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Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM Ultra-Fast Standard AutoFocus Lens - International Version (No Warranty)
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Return this item for free
Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. You can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition: no shipping charges
Learn more about free returns.- Go to your orders and start the return
- Select the return method
- Ship it!
Purchase options and add-ons
Brand | Canon |
Lens Type | Standard |
Compatible Mountings | Canon EF |
Camera Lens Description | 8 |
Maximum Focal Length | 50 Millimeters |
About this item
- Lens hood and pouch included in the box
- Latest Ultrasonic Motor (USM) for fast and near silent auto focus
- Full-time manual focus override / Minimum focus distance 45cm
- Super Spectra coatings and optimised lens element shaping to suppress flare and ghosting
- Distance information passed back to the new E-TTL II flash algorithm of all current model digital EOS cameras
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This Item Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM Ultra-Fast Standard AutoFocus Lens - International Version (No Warranty) | Recommendations | dummy | dummy | dummy | dummy | |
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Price | $1,129.95$1,129.95 | $340.49$340.49 | $8.99$8.99 | $199.00$199.00 | -27% $659.00$659.00 List: $899.00 | $699.95$699.95 |
Delivery | Get it as soon as Tomorrow, Mar 28 | Get it as soon as Tomorrow, Mar 28 | Get it as soon as Monday, Apr 1 | Get it as soon as Monday, Apr 1 | Get it as soon as Monday, Apr 1 | Get it as soon as Tomorrow, Mar 28 |
Customer Ratings | ||||||
Auto focus | 4.0 | 4.5 | 4.1 | 4.4 | 3.8 | 4.4 |
Picture quality | 4.7 | 4.6 | — | 4.4 | 4.1 | 4.7 |
Quality of material | 4.6 | — | 4.5 | 3.5 | 4.3 | 3.7 |
Durability | 4.6 | — | 4.5 | 3.5 | — | 3.8 |
For portrait photography | 4.5 | 4.8 | — | — | 4.2 | — |
Sold By | 6ave | 6ave | MagiCube Photography | Amazon.com | TRADING DEALS | 6ave |
lens type | Standard | — | — | Telephoto | Wide Angle | Telephoto |
compatible mountings | Canon EF | Canon EF | Canon EF | Canon EF | Canon EF | Canon EF |
lens design | Prime | Prime | — | Zoom | Prime | Zoom |
focus type | Manual Focus, Auto Focus | Manual Focus, Auto Focus | — | Auto Focus | Ring-type ultrasonic | Auto Focus |
minimum focal length | 50 millimeters | 50 millimeters | 50 millimeters | 75 millimeters | 35 millimeters | 24 millimeters |
max focal length | 50 millimeters | 50 millimeters | 50 millimeters | 300 millimeters | 35 millimeters | 105 millimeters |
Videos
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Actual photos from my 50mm - Review from a professional!
Zoey & Casey
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2:34
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Comparing Uses Between Canon 50mm 1.2 & 24mm 1.4 #thisorthat
Justin
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2:25
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Sigma 24-70mm 2.8 vs Canon 50mm 1.2 L EF Lenses #thisorthat
Justin
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Product information
Item Weight | 1.28 pounds |
---|---|
ASIN | B000I2J2S6 |
Item model number | 1257B005AA |
Customer Reviews |
4.7 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #208 in SLR Camera Lenses |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Date First Available | September 14, 2004 |
Department | Default Category |
Manufacturer | Canon |
Country of Origin | Japan |
Warranty & Support
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What's in the box
Product Description
Features
- L-series construction and optics
- Large f/1.2 aperture
- Fast, quiet USM auto focus
- Super Spectra Coatings
- Circular aperture for high background bokeh
- Provides distance information for the E-TTL II flash system
- Soft case and lens hood
L-series Quality
The EF 50 mm f/1.2L USM incorporates Canon's high standards of precision optics. The L-series is Canon's flagship professional lens range, combining high image performance and optimum operability with dust and moisture resistant construction.
