Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 vs EF 50mm f/1.4 — Which One Should You Buy?

The Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM and Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM are two affordable prime lenses that appeal to very different photographers. One is modern, compact, and mirrorless-native, while the other is a classic DSLR-era lens known for its brighter aperture and creamy bokeh.

With Canon’s RF system now fully established, many photographers are wondering: Is it worth paying more for the older but faster EF 50mm f/1.4 — or does the newer RF 50mm f/1.8 make more sense today?

Let’s compare these two 50mm lenses in depth to find out.

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⚙️ Overview — Modern Simplicity vs Classic Speed

Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM
A small, lightweight, and budget-friendly lens built for Canon’s mirrorless RF system. It delivers sharp images, smooth autofocus, and solid performance for both photo and video — all at an incredibly low price.

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM
A long-standing favorite among DSLR shooters, this lens offers a faster maximum aperture (f/1.4), a slightly more robust build, and smoother bokeh. However, it’s an older optical design dating back to the 1990s and shows its age when compared to newer RF lenses.

In short:

• RF 50mm f/1.8: Affordable, sharp, and ideal for mirrorless shooters.

• EF 50mm f/1.4: Brighter, older design with more character but less precision.

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📊 Specifications Comparison

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🧱 Build and Handling

The RF 50mm f/1.8 is smaller, lighter, and more modern. It includes a customizable control ring, allowing you to adjust aperture, ISO, or exposure directly on the lens — something the EF 50mm f/1.4 lacks.

The EF 50mm f/1.4, though compact by DSLR standards, feels a bit dated. Its build quality is decent, but the extending front barrel during focusing can feel fragile compared to Canon’s newer lenses.

Verdict:

• RF 50mm f/1.8: Better ergonomics and integration for mirrorless.

• EF 50mm f/1.4: Classic design but less refined handling.

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🎯 Autofocus and Performance

Both lenses focus accurately, but their systems differ significantly.

The RF 50mm f/1.8 uses a modern STM (stepping motor) for smooth, quiet autofocus — ideal for both photos and video. On mirrorless bodies, it communicates seamlessly with Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF II, providing fast and reliable tracking.

The EF 50mm f/1.4, however, uses a Micro USM motor — faster than older DC motors but louder and less smooth. When adapted to RF cameras, autofocus can feel inconsistent, especially in continuous AF or video.

Verdict:

• RF 50mm f/1.8: Quieter, smoother, and more accurate AF for mirrorless.

• EF 50mm f/1.4: Snappy but noisy AF, less consistent when adapted.

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🧠 Image Quality

Sharpness

The RF 50mm f/1.8 is impressively sharp even wide open, with great central sharpness and solid corners by f/2.8.
The EF 50mm f/1.4, while decent in the center, is noticeably softer wide open and benefits from stopping down to f/2 or f/2.8.

Bokeh and Depth of Field

The f/1.4 aperture on the EF lens creates smoother background separation and creamier bokeh — an advantage for portrait work. However, the RF lens produces surprisingly smooth results at f/1.8 with slightly cleaner edges.

Chromatic Aberration & Flare

The RF version handles fringing and flare much better thanks to its updated coatings and aspherical element. The EF 50mm f/1.4 often shows visible purple fringing and ghosting in backlit situations.

Verdict:

• RF 50mm f/1.8: Sharper, cleaner, and better-controlled aberrations.

• EF 50mm f/1.4: Creamier bokeh but weaker wide-open sharpness.

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🎥 Video Performance

The RF 50mm f/1.8 clearly wins for video use. Its STM motor ensures silent, smooth transitions and less focus breathing — key for vloggers and hybrid shooters.

The EF 50mm f/1.4, while usable, produces noticeable focus noise and breathing, making it less suitable for serious video production, especially when adapted.

Verdict:

• RF 50mm f/1.8: Better choice for hybrid creators and videographers.

• EF 50mm f/1.4: Best for still photographers who value f/1.4 depth of field.

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💰 Price and Value

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The RF 50mm f/1.8 offers superb value — it’s newer, sharper, smaller, and cheaper. For most mirrorless shooters, it’s a no-brainer.

The EF 50mm f/1.4, though capable, feels outdated for 2025. Unless you specifically want the f/1.4 aperture or already own it from your DSLR days, the RF version makes more sense on modern bodies.

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🏁 Final Verdict — Which 50mm Should You Buy?

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✅ In short:

The Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM is the smarter choice for mirrorless shooters — it’s sharper, quieter, and integrates perfectly with the RF system.

The EF 50mm f/1.4 USM, while still capable, shows its age in autofocus and optical design. It can still deliver beautiful bokeh and character, but its value has faded next to Canon’s newer RF lineup.

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💡 Pro tip:

If you already own the EF 50mm f/1.4, keep it and adapt it — it still produces lovely images. But if you’re buying new for your Canon R camera, the RF 50mm f/1.8 gives you 90% of the performance for one-third of the price.

Check availability and price on Amazon 🛒

📷 Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 — Amazon USA / Amazon Canada / Amazon UK / Amazon Australia

📷 Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 — Amazon USA / Amazon Canada / Amazon UK / Amazon Australia

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