Canon RF50mm F1.8 STM Lens

Name: Canon RF50mm F1.8 STM Lens
Price: 199 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 8.4 (86 reviews)

Curated from 86 real Reddit conversations

Refreshed on: April 3, 2025

Canon RF50mm F1.8 STM Lens

Brand: Canon

Price: $199

Snoop Score:

8.4

Sentiment

6.8

Popularity

8.6

Technical

8.8

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Snoop's Take

The Canon RF50mm F1.8 STM Lens is a lightweight and compact prime lens designed for EOS R series mirrorless cameras. This lens excels in low-light conditions and offers creative background blur, making it suitable for a variety of photography styles such as wildlife and baby photography. Consumer feedback highlights its versatility and compact design, with users noting that "it’s a good everyday/versatile lens for a camera like the R50." Many appreciate its sharpness and image quality, calling it "an excellent affordable lens with a very versatile zoom range." However, some users have expressed concerns about image quality and performance in low-light situations, stating that "the range is not great, the lens itself is pretty garbage." Overall, the Canon RF50mm F1.8 STM Lens is recommended for those seeking a versatile and compact option for everyday photography, especially for beginners, despite some mixed reviews on its performance in specific conditions.

Not for you? Check out our other rated Mirrorless Camera Lenses

The RF 50mm would be a -+80mm equivalent, which is nice to complement for your partner.
Positive Feedback

This is, by far, the single most useless lens from Canon I’ve ever handled.
Negative Feedback

8.4

Canon RF50mm F1.8 STM Lens

Buy on Amazon for $199

Low-Light Photography

3 / 10

Portrait Photography

4 / 10

Travel & Landscape

3 / 10

Video Recording

3 / 10

See how this compares to all Mirrorless Camera Lenses

What it does well!

Key strengths users can’t stop talking about.

Complementary lens for wildlife photography

“The RF 50mm would be a -+80mm equivalent, which is nice to complement for your partner.”➕

“I would love a super sharp RF lens that can replace one of the ones that I currently have, or add to to my existing set.”➕

Complementary lens for baby photography

“there are going to be lots of moments/milestones that would be nice to capture.”➕

“If you intend to mostly do baby pics, then to start with you could get by with that and an EF-RF adapter.”➕

Compact and versatile lens option

“Really compact, really versatile, really good, and don't listen to the haters.”➕

“The 24-50mm is a versatile and light Allrounder.”➕

Good everyday/versatile lens for beginners

“It’s a good everyday/versatile lens for a camera like the R50.”➕

Compact and lightweight option

“Go refurbished if possible. Canon refurbished is pretty much new.”➕

Perfect condition with Canon refurb warranty

“If the Refurb is from the Canon shop, it will be in perfect condition with the same warranty as new.”➕

Versatile lens option for beginners

“R8 is brilliant, RF 24-105 f/4 is right what you need.”➕

Excellent affordable lens with versatile zoom range

“It's an excellent affordable lens with a very versatile zoom range and reasonably good image quality.”➕

“This the lens that you want to get! It covers such a wide range; effectively 28-240, with image quality better than most other kit lenses.”➕

Compact and lightweight design for travel

“RF travel lens G'day I'm traveling next year and I'm finally making the move to mirrorless. I've got”➕

“Basically a lens cap. The small size/footprint allowed me to quickly pull my camera out my sling to take a quick shot and put it away if needed.”➕

“Not once will you think it's too much to carry about and it's just fun to use.”➕

Versatile lens for various photography styles

“It's very discreet, really versatile for travel photography and as a one lens solution for EDC.”➕

Excellent sharpness and image quality

“This lens is grossly underrated. It actually comes close to the 28-70mm f2 for sharpness at equivalent apertures at a steal of a price and tiny footprint.”➕

Both camera and lens perform well for their price

“Request for opinions about Canon EOS RP Mirrorless Digital Camera with 24-105mm f4-7.1 IS STM Lens H”➕

“both perform really well. both are much better than u would expect based on what they cost right now”➕

