The perfect 50mm lenses on your digital camera rely upon what mount your digital camera makes use of but in addition what you propose to shoot. A ‘nifty fifty’, as they’re usually referred to as, supplies a focal size that largely equates to what the human eye can see. For that reason, 50mm lenses are sometimes used as portrait lenses or for avenue pictures.
However a 50mm prime lens additionally supplies totally different results relying in your digital camera’s sensor. In the event you shoot with a full-frame digital camera, as an example, your 50mm lens will present a pure perspective.
Put the identical lens on a digital camera with an APS-C sensor and also you’ll have an efficient focal size of 75mm (or 80mm on Canon our bodies). Micro 4 Thirds customers will discover {that a} 50mm lens supplies the equal of a 100mm focal size.
What’s a 50mm lens good for?
As we mentioned above, 50mm lenses are much-loved by portrait photographers. Their typical mixture of pace and a large aperture means you may create good shallow depth of area results and enticing bokeh.
For that reason, lens makers usually have a lot of 50mm choices inside their vary. Canon, as an example provides f/1.2 and f/1.8 in its RF vary, as does Nikon in its Nikkor Z sequence.
The perfect 50mm lenses are additionally small and light-weight. A 24-70mm zoom lens is one other fashionable optic. It’s vastly versatile, nevertheless it’s additionally sometimes twice the scale of a nifty fifty.
A 50mm can be nice as a result of it will get you shut sufficient to your topic but in addition forces you to maneuver. It’s an incredible lens to study pictures with. It forces you to get artistic together with your compositions.
What’s extra, one of the best 50mm lenses are additionally sometimes reasonably priced. You may usually discover a quick 50mm lens in your mount for a comparatively modest price ticket.
The perfect 50mm lenses you should buy in the present day
Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM
Specification
- Lens kind: Full-frame commonplace prime
- Introduced: 4th November 2020
- Mount: Canon RF
- Focal size: 50mm
- Most aperture: f/1.8
- Stabilisation: No
- Climate-sealed: No
The RF 50mm F1.8 STM has been utterly redesigned because the EF 50mm f/1.8 and has a better optical commonplace. The brand new building options PMo aspherical lenses for improved picture high quality and Tremendous Spectra Coating know-how, for decreased ghosting, flare, and aberration.
It makes use of an STM focusing motor, which helps to maintain the value down, and though quiet it is going to be audible when used throughout video pictures utilizing the digital camera’s on-board mic.
A preferred focal size, the RF 50mm F1.8 STM captures an angle of view near our eyes, whereas the massive aperture allows lenty of management over depth of area.
The RF 50mm F1.8 STM has a minimal focusing distance of 0.3m, which is 5cm shorter than the present EF 50mm f/1.8.
Learn our Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM introduced: specs, value confirmed
Value when reviewed
£220
€249.99 Test present value
Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8 S
Specification
- Product kind: Large-angle lens
- Mount: Nikon Z
- Format: Full-frame (FX)
- Focal size: 50mm
- Most aperture: f/1.8
- Minimal aperture: f/16
- Development: 12 components in 9 teams (together with 2 ED components, 2 aspherical components, and components with Nano Crystal Coat)
- Coatings: Nano Crystal Coat
- Focusing system: Inside focusing system
- Minimal focus distance: 0.4m
- Stabilisation: No
- Variety of diaphragm blades: 9
- Filter dimension: 62mm
- Weight: 415g
- Diameter x size (extension from lens mount): 76 x 86.5mm
The Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8 S (aka the Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S) is constructed from 12 components in 9 teams. This consists of 2 ED components and a pair of aspherical together with components which have Nikon’s Nano Crystal Coating.
Maybe not shocking given the scale of the Z mount, the Z 50mm f/1.8 S is bigger than then common 50mm lens. It measures 86.5 mm from the digital camera lens mount flange and has a most diameter of 76mm. Nevertheless, it accepts 62mm filters.
Though it’s fairly a big lens for its focal size, the Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8 S appears fairly at dwelling on the Z 7 and Z 6. It has weather-sealing to match the digital camera and it feels well-balanced with the massive grip on the digital camera.
The massive most aperture additionally helps the digital camera’s autofocus system and it will get most topics sharp in a short time. That makes the handbook focus ring largely redundant and ideal for adjusting publicity compensation (or aperture in case you want).
The perfect outcomes general are produced inside an aperture vary of round f/4 to f/11, however truly, the complete vary produces very good outcomes. Particulars look super-sharp and there’s no want to fret about distortion, chromatic aberration or flare.
You will discover the Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8 S at Amazon UK and Amazon US.
