Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 vs EF 50mm f/1.8 – What’s the Difference?
Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 vs EF 50mm f/1.8 — What’s the Difference?
The Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM and Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM are two of the most popular budget lenses Canon has ever made. Often called the “nifty fifty,” both offer incredible image quality for their price, a bright f/1.8 aperture, and lightweight designs.
But since Canon’s shift to the mirrorless RF mount, many photographers are wondering: Should you upgrade to the RF 50mm f/1.8 or stick with the EF version (plus an adapter)?
Let’s break down the real differences to help you decide which one is right for you.
⚙️ Overview — Two Classics, Two Generations
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM
Released in 2015, this lens quickly became a favorite among DSLR users for its excellent sharpness and unbeatable value. Even today, it remains one of the best entry-level lenses in Canon’s EF lineup, perfect for portraits, street photography, and low-light work.
Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM
Launched in late 2020, this lens is the modern version of the classic nifty fifty — redesigned for Canon’s mirrorless EOS R system. It offers improved optics, better coatings, and optimized autofocus performance for RF cameras like the R6 Mark III, R7, and R8.
In short:
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EF 50mm f/1.8: The DSLR-era classic that still delivers.
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RF 50mm f/1.8: The mirrorless-optimized evolution.
📊 Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM | Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM |
|---|---|---|
| Mount Type | Canon RF | Canon EF |
| Camera Compatibility | EOS R-Series (Mirrorless) | EOS DSLRs (and mirrorless with adapter) |
| Focal Length | 50mm | 50mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Optical Design | 6 elements in 5 groups (1 Aspherical) | 6 elements in 5 groups |
| Coatings | Super Spectra Coating | Super Spectra Coating |
| Aperture Blades | 7 (rounded) | 7 (rounded) |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 0.3 m (11.8 in) | 0.35 m (13.8 in) |
| Maximum Magnification | 0.25x | 0.21x |
| Autofocus Motor | STM (Stepping Motor) | STM (Stepping Motor) |
| Focus Type | Focus-by-wire (electronic) | Mechanical AF with manual override |
| Image Stabilization | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Filter Size | 43mm | 49mm |
| Build Material | Plastic body, metal mount | Plastic body, metal mount |
| Control Ring | Yes (customizable) | No |
| Weather Sealing | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Dimensions (DxL) | 69.2 × 40.5 mm | 69.2 × 39.3 mm |
| Weight | 160 g (5.6 oz) | 160 g (5.6 oz) |
| Launch Price | ~$150 (check on Amazon) | ~$125 (check on Amazon) |
🧱 Build and Handling
Both lenses are compact and lightweight, but the RF 50mm f/1.8 feels slightly more refined. It features a customizable control ring, which can be used for aperture, ISO, or exposure compensation — something the EF version lacks.
The RF version also focuses a bit closer (0.3 m vs 0.35 m), which helps for tighter compositions and product photography.
The EF version, on the other hand, is slightly simpler — and if you’re using it on an RF body, you’ll need Canon’s EF-EOS R adapter. That setup still works perfectly fine, but it makes the combo a little longer and less elegant.
Verdict:
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RF 50mm f/1.8: Sleeker, more modern, better integration with RF cameras.
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EF 50mm f/1.8: Still excellent value, especially if you already own an adapter.
🎯 Autofocus and Performance
Both lenses use STM (stepping) motors, offering smooth and quiet autofocus — great for both photos and video.
However, the RF version benefits from Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system integration. On mirrorless bodies like the EOS R6 Mark III, it focuses faster and tracks subjects more accurately than the EF version (even with an adapter).
In low light, the RF 50mm f/1.8 also performs a bit better, thanks to optimized communication with the camera’s processor.
Verdict:
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RF 50mm f/1.8: Faster, smoother AF on mirrorless cameras.
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EF 50mm f/1.8: Still good, but slightly slower when adapted.
🧠 Image Quality
Both lenses produce similar sharpness and contrast, especially when stopped down. The RF version shows a slight edge in corner sharpness and chromatic aberration control, likely due to its aspherical element and updated design.
Color rendition is nearly identical, but the RF 50mm f/1.8 handles flare and ghosting better in backlit conditions.
Bokeh is pleasant on both lenses, though not as creamy as Canon’s f/1.4 or f/1.2 options.
Verdict:
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RF 50mm f/1.8: Marginally sharper and cleaner images.
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EF 50mm f/1.8: Still excellent — differences are subtle.
🎥 Video Performance
For video shooters, the RF 50mm f/1.8 is the clear winner.
Its focus-by-wire system and better communication with RF cameras result in smoother focus pulls and quieter operation.
The EF version, while capable, can produce slight focus jitters or noise when adapted for mirrorless video work.
Verdict:
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RF 50mm f/1.8: More stable, quieter, and smoother for video.
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EF 50mm f/1.8: Great for DSLR users, less ideal on mirrorless.
💰 Price and Value
| Lens | Approx. Price | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM | ~$150 (check on Amazon) | Mirrorless users (R, R6, R7, R8) |
| Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM | ~$125 (check on Amazon) | DSLR users or RF users with an adapter |
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While the price difference is small, the RF version offers slightly better build, autofocus, and image performance — making it the smarter long-term choice if you’re already in the mirrorless ecosystem.
If you’re still shooting with a Canon DSLR, the EF 50mm f/1.8 remains unbeatable for the price.
🏁 Final Verdict — Which 50mm Should You Buy?
| Type of User | Recommended Lens |
|---|---|
| Canon DSLR User (e.g., 90D, 6D II, 5D IV) | EF 50mm f/1.8 STM |
| Canon Mirrorless User (e.g., R6, R7, R8, R10)** | RF 50mm f/1.8 STM |
| Beginner Photographer | RF 50mm f/1.8 STM |
| Hybrid Shooter (Photo + Video) | RF 50mm f/1.8 STM |
| Budget Buyer (with EF Adapter) | EF 50mm f/1.8 STM |
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✅ In short:
The Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM is a small but meaningful upgrade — faster AF, closer focusing, better coatings, and native RF integration.
However, if you already own the EF 50mm f/1.8 STM, there’s no urgent need to switch. Adapt it to your mirrorless body and keep enjoying one of Canon’s best-value lenses ever made.
Check availability and price on Amazon 🛒
📷 Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 — Amazon USA / Amazon Canada / Amazon UK / Amazon Australia
📷 Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 — Amazon USA / Amazon Canada / Amazon UK / Amazon Australia
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