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Canon 50mm f/1.8 II

Canon 50mm f/1.8 II

Canon 50mm f/1.8 II

£90.00

Photo answers rating rating is 4
Owners' rating rating is 4
The Canon 50mm f/1.8 II is cheap and cheerful but is it up to the job?

This is an inexpensive and light lens, but it shows in the very plasticky construction, right down to the lens mount, which won’t take the same amount of abuse as a metal one. The weight is a bonus in use, though, and feels great on smaller EOS D-SLRs like the 450D. Though not as fast as the f/1.4 version, the maximum aperture of f/1.8 still produces beautiful blurred backgrounds and good performance in low light conditions.
The manual focus ring is very thin and quite light in operation, lacking the resistance to make really fine adjustments with confidence, though unlike the f/1.4 lens it will take you from near to far focus in less than a quarter turn, making it very speedy to use. Autofocus is just as fast as the USM version, though it’s noisier and hunts a fraction more.

Specifications:
Street price (body only): £90
Construction: 6 elements in 5 groups
Max aperture: f/1.8
Min aperture: f/22
Aperture blades: 5
Aperture ring: No
AF/Manual focus switch: Yes
Autofocus monitor: No
Minimum focus distance: 45cm
Distance window: No
Filter size: 52mm
Dimensions (length x width): 64x41mm
Weight: 130g
Lens mount construction: Plastic
Lens mount: Canon EF & EF-S
Website: www.canon.co.uk

Photo answers review

Photo answers rating rating is 4

Users' Overall Rating rating is 4(4 reviews)

  • Excellent Value

    mrroad

    User's Overall Rating rating is 4

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    Performancerating is 4
    Value for moneyrating is 5
    Build qualityrating is 4
    Featuresrating is 4

    I was browsing and saw this lens second-hand for £70, and thought what the hell. I have been so glad that I did, it has not left my camera for the last month. This lens is well worth the money if you are looking for a good value prime lens for portraits or just something to give you a very shallow depth of field. Also it is very light.

    (Written by: mrroad)

    28 July 2010 12:12

  • really good value

    maeve

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    User's Overall Rating rating is 4.5

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    Performancerating is 4
    Value for moneyrating is 5
    Build qualityrating is 4
    Featuresrating is 5

    i got this lens just because it was cheap and DP said it was good for portraits...& yes i am pleased with it even though it seems small and very light it works very well giving excellent shots. i paid only £89 from warehouse express in 2009 so good price too.

    (Written by: maeve)

    28 February 2010 14:28

  • 50mm f1.8 is GREAT

    Benjamin Elliott

    mansfield

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    User's Overall Rating rating is 4.5

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    Performancerating is 5
    Value for moneyrating is 5
    Build qualityrating is 4
    Featuresrating is 4

    This is my lens of choice for weddings. It means I am not crowding the couple but neither am I shouting at them from across the room since I have a 400d and therefore have to contend with the crop factor.

    (Written by: BenElliott)

    20 July 2009 15:09

  • The Best Value for money lens

    laidbackian

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    User's Overall Rating rating is 4

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    Performancerating is 4
    Value for moneyrating is 5
    Build qualityrating is 3
    Featuresrating is 4

    I needed a prime lens on a budget for my 450D and this Canon 50mm f1.8 lens has proven to be a winner. At just over £100 with a UV filter it was great value for money and does a fantastic job. The build quality is light and it would be very easy for the filter to be cross threaded if you are not careful, but it is strong and very easy to use once on the camera and with care will last. The best lens I have purchased.

    (Written by: laidbackian)

    06 May 2009 21:51

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