Learn our Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S Evaluate
Value when reviewed
£519
$596 Test present value
For
- Massive most aperture
- Wonderful element
In opposition to
- Massive for its focal size
Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.2 S
Specification
- Product kind: Large-angle zoom lens
- Mount: Nikon Z
- Format: Full-frame (FX)
- Focal size: 50mm
- Most aperture: f/1.2
- Minimal aperture: f/16
- Development: 17 components in 15 teams (together with 2 ED components, 3 aspherical components, and components with Nano Crystal and ARNEO coats)
- Coatings: Nano Crystal Coat, ARNEO coat
- Focusing system: Inside autfocusing
- Minimal focus distance: 0.45 from the focal aircraft
- Most replica ratio: 0.15x
- Stabilisation: Sure
- Variety of diaphragm blades: 9
- Filter dimension: 82mm
- Weight: 1090g
- Diameter x size (extension from lens mount): 89.5 x 150mm
The Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.2 S is the primary f/1.2 prime lens in Nikon’s Z vary, and whereas it doesn’t come low-cost, it walks the stroll. This brilliant, full-frame lens redefines the ‘nifty fifty’ with a quick aperture that makes it viable in excessive low-light circumstances and provides photographers full management over depth of area.
Inside its optical building includes 17 components in 15 teams, of which two are ED glass components and three are aspherical components. Nikon has additionally added its anti-reflective Nano Crystal Coat and ARNEO coatings to assist fight ghosting and flare. Nikon has additionally weather-sealed the lens barrel and mount.
Sure, it’s massive. Bigger than Nikon’s Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8, actually, nevertheless it delivers unbelievable sharpness.
You will discover the Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.2 S at Amazon UK and Amazon US.
Learn our Nikon Nikkor Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S Evaluate
Value when reviewed
£2229
$2675 Test present value
For
- Terribly quick f/1.2 aperture
- Weatherproof
- Unimaginable sharpness
In opposition to
- Such a lens does not come low-cost
- It is massive
Sony FE 50mm F1.8
Specification
- Product kind: Brief telephoto lens
- Mount: E-mount
- Format: Full-frame
- Focal size: 50mm
- Most aperture: f/1.8
- Minimal aperture: f/22
- Development: 6 components in 5 teams
- Minimal focus distance: 0.45m
- Most magnification: 0.14x
- Stabilisation: No
- Variety of diaphragm blades: 7
- Filter dimension: 49mm
- Weight: 186g
- Diameter x size (extension from lens mount): 68.6 x 59.5mm
Sony’s cut price FE 50mm F1.8 weighs solely 186g and is extraordinarily moveable. Its massive f/1.8 aperture and seven-blade round aperture let you create stunning background bokeh that make your topics actually stand out.
Inside, a DC motor drive helps the lens focus shortly and exactly. That mixed with the quick aperture allows the FE 50mm F1.8 to carry out beautifully in low gentle.
Photos are sharp all through. The lens’s aspherical component helps minimise distortion, and the steel mount supplies a reassuring construct high quality.
The Sony FE 50mm F1.8 is a strong all-rounder and ideal for capturing environmental portraiture.
You should buy the Sony FE 50mm F1.8 at Amazon UK and Amazon US.
Learn our Greatest Sony A7 III Equipment
Value when reviewed
£159
$249 Test present value
For
- Wonderful efficiency in low gentle
- Great bokeh
In opposition to
- No stabilisation
Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM
Specification
- Product kind: Commonplace prime lens
- Introduced: sixteenth March 2021
- Mount: Sony FE
- Format: 35mm full body
- Focal size: 50mm
- Most aperture: f/1.2
- Minimal aperture: f/16
- Development: 14 components in 10 teams with three Sony XA (excessive aspherical) components
- Coatings: Fluorine-coated entrance component, Nano AR Coating II
- Minimal focus distance: 0.4m
- Most replica ratio: 0.17x
- Stabilisation: Physique built-in
- Variety of diaphragm blades: 11
- Filter dimension: 72mm
- Weight: 778g
- Diameter x size: 87 x 108mm / 3 1/2 x 43/8 inches
Designed for Sony’s full-frame mirrorless cameras, the FE 50mm f/1.2 GM is a first-rate lens that’s designed to get essentially the most out of a high-resolution full-frame sensor such because the one discovered within the Sony A7 R IV.
With a most aperture of f/1.2, it allows very restricted depth of area for selective focus photos and quick shutter speeds with low ISO settings in poor lighting, making it enticing for portraits and marriage ceremony pictures or video.
The 11-blade round aperture is newly designed for clean bokeh whereas the optical building is fine-tuned to minimise spherical aberration.
For prime element decision throughout the body even at f/1.2, the FE 50mm F1.2 GM has three XA (excessive aspherical) components. Sony’s Nano AR Coating II has additionally been utilized to attenuate inside reflections in order that flare and ghosting are stored at bay.
