The Best Canon 50mm Lens Lens to Buy: Canon 50mm 1.8 II vs STM?

The Canon 50mm lenses signal their strength by  displaying an array of features that dwarf the competition.

This type of lens is one of the most affordable and efficient you’ll ever find on the market.

And today, we’ll uncover the best ones under the canon brand.

Before we kick off, let’s consider a few reasons why you should go for 50mm lenses in the first place.

Why should you pick a 50mm lens?

A bunch of reasons point to why 50mm lenses are an excellent choice for photographers. 

For one, they deliver eye – like pictures. They’re known for providing pictures that look as though you’re viewing a subject with your eyes.

Another reason is they’re lightweight. Making them perfect companions for long travels or on – the – go experiences.

To build on that, they usually come with fast apertures allowing the average photographer to produce magic under any lightning condition. 

Now, with that out of the way, let’s dive into some Canon 50mm lenses.

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

This timeless piece set the standard for most lenses when it first came out. Since its inception, it has grown to become one of the highest selling lenses on the Canon shelf, and in the entire photography industry. 

And it comes at no surprise. This lens is packed with fancy performances like; beautiful and crisp images, smooth and sharp autofocus.  

Plus, it’s a budget friendly device given the specifications you can check out below:

• Aperture range of f/22 – f/1.8
• Rounded 5 blade aperture opening.
• Designed with a Canon EF lens mount. 
• Precise and accurate autofocus. 
• Weighing 0.29 pounds.

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM

One of the first lenses to show up with Stepping Motor Technology (STM). This device is a marvel of photography engineering.

Armed with this technology, it has become a favorite among photographers that specialize in videos. The STM also allows for a quieter and smoother auto focusing.

Here are few key specifications:

• An Aperture range of f/1.8 – f/22
• Diaphragm has inbuilt 7 rounded blades.
• 6 elements arranged in 5 groups.
• Compatible with full – frame Canon DSLRs

Now, we know both cameras share a lot of similarities. However, we can spot and extract a few differences so you know which one to pick.

Going Head To Head: Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Vs Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM.

Despite the two lenses being close in their features, we can still take a step back to observe key differences that make each one standout.

By zoning in on their advantages, a clearer path is formed to serve as a guide in your buying decision.

Also, after highlighting each one, we’ll give you a brief summary. 

Let’s get started.

Advantages Of Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

For beginner and intermediate photographers, camera lenses  are about performance, durability and price. Which happens to be what this lens shines brightest on.

Also, having stayed on the market since 1990, simply adds testament to its longevity.

Because of this, they’ve  served as an excellent substitute for expensive camera lenses.

And for only $60 you can grab one for yourself.

Advantages Of Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM

What makes this lens significant is the attention it pays to delivering quality photos.

Like adding an upgrade in an online game, this lens is reinforced with two additional aperture blades. This boosts the quality of bokeh rendered. 

Using metal mounts, it’s built for better hands – on feel and durability. By dropping the plastic nature most lenses adopt, it gives off a better build quality. 

Our TakeAway

Both lenses are an excellent choice for beginner photographers or people just looking to take pictures. 

And at the end of it all, it all boils down to personal preference. 

Why? Because if we only had to walk down the  path of image quality, it would lead to both lenses.

Yes, the parallels are that similar. 

That’s why it’s all about looking at each one through the lens of your personal goals, choices and situation.

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