Canon RF 50mm F1.2L Review
The Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM is a lens that redefines what a 50mm prime can achieve, combining technical excellence with a beautiful artistic quality. It’s the flagship standard prime in Canon’s RF lineup, designed to push the limits of sharpness, bokeh, and light-gathering capability for the discerning photographer. While it’s not a lens for everyone due to its size, weight, and price, it’s an extraordinary tool for those who demand the absolute best.
Right away, the build quality impresses. The RF 50mm f/1.2L is solid and substantial, with a robust all-metal construction and full weather sealing to protect it from the elements. At 950g, it’s hefty for a 50mm prime, but this weight feels justified when you consider the optics it houses. The control ring is a standout feature, allowing customisation of settings like ISO or aperture, adding to its professional-grade functionality. Handling is excellent, especially on Canon’s larger RF-mount bodies like the EOS R5 or R3, where the balance feels natural despite the lens’s bulk.
Optically, this lens is an absolute monster. Wide open at f/1.2, it delivers incredible sharpness in the centre of the frame, and even the edges are remarkably crisp for such a wide aperture. The level of detail is breathtaking, whether you’re shooting portraits, fine art, or intricate details. Stopping down slightly enhances performance, but the truth is, this lens is designed to be shot wide open, where it truly shines.
The bokeh is one of the RF 50mm f/1.2L’s defining features. The out-of-focus areas are smooth, creamy, and free from harsh edges, creating a dreamy, three-dimensional look that makes your subject pop. Whether you’re isolating a subject for a portrait or adding depth to a composition, the rendering is sublime. Canon’s 10-blade aperture contributes to this, delivering beautifully rounded highlights and a natural, cinematic quality.
Colour rendition and contrast are top-notch, with vibrant, true-to-life tones that make images feel alive. Chromatic aberration is practically non-existent, even in high-contrast situations, thanks to the advanced optical design, which includes multiple aspherical and UD elements. Flare and ghosting are also well-controlled, with Canon’s proprietary coatings doing their job effectively.
Autofocus performance is fast, precise, and nearly silent, powered by Canon’s advanced USM (Ultrasonic Motor). It’s reliable even in low-light conditions, and when paired with Canon’s advanced RF cameras, like the R5 or R6, the combination of eye-tracking and f/1.2 makes it a portrait photographer’s dream. Video shooters will also appreciate the smooth, accurate focusing, though the size and weight might be a consideration for handheld shooting.
The lens does come with a few drawbacks. Its size and weight mean it’s not as portable or discreet as some 50mm options, and the price puts it firmly in the professional tier. But for those who can work within its parameters, the rewards are immense.
In conclusion, the Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM is a masterpiece of optical engineering. It’s not just a lens; it’s a statement of what’s possible in lens design. While it’s overkill for casual shooting, for professionals or enthusiasts who value exceptional image quality, beautiful bokeh, and the ability to shoot in near-darkness, it’s an unparalleled tool. If you’re in the RF system and want the best 50mm lens money can buy, this is it.
Samples
Here are some recent photos I captured using the Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM lens. These sample shots highlight the lens’s performance across different conditions, settings, and subjects. To view the complete collection of photos taken with this lens, the link.