“I would absolutely say this is a great camera to start out with.”➕

Great general all-purpose lens

“I love the 24-105 as a general all-purpose lens.”➕

Good image quality and excellent image stabilization

“The STM delivers good image quality, excellent IS, and is relatively compact.”➕

Adapters available for EF lenses

“Lugging her current DSLR everywhere is a pain.”➕

“You really want an adapter with a control ring which is a ring that you can assign to whatever you want.”➕

“The R6 is just short of incredible.”➕

“Most of the reason the RF lenses are superior to the old EF lenses is that they are of a newer design.”➕

Improved autofocus with RF mount

“you lose some of the advance autofocus capability.”➕

Where it needs some work!

Areas to watch—feedback on possible improvements.

24-50mm lens has poor image quality

“This is, by far, the single most useless lens from Canon I’ve ever handled.”➕

“The range is not great, the lens itself is pretty garbage.”➕

Not good for low-light due to small aperture

“It's good for what it is but do not expect any zoom at that price point with that focal range to be amazingly sharp or good at low light.”➕

4K video has a significant crop and autofocus issues

“It's a decent camera but if you're gonna use it for 4k videos keep in mind that there is a 1,6x crop and dual pixel af doesn't work.”➕

L lens offers better image quality and performance

“If you can afford to get the L but settled for the STM, good chance you may have wished you got the L instead later on.”➕

“The L is an excellent all around lens.”➕

Compare On All Talked About Dimensions

Product Name	Price	Score	See Details	Buy Now
Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 S Lens	$2696	8.8	Details	Buy
Canon RF50mm F1.8 STM Lens	$199	8.4	Details	Buy
Tamron 28-200 F/2.8-5.6 Di III RXD Lens for Sony	$649	8.0	Details	Buy
Tamron 70-300mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD Lens	$399	7.8	Details	Buy
Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD Lens	$649	7.8	Details	Buy
Canon RF-S55-210mm F5-7.1 is STM Telephoto Zoom Lens	$349	7.5	Details	Buy
Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S Lens	$2396	7.5	Details	Buy
Canon RF-S10-18mm F4.5-6.3 STM Ultra-Wide-Angle Lens	$299	7.4	Details	Buy
Meike 25mm F1.8 Manual Focus Lens for Sony E Mount Cameras	$74	7.1	Details	Buy
Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR Mirrorless Lens	$1296	7.1	Details	Buy
Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 45-150mm Telephoto Lens	$147	6.5	Details	Buy
NIKON NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S Lens	$2796	6.2	Details	Buy
Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S Macro Lens	$1046	5.8	Details	Buy
Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S Lens	$626	5.7	Details	Buy
Generic 32mm F10 Free Focus Pancake Lens for RF Mount	$25	5.3	Details	Buy
Meike 55mm F1.4 Prime Lens for Sony E Mount Cameras	$199	4.9	Details	Buy
Sigma 30mm F1.4 Contemporary DC DN Lens for Sony E	$299	4.8	Details	Buy
Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 Prime Lens	$296	4.7	Details	Buy
Panasonic LUMIX G II Vario Lens 100-300MM	$447	4.3	Details	Buy
Meike 35mm F1.7 Manual Focus Lens for Sony E-Mount Cameras	$69	3.6	Details	Buy
Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 Lens	$1099	3.4	Details	Buy

Core Power Plays

The specs and strengths that make it shine.

Discussion on lens comparisons and performance

“There is a reason 24-105s are well regarded amongst photographers.”➕

“Think it makes sense to just keep what I ordered if having the 24-50 would add zero value.”➕

Users sharing experiences with different RF lenses

“Don’t overlook the 28mm pancake. It’s spectacular.”➕

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

What to check before you click ‘Add to Cart.’

