Mark Ellington
Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM Prime Lens Kit
Ultimate Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens Review: 18pc Renewed Kit with Memory, Filters & More!
Introduction
The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens is a classic prime lens known for its versatility and exceptional image quality. Manufactured by Canon, a leading name in imaging technology, this lens belongs to the prime lens category and is designed primarily for full-frame Canon EF-mount DSLRs. It is also compatible with APS-C models, making it a highly sought-after accessory for photographers looking to enhance their capabilities for portrait, street, and low-light photography.
Product Overview
In this review, we explore the 18-piece renewed kit that includes the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens along with essential accessories such as a 128GB memory card, UV filter, lens pouch, grip, and more. This comprehensive kit is perfect for both budding photographers and seasoned professionals seeking a reliable and efficient setup.
Appearance and Design
The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM features a sleek and compact design that exudes a professional look. The lens body is primarily constructed from high-quality plastic, which keeps it lightweight while maintaining durability. The lens mount is metal, ensuring a secure connection to the camera. Unique design elements include a re-located focusing ring, which provides a more ergonomic grip for manual focusing, and a rounded seven-blade diaphragm that enhances the bokeh quality in out-of-focus areas.
Key Features and Specifications
- Aperture Range: f/1.8 to f/22
- Focal Length: 50mm (80mm equivalent on APS-C)
- Autofocus: STM stepping motor for smooth, near-silent autofocus
- Super Spectra Coating: Minimizes ghosting and flare
- Full-time Manual Focus Override
- Compatible Cameras: Canon DSLR models including EOS 1DX, 5D series, Rebel series, and more
- Warranty: 90 days limited warranty
Experience Using the Product
In practical scenarios, the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens excels in low-light environments thanks to its bright f/1.8 maximum aperture. During a recent portrait shoot in the evening, I found that the lens produced stunningly sharp images with beautiful background blur. The autofocus was impressively quick and accurate, allowing me to capture candid moments without delay.
For street photography, the compact size of the lens made it easy to carry around without drawing too much attention. The colors were vibrant and true-to-life, aided by the Super Spectra Coating that effectively reduced flare from bright light sources.
However, in some cases, the lens did exhibit slight distortion, particularly at the edges when shooting wide open. This was more noticeable in architectural photography but easily corrected in post-processing.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Excellent low-light performance with a wide aperture
- Lightweight and compact, perfect for travel
- Quick and quiet autofocus
- High-quality build with a metal lens mount
- Affordable price for the quality offered
Cons
- Some distortion at wide apertures
- Plastic body may not appeal to all users
- Manual focus ring may feel a bit stiff for some
Conclusion
Overall, the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens is a fantastic addition to any photographer’s arsenal. The renewed kit, complete with essential accessories, offers great value for money at an affordable price point of $138. While there are minor drawbacks, such as distortion and a plastic build, the lens’s exceptional image quality, low-light performance, and rapid autofocus capabilities make it a worthy investment. Whether you’re capturing portraits, street scenes, or landscapes, this lens delivers impressive results that will elevate your photography. I highly recommend this lens to anyone looking to enhance their photography skills.