Large f/1.2 Aperture
A large maximum aperture of f/1.2 provides high speed for shooting in low light conditions, without the need for flash. The large aperture also provides fine control over depth of field.
High Background Bokeh
A circular barrel aperture helps to create background bokeh, suitable for isolating subjects at large apertures and for compelling portrait photography.
Fast, Quiet Auto Focus
A Ring-type USM (Ultrasonic motor) uses ultrasonic frequency vibrations to drive rapid auto focus with near-silent operation. A high-speed CPU and improved AF algorithm contribute further to AF speed. The holding torque stops the focusing lens group without overshoot. Full time electronic manual focus override is available without having to switch out of AF.
Super Spectra coatings
Super Spectra lens coatings and lens element shaping suppress flare and ghosting - more prone to occur with digital cameras due to reflection off the image sensor. Coatings also help achieve true colour balance and increase contrast for vivid hi-fidelity images.
Passes Distance Information to E-TTL II
The lens passes distance information back to the E-TTL II flash system of compatible EOS cameras to ensure optimal flash metering.
Accessories
The EF 50 mm f/1.2L USM lens comes supplied with a cylindrical lens hood and a soft case.
Other Characteristics:
Closest Focusing Distance: 0.45 mColour of Product: Black
Compatible Products: Canon EOS
Component For: SLR
Diameter: 8.54 cm
Filter Size: 7.2 cm
Fixed Focal Length: 1.2 mm
Focus Adjustment: Auto/Manual
Length: 6.55 cm
Lens Mount Interface: Canon EF
Lens Structure (Elements/Groups): 8/6
Maximum Aperture Number: 50
Ultrasonic Motor (USM): Yes
Weight: 545 g
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the build quality of the lens. They say it's built like a tank and is reliable. They also appreciate the value for money, saying it'll be well worth the price. Customers say the lens works great in low light conditions, allowing them to capture beautiful pictures. They like the sharpness, saying the shots become extremely sharp after 2.0 and continue to improve to f 8.0. Customers are satisfied with performance, quality, and image quality. However, some customers have reported issues with the auto focus not hitting the mark.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers are satisfied with the quality of the lens. They mention that it provides excellent portrait photos with great bokeh. The lens is ideal for creating a natural looking composition, and it provides very nice pictures. The contrast, bok, and IQ were excellent from f/2 upwards, and the lens hood is amazing.
"...Now, always remember that your lens is a creative tool: this one is a fantastic and versatile tool, but you still can't expect it to do anything it..." Read more
"...The lens hood is amazing (I bought one of the non name brand hoods)... I could be wrong but I think it helps the lens auto-focus quicker in some..." Read more
"...1. You can take natural looking photos in lower light, without needing a flash, higher ISO (which adds noise) or without needing to slow down the..." Read more
"...Pictures have been outstanding and my professional customers frequently cite the sharpness, light balance, depth of field, color reproduction, and "..." Read more
Customers like the build quality of the lens. They say it's solid, ensuring durability and reliability in various settings. Some customers also say the lens feels built like a tank and will definitely last a decent amount of time.
"...So, in conclusion: this is a wonderful lens that is sharp, fast, well built, and has excellent optical qualities when used right...." Read more
"...Pros:SolidQuietFast Auto FocusFull Time Manual FocusBeautiful BokehAmazing colorsSharp..." Read more
"...As an added benefit, this lens also is built better and has a more solid feel...." Read more
"...The other issue I have with the lens is build quality. It just feels cheap in the hands. There is a lot of slop in the focus ring...." Read more
Customers like the value of the lens. They mention that it's well worth the price, has an appropriate build, and is one of the sharpest lenses you can buy.
"...The 50mm F/1.8 is well-known for its optical quality and fantastic value. However, it is also made up of plastic, and as such, it WILL break...." Read more
"...The quality of this lens from build to optics is definitely worth the price. It just feels solid compared to the 1.8...." Read more
"...safely say that after using this lens for a while that it is the best value lens you can buy from Canon. Is the 1.2 sharper? Sure...." Read more
"...Not too big or small, well built, and not so expensive you're scared to use if out doors or leave it on your camera around your neck...." Read more
Customers like the image quality of the lens. For example, they say it's fantastic, sharp, and able to take sharp images in low light. They also appreciate the stunning blur you can achieve with it, and say macro shots turn out really good. The lens is well-known for its optical quality and fantastic value. Customers are also impresseded with the clarity and the lack of motion blur.
