Normally I shoot more with the wide angle or with the standard zoom. But since I started with photography in 2005, a 50mm lens ever was in my pocket. Canon has reissued recently the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens. After the first reports failed very positive, I could not help my 50 1.8 trade for the STM. So it follows my own Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens review.
Whoever expects a test with sharpness rows or comparison images, I have to disappoint. My review is largely subjective. I have the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens simply used a weekend and give my impressions again. And of course there is a lot of pictures from this weekend. All pictures were taken with a Canon EOS 700D. Technically interested are welcome to download the pictures and there take a look at the ExIFS.
Price: The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens costs $ with the 10% off Coupon Code: 10PRIMENOW (coupon only for 1st order).
Innovations of Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens
Metal bayonet instead of plastic bayonet
What has changed in Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens in contrast to the “old” 50mm 1.8? Canon has built as it was then in the first version of the 50 1.8 a metal bayonet. Thus, the bayonet is of course much more robust than previously and promises little wear, even when used over several decades. The other materials were changed, more on that later in haptics.
STM engine instead micro motor
Even in the name hard to miss is the 50mm now an STM engine. STM stands for Stepper Motor Technology and translates as much as stepping motor. STM motors are very quiet and are therefore suitable for better video recording so that the focus sound is not heard when refocusing when the video is already running. Even USM motors are pleasantly quiet. Who but the focus sound from the old 50 1.8 knows, who knows that you absolutely could thus attract attention.
7 diaphragm blades for better bokeh
Instead of the previous 5 Canon has now installed 7 diaphragm blades, which also give to a circular opening. What does it mean exactly? The Bokeh has become much more beautiful – more on that below.
Autofocus – less scrap rate
Coming straight to the autofocus. In the forums you can still argue about it, but I find that the autofocus of the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens has improved. My rejection rate has gone back. Does that mean that the focus better meets, as the same? The STM engine was a clear incentive to buy for me because I already find the high speed and low volume at 18-55 STM outstanding.
Sharpness – has anything changed?
A purely subjective assessment: For me, the sharpness has improved. The previous Canon 50 1.8 aperture 4.0 was already from a piece of cake, but the STM does that “Creamy” earlier going. If previously Aperture 2.0 was previously virtually unusable for me, so I can use it to make useful pictures now quiet. So really sharp it is from 2.8. But even with maximum aperture has made significant progress sharpness.
Feel – how does that feel STM?
The shape of the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens was changed. The lens is now a bit larger and heavier. However, it still falls into the category lightweight. is already written above, the bayonet of metal. The exterior is also made of plastic, however, the surface is slightly rough.
One big difference: Nothing rattles or has game. The lens feels absolutely valuable and makes me even a slightly better figure than the 50mm 1.4. The focus ring is pleasantly light and precise.
Bokeh of Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens
By circular aperture, the bokeh has become much softer. With the old 50 1.8 was seen in the background often a 5-Eck, when the shutter was closed further. This “problem” has now done. I notice that the images significantly. The background is again a whole lot softer than before.
Compare Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens with Canon EF 50mm F / 1.8 II
I have already mentioned some differences. I have used the previous 50 1.8 II over 8 years and am excited about the new Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens. The price difference, I do not particularly large, but a better autofocus, better picture quality and a softer bokeh are definitely worth the money to me. So I would advise to switch. For those who do not have a 50mm, I would also advise directly to the STM.
Compare Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens with Canon EF 50mm F / 1.4 USM
I have the Canon EF 50mm F / 1.4 USM used something for a year. Ultimately, I sold it. This was because that difficulties can use at f 1.4, this lens in my opinion, because it is then much too soft. I’m not focus Fetishes, but a basic level has to be there. I am then again changed back to 1.8er. In this respect also for the people who have to choose between 1.4er USM and Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens.
Compare Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens with Canon EF 40mm F / 2.8 STM
The Canon EF 40mm f / 2.8 STM is also a very popular lens. I particularly like it because of its small size and low weight. In terms of sharpness, I find it absolutely convincing. I had to choose one or the other, so it would be 50mm.
The reason is that my booked 50s like better and allows you to release a little easier. The blur of the background is greater. The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens is indeed slightly larger and heavier, but here we really speak of whining at a high level. Both lenses are at the end of lighter than 90% of other Canon lenses.
If a lens hood for Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens necessary?
Do you need a lens hood for Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens? I think no, because the front lens sits already very low in the lens casing in it. To produce this unwanted flares, which could not have been with lens hood, you would have just a 2-degree angle meet. From me as a clear no to this question.
Price: The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens costs $ with the 10% off Coupon Code: 10PRIMENOW (coupon only for 1st order).
Conclusion
I am very happy with the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens. Finally, nothing rattles on the lens, the autofocus hits better and the background is softer. And yet this lens brings a playful ease with which you are constantly in the own photography may evolve. Clear purchase recommendation!