The Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM is a highly anticipated lens that marks a significant milestone in the development of the EOS R system. As one of the first L-series lenses designed specifically for the RF mount, this 50mm prime offers unparalleled image quality, speed, and build quality, making it an absolute must-have for professional portrait photographers.

Design and Build

The Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM boasts a robust and weather-sealed design that’s characteristic of L-series lenses. The lens is built around a durable aluminum body with a comfortable weight distribution, allowing for smooth handling even during extended use. The focus ring is perfectly positioned for intuitive operation, while the lens’s overall ergonomics ensure that it fits comfortably in your hand.

One of the standout features of this lens is its innovative design, which incorporates advanced optical elements and coatings to minimize aberrations and maximize image quality. Canon has also included a dedicated manual focus control with a quiet and precise mechanism for effortless focusing.

Optical Quality

The RF 50mm f/1.2L USM boasts an exceptional optical design that includes 15 elements in 9 groups, including two large-diameter aspherical lenses and one ultra-high-precision glass element. This advanced configuration ensures a remarkable level of sharpness, contrast, and color accuracy across the entire frame.

The lens’s f/1.2 aperture provides an incredible amount of light gathering capabilities, making it perfect for low-light photography or creating shallow depth-of-field effects. Additionally, Canon has implemented a multi-layered coating that minimizes ghosting and flare, allowing for greater flexibility when shooting in bright conditions.

Image Quality

In terms of image quality, the RF 50mm f/1.2L USM delivers outstanding results across the board. The lens’s sharpness is nothing short of exceptional, with excellent edge-to-edge clarity and minimal distortion. Colors are vivid and rich, with a natural-looking tone that’s consistent throughout the frame.

When paired with the EOS R5 or EOS R6 cameras, this lens takes advantage of their advanced autofocus systems for fast and accurate focusing performance. Additionally, the lens’s wide aperture and exceptional optical quality make it an ideal choice for capturing stunning portraits with beautiful bokeh effects.

Autofocus and Stabilization

The Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM features Canon’s renowned Dual Nano USM (Ultra Sonic Motor) focusing system, which provides rapid and precise autofocus performance. This advanced mechanism enables fast and accurate focusing, even in low-light conditions or when using the lens’s wide aperture.

For added stability and reduced camera shake, this lens is designed to work seamlessly with Canon’s advanced image stabilization systems, including the EOS R5 and EOS R6 cameras’ IBIS (In-Body Image Stabilization).

Additional Features

Other notable features of the RF 50mm f/1.2L USM include a dedicated control ring for adjusting focus or aperture settings, as well as a customizable lens information display that provides critical shooting data.

Conclusion

The Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM is an absolute gem of a lens that sets the standard for professional portrait photography in the EOS R system. With its exceptional optical quality, fast autofocus performance, and robust build, this lens is a must-have for any serious photographer looking to elevate their creative work.

Technical Specifications:

• Focal Length: 50mm
• Aperture: f/1.2 – f/16
• Lens Construction: 15 elements in 9 groups (including two aspherical lenses and one ultra-high-precision glass element)
• Filter Size: 77mm
• Weight: Approximately 850g
• Diameter: 94mm
• Length: 118mm
• Minimum Focusing Distance: 0.38m / 1.25 ft
• Maximum Magnification Ratio: 1:7.3
• Image Stabilization: Compatible with Canon EOS R5 and EOS R6 cameras’ IBIS (In-Body Image Stabilization)
• Autofocus System: Dual Nano USM (Ultra Sonic Motor) focusing system