Canon RF 50mm F1.2L Review

The Ultimate Prime Lens!

The Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM is an optical powerhouse and arguably one of the best standard primes available on the market today. It’s not only my favorite RF lens but also a standout performer in Canon’s RF lineup, offering stunning sharpness, beautiful bokeh, and professional-grade build quality. In this detailed review, we’ll cover its specs, pros and cons, and competition.

Main Specifications

Focal Length: 50mm
Maximum Aperture: f/1.2
Minimum Aperture: f/16
Lens Mount: Canon RF mount
Optical Design: 15 elements in 9 groups (including aspherical and UD elements for reduced aberrations)
Diaphragm Blades: 10 rounded blades for smooth, creamy bokeh
Minimum Focus Distance: 0.4 meters (1.31 feet)
Maximum Magnification: 0.19x
Autofocus System: Ultrasonic Motor (USM) for fast, quiet, and precise focusing
Filter Thread: 77mm
Weight: Approximately 950g (2.09 lbs)
Weather Sealing: Yes, dust and moisture resistance for durability in challenging conditions

Build and Handling

The RF 50mm f/1.2L feels like a lens built to last. Its weather-sealed, all-metal construction is both durable and premium in appearance. The control and focus rings are smooth and responsive, and the customizable control ring adds an extra layer of versatility, allowing quick adjustments for settings like aperture or ISO.

However, at 950 grams, this lens is very heavy for a 50mm prime. While it balances well on high-end Canon mirrorless bodies, such as the EOS R5 or R3, it’s not the most portable option for extended handheld use or travel.

Optical Performance

Sharpness

This lens is razor-sharp even wide open, making it a game-changer compared to its EF predecessor. At f/1.2, images are incredibly detailed in the center, with edge-to-edge sharpness that is unparalleled in this class.

Bokeh

The bokeh is nothing short of magical, thanks to the wide f/1.2 aperture and 10-blade circular diaphragm. Backgrounds melt into a creamy blur, creating exceptional subject separation and dreamy aesthetics.

Color and Contrast

Colors are vibrant and natural, with Canon’s advanced lens coatings reducing flares and ghosting. The lens also delivers excellent contrast, even in challenging lighting conditions.

Aberrations and Distortion

Chromatic aberrations are virtually non-existent, and distortion is minimal. This makes the lens ideal for high-contrast scenes, such as backlit portraits or architectural details.

Autofocus Performance

The lens features Canon’s Ultrasonic Motor (USM), delivering super-fast and accurate autofocus. Whether shooting fast-moving subjects or working in low-light conditions, the RF 50mm f/1.2L performs flawlessly. The autofocus is also virtually silent, making it ideal for video work.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Unmatched Sharpness: Tack-sharp at all apertures, even wide open at f/1.2.
Beautiful Bokeh: Dreamy and creamy background separation.
Vivid Colors and Contrast: Natural and vibrant color rendering.
Fast Autofocus: Quick, reliable, and silent focusing.
Robust Build Quality: Weather-sealed and built to last.
Improved Optical Design: Minimal aberrations and distortions.

Cons:

Very Heavy: At 950 grams, it’s hefty for a standard prime.
Expensive: At ~$2,300, it’s a significant investment.
Bulky Design: Large size may not suit discreet or lightweight setups.
No Image Stabilization: Relies on the camera’s IBIS if available.

Competition

While the Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L stands at the top of the food chain, it faces some competition:

Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM:

Lightweight and budget-friendly alternative.
Smaller maximum aperture (f/1.8) with less dramatic bokeh.
Sharp but lacks the L-series build and optical excellence and build quality.

Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM (with adapter):

Older design with softer wide-open performance.
Requires an adapter for RF mount.

Conclusion

The Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM is a lens that delivers everything you could ask for in a standard prime and more. It’s my favorite RF lens because of its unparalleled sharpness wide open, stunning bokeh, vibrant colors, and super-fast focusing. Yes, it’s very heavy and comes with a premium price tag, but these are minor compromises for the performance and image quality it delivers.

If you’re invested in Canon’s RF system and demand the best, this lens is worth every penny. It’s not just a tool—it’s an inspiration.

Samples

Here are some of my most recent photos taken with this lens. These examples highlight how the Canon RF 50mm F1.2L performs in different settings and conditions. If you want to see all the photos I took with that lens, simply follow the link.