Product summary
- Model name: Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM
- Release date: Aug. 24, 2006
- Available at Amazon | Adorama | B&H
Features
If you are shooting waist-up portraits while maintaining appropriate subject distance as a Full frame users you will appreciate the benefits of the 50mm focal length. on top of that, the large maximum aperture of f/1.2 delivers nice dreamy bokeh and makes subjects “pop” out of a portrait. In low light situation, photographers can also take advantage of higher shutter speeds and help prevent subject blurring caused by subject movement or camera shake.
The EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM lens is designed keeping in mind the need for photographers shooting at extremely wide apertures. At f/1.2 this is as good as one can get for a 50mm prime. Being an L lens means there is an ample amount of attention paid to the over all construction quality of the lens. EF lenses are compatible with all full frame, APS-C and APS-H Canon cameras. If you have something like the Canon 650D or any of the Rebel series Canon cameras, your effective field of view will be 80mm making it ideally suitable as a medium range lens for portraits, wedding, standard everyday photography.
The EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM has a total of 8 elements, including one glass-molded aspherical element, arranged in 6 groups and the diagonal field of view is 46˚. Auto-focusing is one of the dissatisfying aspects for the lens in spite of the fact that this is a very sharp f/1.2 lens. However the presence of full-time manual focusing means the lens can be tweaked by turning the focusing ring at any time to achieve precise focusing. Additionally the lens has USM (ultra-sonic motor) which means the lens is ultra quiet when focusing.
The lens diaphragm is made of 8 rounded blades and the maximum f-stop achievable is f/1.2. It can also stop down all the way to f/16.The overall dimensions of the lens are 3.4” x 2.6” (diameter x length) and weighs 545 grams only. The lens takes a filter size of 72mm. A plastic bayonet mount ES-78 lens hood is provided along with the lens. Available at Amazon | Adorama | B&H.
Images by EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM on flickr
Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L Specification
| Type | Full Frame & APS-C |
|---|---|
| APS-C equivalent focal length | 80mm |
| Angle of view (horzntl, vertl, diagnl) | H:40º, V:27º, D:46º |
| Construction (elements/groups) | 8/6 |
| No. of diaphragm blades | 8 |
| Min aperture | 16 |
| Closest focusing distance (m) | 0.45 |
| Max magnification (x) | 0.15 |
| Distance information | Yes |
| Image stabilizer | No |
| AF Motor | Ring USM |
| Filter Size (mm) | 72 |
| Max. diameter x length (mm) | 85.8 x 65.5 |
| Weight (g) | 580 |
| Magnification – Extension Tube EF12 II | 0.39-0.24 |
| Magnification – Extension Tube EF25 II | 0.67-0.53 |
| Lens hood | ES-78 |
| Soft case | LP1214 |
| Extenders EF1.4x II and EF2x II | Not compatible |
Product Photo
Press Release
Canon’s Two New Lenses Focus on Needs of Professional and Advanced Amateur Photographers
LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Aug. 24, 2006
The EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM Lens – Serious Glass for Serious Photographers
Canon is the only camera manufacturer to provide professionals and advanced amateurs with Digital SLRs that feature full frame sensors, such as the Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II and EOS 5D digital SLRs. The new EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM lens complements full-frame cameras, while delivering beautiful results on APS-C/H sized sensor models as well.
The EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM lens is a strong testament to Canon’s heritage of optical excellence. Every aspect of this lens exudes professional quality from its wide 72mm filter diameter to itsdust and moisture sealed construction. A high refraction glass molded aspherical lens element helps to minimize spherical aberration, which is crucial in order to provide fine detail and maximum image quality from corner to corner, even when the lens is used wide open. Full frame digital camera users will especially appreciate the benefits of the 50mm focal length, when shooting waist-up portraits while maintaining appropriate subject distance at a wedding.
The large maximum aperture of f/1.2 allows this lens to produce shallow depth of field that softens the background and makes subjects “pop” out of a portrait. Photographers can also take advantage of higher shutter speeds to shoot in lower light and help prevent blurring caused by subject movement or camera shake. In addition to a large aperture, the new lens also has blazingly fast autofocus speed and response time, thanks in part to Canon’s ring-type Ultrasonic Motor (USM), which quietly drives the lens. A full-time manual focus feature allows photographers to fine-tune the sharpness of their images, even when the lens is set for autofocus.
Canon designed the EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM to deliver the best possible optical quality while being tough enough to meet the needs of demanding photographers. Eight lens elements in six groups provide high resolution, while advanced coating suppresses flare and ghosting. A glass molded (GMO) aspherical element ensures maximum image quality by reducing spherical aberration and linear distortion. Dust and moisture resistant components in the lens mount, switches, and focus ring help to protect the lens in a wide variety of shooting conditions.
The powerful and fast EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM lens will be available in November for an estimated selling price of $1,599**. The compact and universal EF 70-200mm f/4 L IS USM will also be available in November for an estimated selling price of $1,249**.
Pricing & Availability
Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM available at Amazon | Adorama | B&H