4 XD (excessive dynamic) Linear Motors allow quick focusing and monitoring for stills or 4K video with human Eye AF. As well as, the lens’s floating focus mechanism, which is managed by a devoted lens drive algorithm, ensures excessive decision throughout the main target vary.
The closest focusing distance is 40cm.
Designed for skilled use with ease of management, the FE 50mm F1.2 GM has a Linear Response MF (Handbook Focus) system, an aperture ring with a click on on/off swap plus a spotlight mode swap and two customisable focus maintain buttons.
Fortunately, for many who don’t thoughts capturing in unhealthy climate, it’s sealed in opposition to mud and moisture. Its additionally has a fluorine coating on the entrance component to guard it from fingerprints, mud, water and oil.
The FE 50mm F1.2 GM is out there to order from Wex Picture Video within the UK and B&H Picture Video and Adorama within the USA.
Learn our Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM Evaluate
Value when reviewed
£2100
$1998 / €2300 Test present value
For
- Unimaginable element decision
- Large most aperture
- Mud and moisture resistant
In opposition to
- Excessive value
- Focus ring not customisable
- Noticeable vignetting at f/1.2
Panasonic LUMIX G 42.5mm f/1.7 Asph. Energy OIS
Specification
- Product kind: Brief telephoto lens
- Mount: Micro 4 Thirds
- Format: Micro 4 Thirds
- Focal size: 42.5mm (35mm digital camera equal 85mm)
- Most aperture: f/1.7
- Minimal aperture: f/22
- Development: 10 components in 8 teams (1 aspherical lens)
- Coatings: None
- Minimal focus distance: 0.31m
- Most magnification: 0.2x
- Stabilisation: Sure (POWER O.I.S.)
- Variety of diaphragm blades: 7
- Filter dimension: 37mm
- Weight: 130g
- Diameter x size (extension from lens mount): 55mm x 50mm
Panasonic’s LUMIX G 42.5mm f/1.7 Asph. Energy OIS is a small, light-weight (simply 130g) lens that matches in your pocket but packs a strong punch. Its quick f/1.7 aperture means you may have loads of management over shallow depth of area results, making it supreme for portraiture.
It additionally boasts Optical Picture Stablization built-in to the lens, which you’ll be able to allow by way of a swap on the lens barrel. This compensates for digital camera actions and helps you obtain sharper photos in low gentle. In use, the lens extremely sharp from its most aperture, and distortion and fringing are additionally nicely managed.
What’s extra, this lens received’t break the financial institution. At simply over £300 / $300, it’s an absolute cut price.
You should buy the Panasonic LUMIX G 42.5mm f/1.7 Asph. Energy OIS at Amazon UK and Amazon US.
Learn our Panasonic DFD Focusing Defined
Value when reviewed
£319
$347.99 Test present value
For
- Wonderful in low gentle
- Optical Picture Stabilisation constructed into the lens
In opposition to
- Plastic construct
Fujifilm Fujinon XF50mm f1.0 R WR
Specification
- Product kind: Lens
- Introduced: third September 2020
- Mount: Fujifilm X
- Focal size: 50mm
- Efficient focal size: 76mm
- Angle of view : 31.7 levels
- Most aperture: f/1.0
- Minimal aperture: f/16
- Development: 12 components in 9 teams, consists of 1 aspherical component and a pair of ED components
- Diaphragm blades: 9
- Minimal focus distance (from focal aircraft): 0.7m
- Most magnification: 0.08x
- Filter dimension: 77mm
- Dimensions (diameter x size): 87 x 103.5mm
- Weight: 845g
Fujifilm has made the Fujinon XF50mm f1.0 R WR to promote. It’s not going to be on everybody’s procuring listing, nevertheless it’s not designed to be only for collectors or the super-rich both. At £1,499/€1599/$1499 (don’t neglect that the US value excludes tax), it’s inside attain of many fanatic {and professional} photographers and it’s most unlikely that they are going to be disenchanted with the standard of the outcomes they get from it.
It’s a beautiful lens to make use of and it produces pleasant outcomes with loads of sharp element on the aircraft of focus and really enticing bokeh.
Value when reviewed
£1499
$1499 / €1599
For
- Large most aperture
- Reasonable value
- Nice construct high quality
In opposition to
- Massive for a 50mm lens (nevertheless it has massive aperture)
- Chromatic aberration will be a difficulty with strongly backlit topics
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 45mm f/1.8
Specification
- Product kind: Brief telephoto lens
- Mount: Micro 4 Thirds
- Format: Micro 4 Thirds
- Focal size: 45mm (35mm digital camera equal 90mm)
- Most aperture: f/1.2
- Minimal aperture: f/22
- Development: 9 components in 8 teams
- Minimal focus distance: 0.5m
- Most magnification: 0.11x
- Variety of diaphragm blades: 7
- Filter dimension: 37mm
- Weight: 116g
- Diameter x size (extension from lens mount): 46mm x 37mm
One other 90mm equal in Olympus’s M.Zuiko vary, the 45mm f/1.8 may be very modestly priced and provides a big aperture that gives very pleasing bokeh results in your portraits.