Discussion about lens options for Canon mirrorless

“I am incredibly happy with!”➕

“I think this lens is really worthwhile for owners of EOS R crop sensors.”➕

“Perfect range and a great aperture.”➕

“The obvious choice, though a bit over your budget is the Sigma RF 18-50mm f2.8.”➕

Discussion about RF lens recommendations for portraits and landscapes

“The first RF lens that comes to mind for "super sharp" is the RF 135mm f/1.8 prime. It is exceedingly sharp.”➕

“28-70 f2 feels like a cheat code, but you can bury me with my 50 f1.2.”➕

“RF 50 1.2 L and RF 16 2.8 STM is a nice combo for your budget and description thus far.”➕

“Any suggestions for casual street and landscape photography?”➕

Discussion about lens options for Canon mirrorless cameras

“What’s the amount of money you’re willing to spend on a lens?”➕

“Lucky kid, I know.”➕

“the RF 18-150 is a kit lens, but it’s pretty well regarded and would certainly be good for a beginner.”➕

“I don't see any current deals on lenses on the Cannon website.”➕

Discussion about camera upgrades from DSLR to mirrorless

“he mentioned that he wanted to get a Canon based on the quality and potential lens options.”➕

Debate on which lenses to pair with Canon mirrorless cameras

“it was lovely combo AND I'm jealous of you :)”➕

“Canon R6 Mark ii is an amazing camera for the price.”➕

Discussion on alternatives for lens upgrades

“Just get the kit lens, it'll do the job.”➕

Discussion about using Sigma lenses with Canon mirrorless cameras

“Can you use Sigma lenses on your mirrorless camera?”➕

“Yes. My Sigma 18-35 F1.8 works perfectly with my R7 and adaptor.”➕

“Absolutely had a Sigma EF 35mm f1.4 ART I used on my R5 without issue.”➕

“You can use EF-mount Sigma lenses on RF mount Canon mirrorless cameras, using an EF to RF adapter.”➕

Discussion about preferred focal lengths for travel

“this lens remains on my camera almost all of the time, I don’t like changing lenses.”➕

“I also feel the 35/1.8 Macro is way under rated, and love how it performs.”➕

Comparison of RF lens options for versatility

“I am looking at getting a RF lens that is versatile, like one that I can take everywhere without taking all my lenses.”➕

Discussion on using EF lenses with adapters

“Do you lose quality when using EF (DSLR) lenses on Canon mirrorless cameras with an adapter? Is ther”➕

“No loss in image quality or autofocus performance, at all, when using a basic EF-to-EF-M or EF-to-RF adapter.”➕

“it's just a mechanical/electrical adapter with no optics.”➕

“There is no downside.”➕

Cautionary Callouts

Know the pitfalls before they catch you off guard.

Discussion about mirrorless camera advantages.

“I'm not very happy with it (it freezes, is picky about weather conditions and runs out of power quickly).”➕

“Recent RF mount mirrorless cameras are exceptional.”➕

“Mirrorless cameras made in the last 5 years are all vastly superior to the M50 in terms of specs and battery life.”➕

Debate on camera model improvements.

“So i would highly recommend mk1 over mk2 and put the money saved on lens.”➕

“with your budget it'll be hard to find a modern mirrorless that you won't like.”➕

Debate on autofocus performance with adapted lenses

“It would pulse on my native EF camera AND my RF camera with adapter.”➕

“As far as hunting for focus, it hasn't been any different than any other adapted stuff I have used.”➕

Discussion about preference for mirrorless over DSLR for fine art photography.

“I am more concerned with fine art phototherapy and not video creation.”➕

“I think the R8 represents the best value in the entire camera market, across all brands.”➕

“You can certainly be sure the sales rep isn't upselling you.”➕

“Thank you for the link to the other posts. those were super helpful :-)”➕

Canon RF50mm F1.8 STM Lens

Curated from 86 real Reddit conversations

Canon RF50mm F1.8 STM Lens

Snoop's Take

Canon RF50mm F1.8 STM Lens

Low-Light Photography

Portrait Photography

Travel & Landscape

Video Recording

What it does well!

Where it needs some work!

Compare On All Talked About Dimensions

Core Power Plays

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

Cautionary Callouts

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