Canon ambassador Irene Rudnyk has posted a review of the recently-announced Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 where she compares it to the old EF version from a build-quality perspective as well as shows the quality of the images she was able to produce with it.
As a fan of the original EF version, Rudnyk was excited to shoot with the new lens on the EOS RP, Canon’s budget mirrorless camera. The total value of her setup was about $1200, which is pretty cheap for access to a full-frame sensor and wide aperture of f/1.8.
For comparison purposes, Rudnyk took a few images with a much more expensive setup: the EOS R5 and the RF 50mm f/1.2 lens.
There is a clear difference between the two images, but with such a giant gap in price that is to be expected. That said, Rudnyk’s photo with the cheaper setup still looks really good and is a testament to the equipment as well as the philosophy that it’s less about the gear and more about how it is used.
“When it comes to close-up portraits, you won’t see a big visual difference between the cheaper f/1.8 lens and the more expensive f/1.2,” Rudnyk says. “But you really start noticing differences when you step back for full body shots. If you want to get the most out of the f/1.8, I suggest to stay close to your subject or place them further from the background.”
Rudnyk shows that there are indeed limitations to the f/1.8 lens, but they can be overcome and the results you can get out of the inexpensive lens can be quite attractive. Considering the difference in price between the 50mm f/1.8 and the 50mm f/1.2 L, it’s likely many photographers will opt for the $200 lens, especially if they are just starting out.
For more from Rudnyk, check out her Instagram or subscribe to her YouTube Channel.