"...The 50mm F/1.8 is well-known for its optical quality and fantastic value. However, it is also made up of plastic, and as such, it WILL break...." Read more
"...-focus time to properly track her constant movement and results in a ton more sharp pictures than taking a picture immediately after focusing...." Read more
"...Using an aperture of 2.0 is clearly the best for sharp pictures. I have almost started to use this lens exclusively...." Read more
"...In general, the image quality is good. The main problem I have with this lens that will offend some will be the very soft focus on certain apertures...." Read more
Customers like the lighting of the lens. They mention that it works great in low light conditions, and captures beautiful natural light. The camera lets in more light, and it produces good low-light captures of still objects. The commendable quality is the super-bright f1.4 aperture.
"...It GOBBLES light at nighttime and indoors, and coupled with the high-ISO performance of almost every Canon DSLR right now, you can get stunning..." Read more
"...As the lens opening increases (a lower f-stop #), the camera lets in more light giving you two important benefits:1...." Read more
"...Low light is good, but not great. And the lens body itself...lets just say its more than lacking...." Read more
"...The lens performs remarkably well in low-light conditions, thanks to its wide aperture, making it ideal for indoor photography or during the..." Read more
Customers like the sharpness of the lens. They say it is very sharp, and one of the sharpest lenses you can buy. The lens is good enough wide open, and sharp as a tack stopped down. It appears sharp even wide open and is able to snap sharp shots.
"...It is SHARP: focus, movement, light, camera shake, and shutter speed all can alter the sharpness of your photo, which is the most important facet,..." Read more
"...are beautiful the bokeh is awesome, the colors pop, and everything is perfectly sharp...." Read more
"...been outstanding and my professional customers frequently cite the sharpness, light balance, depth of field, color reproduction, and "bokeh"..." Read more
"...Yes. But is this lens sharper and more contrasty than most lenses? Yes...." Read more
Customers like the performance of the lens. For example, they say it works well, produces great results, and is versatile. Some say the lens is excellent for portraits, and works great in close distances.
"...Their results are nearly identical, and bokeh is a personal preference...." Read more
"...So I got this lens. It doesn't zoom, it just does bokeh and does it well. Sharp enough for my general purpose...." Read more
"...The lens is amazing just not perfect... maybe I had too high of expectations (or more likely I am just an ignorant novice photographer)...." Read more
"...-deserved 5-star rating, this lens stands out as a versatile, high-performance tool that caters to both professional photographers and enthusiasts..." Read more
Customers are dissatisfied with the focus of the lens. They mention that the autofocus is not hitting the mark, it can be touchy, and the lens fails to focus properly at all, both in autofocus and manual. The focus ring is also miserably bad for video, and there is some play in the focusing wheel. Additionally, the lens has a soft focus at f1.4 and does not focus accurately wide open.
"...The focus ring is also miserably bad for video. So, if you have the extra $200 to spend, GET THE 1.4...." Read more
"...The low aperture does more for bokeh than it does in eliminating the need for light. If your primary concern is crappy lighting ... get a flash...." Read more
"...It's easy to accidentally focus on somebody's ear and the rest of their face can actually be out of focus...." Read more
"...- Autofocus can be touchy at lower f-stops and may require very very minor manual adjustments...." Read more
Reviews with images
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*If you want this lens, GET IT. You will NOT regret it if you want a fast, sharp, well-built investment in glass.*
Keep in mind that when shooting with APS-C cameras (7D, 4/5/60D, T1/2/3/4/5i, SLi) this is a wonderful PORTRAIT lens, that gives you a head-and-shoulders frame at five feet, while on a full-frame camera (5D1/2/3, 6D, 1D3/4/5/X/C) it is a stunning STANDARD lens, with a full-body frame at five feet.
