Canon EF50mm F1.8 STM

[Zoom] Wide-zoom | Standard-zoom | Tele-zoom | High-zoom  
[Fixed-focal] Wide angle | Standard | Telephoto | Macro

The previous generation "type II" is a long-seller for 25 years. In this sense, it's the most famous lens for EOS cameras. Because of the affordability, it's generally considered to be an "entry level" lens (I bought it twice). However, the performance is very high and many experts love this lens. And, it was May 2015 when this masterpiece was renewed with a stepping motor, different number of aperture blades, shorter minimum focus distance, new lens coating, and a metal mount. Yes, there's no change in the lens construction. I'm sure Canon considers this lens as an important one in their lineup. If they thought they needed to change it, they would have changed it without hesitation. But, they didn't have to. Instead, they took care of the weak points to further improve it. I think this is a prudent and proper approach.

( Photography & Text : NB )

Shooting a distant view at F5.6. Perfect color reproduction, differentiation of subtle tones, light and shadow of cloudy weather, corner resolution, and 3D separation. I really cannot find any fault. As of now (when I'm writing this report), you give 20,000 yen to Yodobashi and with the change you can order a decent meal.

After saying "I was asked to come here from the base to teach for a new elementary school for 2 years, but hey, it's been 50 years," she laughed and walked away. Their bear bells were ranging in the quiet morning of the mountain village. The stepping motor contributes to the improvement in speed, accuracy, and quietness of the AF. It's not surprisingly quick, but you'll never feel it's slow. Actually, it swiftly followed the walking old women (whose speed wasn't fast of course) and I could get this nice 3D separation at F1.8. The unique bokeh hasn't changed since the predecessor.

Another shot wide open. The edge of the power cable looks slightly dull and blurred. Also, falloff is noticeable even considering the slight enhancement caused by minor adjustments when developing (maybe it's more visible on the shot of old women). Well, so what?

How about close-up. The minimum focus distance has been shortened from 45cm to 35cm and this extra 10cm makes a great difference. The fulltime manual focus mechanism (which only works with one-shot AF mode) lets you pinpoint in focusing manually after the AF focused and it's quite helpful in close-up photography. And, what a softness and sweetness!

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Stopped down to F11. Great color reproduction and contrast. Yet, the lines are so delicate. The clarity is pleasingly high, too.

Checking how it differentiates light and shadow. While the bright part doesn't get overly white, the shade has a natural tonal gradation and a great detail.

The sun is shining on the pale green sheet from a low angle. When I checked the image with the camera's rear screen, it looked snow white and I was disappointed. But on the PC screen, I was happy to discover the reproduction of the subtle tones. By the way, if you take a close look at the sample images, you will find a slight barrel distortion.

I converted the image to monochrome because I love it. A subject like this looks great in monochrome. BVy discarding colors, you can better know the nature of lens (except color reproduction, not to mention). In addition, it better elicits the problem of a failed shot and it will make you feel even more disappointed. Of course, we don't need such effect!

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Invitation to the first interchangeable lens

This is what people say in fishing. "It starts with crucian carp and ends with crucian carp." Similarly in photography, we can say "it starts with 50mm and ends with 50mm." Because it's called "standard lens," it appears as if it's a lens for beginners. But in fact, it is difficult and profound. Or, it's the easiest and the hardest. When I could get a perfect shot with a 50mm, the feeling of rewardedness is something I can never get from other focal lengths. It's a long way to mastering it, but I adore this focal length.

The standpoint of the EF 50mm F1.8 STM is "an invitation to the first interchangeable lens." Many people who buy their first interchangeable-lens cameras choose a kit with a standard zoom lens and not many people buy another lens after that, meaning there're happy with the standard zoom lens. And, the viewer of Photo Yodobashi (like you) may say it's the best choice. But, it's such a waste to ignore the world of interchangeable lenses. This lens is a ticket which lowers the threshold of the "next stage." Don't have a 50mm fixed-focal lens yet? Take my advice and buy it now. The price is low enough to make a quick decision. The new world is just ahead of you. Thank you in advance.

Or, are you an expert using expensive equipment with advanced skills? In fact, I strongly recommend this lens to someone like you. One of you friends, say Mr. Tanaka, has expensive lenses and he boasts about them. Don't be mortified. Get this lens and produce hundreds and thousands of masterpieces. Now is the time to shut Mr. Tanaka up. You know you can use your Gold Points to buy it. I thank you in advance.

( 09.09.2015 )