An MSC (Film & Nonetheless Appropriate) mechanism delivers quick and clean AF efficiency that’s silent and correct. To realize this, Olympus developed a metallic shaft and feed screw to maneuver the focusing lens, fairly than a gear, which is often the reason for focusing noise.
Mix all this with its ultra-lightweight design and small dimensions, and it’s the best price range portrait lens to maintain in your package bag.
You should buy the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 45mm f/1.8 at Amazon UK and Amazon US.
Learn our Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 100-400mm F5.0-6.3 IS Evaluate
Value when reviewed
£249
$399 Test present value
For
- Massive aperture of f/1.8
- Excessive-speed AF with low noise
- Very reasonably priced
In opposition to
- Plastic construct
Olympus M.Zuiko 45mm F1.2 PRO
Specification
- Product kind: Brief telephoto lens
- Mount: Micro 4 Thirds
- Format: Micro 4 Thirds
- Focal size: 45mm (35mm digital camera equal 90mm)
- Most aperture: f/1.2
- Minimal aperture: f/16
- Development: 14 components 10 teams
- Coatings: Z Coating Nano know-how
- Minimal focus distance: 0.5m
- Most magnification: 0.1x
- Variety of diaphragm blades: 9
- Filter dimension: 62mm
- Weight: 410g
- Diameter x size (extension from lens mount): 70mm x 84.9mm
The 90mm equal M.Zuiko Digital ED 45mm f/1.2 PRO is a medium telephoto lens aimed toward professionals and once more Olympus has positioned the lens components to permit for a extra light-weight design and maintain aberrations at bay.
The M.Zuiko Digital ED 45mm F1.2 PRO has a closest focusing distance of 50cm and a most picture magnification of 0.1x.
Design-wise, Olympus has positioned the focusing ring on the entrance of the lens to make focusing simpler. And an MF Clutch mechanism permits photographers to immediately swap between auto and handbook focusing mode by pulling the focusing ring in the direction of them.
You should buy the Olympus M.Zuiko 45mm F1.2 PRO at Amazon UK and Amazon US.
Learn our Olympus launches 17mm, 45mm f/1.2 PRO lenses
Value when reviewed
£1199
$1299 Test present value
For
- Extremely-wide aperture
- Very quick AF
In opposition to
- No stabilisation
Panasonic Lumix S 50mm F1.8
Specification
- Product kind: Commonplace prime lens
- Mount: L-mount
- Format: Full-frame
- Focal size: 50mm
- Most aperture: f/1.8
- Minimal aperture: f/22
- Development: 9 components in 8 teams 3 aspherical, 1 ED (Further-Low Dispersion) and 1 UHR (Extremely-Excessive Refractive Index) lens components
- Minimal focus distance: 0.45m / 1.48ft
- Most magnification: 0.14x
- Stabilisation: No
- Variety of diaphragm blades: 9
- Filter dimension: 67mm
- Weight: 300g
- Diameter x size (extension from lens mount): 73.6 x 82mm
Panasonic’s Lumix S 50mm F1.8 lens has the L mount which implies it’s designed to be used on the corporate’s full-frame S sequence cameras such because the Lumix S1, Lumix S1R and Lumix S5. It’s a considerably smaller, lighter and extra reasonably priced various to the Panasonic Lumix S Professional 50mm f/1.4.
The Lumix S 50mm F1.8 is comprised of 9 components in eight teams together with 3 aspherical components, 1 ED (extra-low dispersion) component and 1 UHR (ultra-high refractive index) component. There’s additionally a 9-blade iris to ship enticing bokeh.
At 300g (excluding the caps and lens hood) and 82mm in size, the Lumix S 50mm F1.8 lens matches nicely with Panasonic’s full-frame cameras. It’s additionally sealed to make it dust- and splash-resistant and may function at temperatures right down to -10C or as much as 40°C.
At £429, the Lumix S 50mm f/1.8 is attractively priced and well-suited to a variety of photographic topics together with portraits, landscapes and avenue.
Learn our Panasonic Lumix S 50mm F1.8 Evaluate
Value when reviewed
£429
$600 Test present value
For
- Good dimension and weight for full-frame
- Climate-resistant design
- Smaller, lighter and extra reasonably priced than the Panasonic Lumix S Professional 50mm f1.4