It is well-built: the body is made up of a solid plastic that has survived a few bangs and falls already. I have it insured, so I have the peace of mind of not worrying about little things, but remember to put a cheap UV filter on it. *A scratched filter costs a LOT less to replace than a scratched lens. Buy a filter with this lens!*
It is FAST: The USM is quick and snappy. It is the older version of Canon's USM, so it will 'hunt' in low light if you place a single AF point onto a black background or surface. Get around that by focusing on a lit subject and then recomposing, using either single shot AF or AF-lock.
It is BRIGHT: or 'fast', but I didn't want to get confused between AF and aperture. If you are upgrading from a zoom lens, whether it's your kit 18-55 or your professional 24-70 F/2.8, you will INSTANTLY notice how bright and clean 1.4 is. It GOBBLES light at nighttime and indoors, and coupled with the high-ISO performance of almost every Canon DSLR right now, you can get stunning shots with this lens in the toughest of conditions without a flash. And, because of how fast it is, the depth of field (amount of your subject in focus) is razor-thin. You will find that someone's nose pores will be visible while their eyes will be blurry, which might ruin a shot for you: always confirm that what you want to be in focus, is. This is a VERY powerful tool for creative or portrait photography.
It is SHARP: focus, movement, light, camera shake, and shutter speed all can alter the sharpness of your photo, which is the most important facet, but the fact is that this lens will not hold you back if you're looking for the sharpest photo possible. It is RAZOR sharp when stopped down, and center sharpness is stunning all the way to F/1.4. Anything from F/2 and up will be sharp all around, at at F/5.6 the entire frame is sharper than a lot of L lenses. The only reason people pay five times as much for the Canon 50mm F/1.2L is because they either need the build quality, aperture speed, or consistent sharpness. You can easily get equally stunning results from this lens, at 1/5th the price of its niche L brother.
And, for creative photos and especially video, it creates wonderful creamy BOKEH. If you're looking at this lens you probably know what 'bokeh' means: all it references is the quality of the out-of-focus areas of your photo. Your subject, whether a face or a sign or a car or a person, will be sharp and in focus, while at F/1.4 the area from a few inches in front of and behind the subject become a wonderfully pleasing blur.
Now, as far as competition goes, this lens competes with the Sigma 50mm F/1.4 and Canon's own 50mm F/1.8. The Canon 50mm macro lens doesn't count as a 'fast fifty', as at F/2.5 it is an entire stop slower than the other 50's.
The Sigma is a better and newer lens than the Canon 50mm F/1.4, with better sharpness wide open and barely better bokeh. However, it costs slightly more, and it doesn't have the support of Canon software, hardware, and editing plugins. Their results are nearly identical, and bokeh is a personal preference. You will be perfectly content with either lens, though Canon's autofocus has been reported as being superior to Sigma's, with quality control issues and failing AF on early models of Sigma's 50mm's.
The 50mm F/1.8 is well-known for its optical quality and fantastic value. However, it is also made up of plastic, and as such, it WILL break. The focus ring is also miserably bad for video. So, if you have the extra $200 to spend, GET THE 1.4. The build quality, USM focusing, and proper focus ring will last you years, wheras the 'nifty fifty' will last you until you drop it, or the cheap AF dies.
Now, always remember that your lens is a creative tool: this one is a fantastic and versatile tool, but you still can't expect it to do anything it's not built to do. For example, while F/1.4 is a wonderful tool, you will find yourself missing focus at times. Stop down to F/2.8 not only for more accurate DOF and focus, but better sharpness. And, if you want stunning detail, or you're in bright sunlight, stop down to F/5.6 for nearly perfect sharpness for when you have a lot of light, a flash, or are set up to do portraits. And, when you need stunning bokeh or fast shutter speeds, crank it open.
So, in conclusion: this is a wonderful lens that is sharp, fast, well built, and has excellent optical qualities when used right. If you think you want it, get it, and you won't be disappointed.
