

REASONS TO BUY (PROS):
- Compact and very lightweight (130 g)
- Excellent image quality (super sharp)
- Extremely low price
- Lateral Chromatic Aberration is minimal

WEAKNESSES (CONS):
- No USM (Auto-focus Ultra-Sonic Motor)
-Lens mount is made of plastic

The EF 50mm f/1.8 II lens can be mounted with both APS-C Sensor, APS-H, Full-frame and 35mm format. Image above shows the lens being mounted by the Canon EOS 600D which is an APS-C Sensor Digital SLR.


Image above shows the front view of the EF 50mm f/1.8 II lens. The filter diameter of this lens is 52mm.

The EF 50mm f/1.8mm II lens

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