Pros:
Solid
Quiet
Fast Auto Focus
Full Time Manual Focus
Beautiful Bokeh
Amazing colors
Sharp
Cons:
More expensive than 1.8 (how much does full-time manual focusing, construction, quiet auto-focus matter to you?)
Lacks IS (I know it is not a huge deal but I think it could be helpful)
Should include a free lens hood
This is my first lens besides the kits lens that comes with the T2i so I hope this review might be helpful to those deciding to branch out beyond the kit lens. The lens is amazing just not perfect... maybe I had too high of expectations (or more likely I am just an ignorant novice photographer). Nevertheless, as soon as I took this thing out of the box I told my wife, "I am never using the kits lens again". (I have had this lens for a couple of months and did put the kit lens on once to take an indoor group picture because there just wasn't enough room at 50mm... however as soon as the picture was taken this lens was back on my camera.)
First off this lens is amazingly solid (makes the plastic kit lens feel like a toy). I swear it doubles the weight of my camera (not in a bad way)... I now understand the reviews which said that the T2i feels cheap.
I don't do a ton of videography but like taking an occasional video and was hoping the quiet auto-focus would eliminate the annoying sound picked up by the internal mic when focusing... it doesn't (it might be slightly less but still just as annoying). Nevertheless the silent auto-focus is very nice and makes the kit lens sound like a semi (that might be too drastic but you get the point).
Before this lens I was still familiarizing myself with the camera and only shot in the basic modes. If you have no intention of branching out beyond the basic modes you may want to hold off on purchasing this lens since most of the benefits come with learning the manual modes and using a low aperture. Expect a little bit of frustration as you try to learn the advanced modes and get non blurry photos that are completely in focus. It can be frustrating but well worth the learning curve. When this thing hits the photos are beautiful the bokeh is awesome, the colors pop, and everything is perfectly sharp.
I thought the full time manual mode would be incredible no longer having to flip a switch on/off. I was wrong... maybe I am stupid but searching the web I found other people would try to manually focus in AI Servo. Don't be an idiot like me and others. AI Servo focuses continually so you have to change modes to manually focus (unless you want to grind against the gears). Maybe it is just me but it would be nice if the camera could tell you were manually focusing and disable the auto-focus regardless of what mode you are in. Don't get me wrong the manual focus is nice just not as perfect as I thought it might/could be.
The low aperture although very helpful will not do miracles... I find myself desperately longing for a flash (I hate the on board flash) in some lighting conditions. The low aperture helps a lot but is only one piece of the puzzle. The low aperture does more for bokeh than it does in eliminating the need for light. If your primary concern is crappy lighting ... get a flash. If your primary concern is crappy quality (sharpness, bokeh, color) get this lens. Or get both (which I plan to do shortly). Some people state they no longer need a flash with this lens which may be true for some but I find in my horrible lit apartment it is almost impossible to get decent pictures without using one even when the lens is stopped down to 1.4.
Part of me really wished this lens had IS (except for the increase in price that would go along with it) it really would make this great lens incredible. The kits lens although having far worse image quality and color is a little more forgiving with the IS. I think this may be why some people complain about non sharp photos. I have found the camera can take amazingly sharp photos even when wide open at 1.4 but it requires a lot more skill (steady hands or a tripod and spot on auto focus). A random tip I found helpful when taking pictures of my daughter was to use AI Servo but to track her movement for a second or two before taking a picture. It gives the auto-focus time to properly track her constant movement and results in a ton more sharp pictures than taking a picture immediately after focusing.
I also purchased a filter (included for free with purchase) and a lens hood. The filter is close to a waste of money and I could only see myself using it if I was in a harsh environment and seriously worried about particles getting into the lens since it destroyed image quality. The lens hood is amazing (I bought one of the non name brand hoods)... I could be wrong but I think it helps the lens auto-focus quicker in some lighting conditions. Additionally, it looks good and provides a decent level of protection without loss of photo quality (pick one up).
Purchase Price: $346.00 Brand New