Favorite 50? Which Canon Lens is for You? A Wedding Photographer’s Review of the Canon RF 50mm F1.4L

In this video, I review the Canon RF 50mm F/1.4L VCM lens. I compare the lens to the RF 50mm F/1.8 STM lens and the RF 50mm F/1.2L USM both of which I also own and have used since it was released. The RF50mm 1.4L is very sharp all the way to the corners, has amazing contrast, good bokeh, and fast autofocus. I think it is a fantastic lens if you are a professional photographer looking for a lightweight lens for context portraits. Thanks for watching!
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[@AnonymousStang]

This is the BEST review and comparison for the rf 50mm 1.4 I’ve seen! Very in depth review! Thank you some much!

[@saiy1412]

Finally a video comparison of the 1.2 and 1.4 RF. Been waiting for this

[@ShaneLongPhotography]

I was super pumped to put them up against each other. The are both incredible lenses!

[@salvamando1]

I just got this lens a few days ago and was able to take it out for spin today - all I can say is "WOW"! Beautiful colors, rendering, tack sharpness and great contrast. Even better, it pairs perfectly with the newly acquired RF 35mm 1.4 VCM and 24mm VCM. I'm enjoying this VCM trifecta with my C80 and can't wait for an 85mm equivalent! I have the RF 50mm 1.2 and although I love that lens to pieces, this 1.4 is sharper and has faster focusing capabilities, especially for video work! Cheers!

[@AustinQuimby]

I Just got my c80 and am considering these lenses for a well rounded prime kit. off topic, but may i ask your auto focus settings? i can't find anywhere online to do effectively a back button autofocus or half shutter auto focus. seems like you have to leave the lens in continuous which i truly don't like..

[@ShaneLongPhotography]

That is a great combo you have there! Have fun! The AF is SO fast!

[@salvamando1]

@@AustinQuimby Hi there, I too am beginning to familiarize myself with the auto focus settings so I apologize but I don’t know about a potential back focus method. I’m waiting for one of my go-to Canon experts KZbinrs to put out a proper tutorial for the C80’s focus settings. I’ll play around and report back if I find something that addresses your question!

[@WilliamJohnston]

Always a great day when Shane Long uploads a video - some of my favourite reviews for Canon gear, and love the photographic style!

[@ShaneLongPhotography]

:) Glad I could make your day! Thanks so much for following along! Truly means so much!

[@dogstoryteller]

Your videos are always informative on the most practical useful features and benefits! Thanks Shane! Beautiful family and snowy images! Merry Christmas!

[@ShaneLongPhotography]

Thanks! Really appreciate it!

[@simonhausberger7014]

Great review, finally a useful one for professional photographers. Especially with regard to the autofocus test from close to far. With every new lens I have bought in the last 25 years, this was my first test in the shop. Great, keep up the good work.

[@ShaneLongPhotography]

Glad it was helpful! Such an important test to me too. Thanks for watching!

[@かーじー-q2p]

Thank you for the great review. It helped me decide to buy the RF50mm F1.4. There are not many high-quality comparison videos like this in Japan.

[@egor1g]

Best review as always. I thought I will swap 50 1.2 for 50 1.4, but after your comparison I kinda change my mind. I like the character of 50 1.2 a lil bit more. I will buy 24 1.4 vmc though.

[@ShaneLongPhotography]

I’m glad it was helpful! Let me know what you think of the 24mm!

[@novainvicta]

Shane like you I now own all three RF 50mm lenses. The RF 50mm f1.2L still has the best bokeh and obviously is slightly faster stop wise. The RF 50mm f1.8 is a good vacation walk around lens but not one I like for portraiture. The RF 50mm f1.4L VCM is the Goldilocks lens, it is not too heavy or big, it’s very sharp, focuses very fast and accurately and has a great transient background bokeh. Its performance is similar to that of the EF 85mm f1.4L IS USM (the only EF lens I still own) only slightly sharper and faster AF overall I love the results and it will be a go too portrait lens. The “rattle” is no worse than the RF 24-105mm f4L IS USM which no one complains about and the in camera corrections are common with all manufacturers of mirrorless cameras. Hopefully Canon will add a RF 85mm f1.4L VCM lens which going by the existing 3 VCM primes will not have IS although we do have in-body AF to compensate. If that’s as good as this 50mm then I can see Canon selling a ton of these to stills photographer, videographers and hybrid shooters

[@oceaniccurrents]

I’ve been waiting for this video since this lens was announced! Thank you!

[@ShaneLongPhotography]

You are welcome! Hope it was helpful!

[@paulgerrard99]

Great review - thanks Shane! Been using the Sigma ART up until now while waiting for Canon to release an RF 1.4. I'm actually very happy with the images from the Sigma but don't enjoy the size and weight so I've just ordered this new Canon 1.4. Don't whether I should expect any improvement in image quality but I'll be happy just have a 50mm that looks and feels the right size for my camera at last!

[@christophkuenster]

Shane, thank you so much for the great comparison. I've already mady up my mind and I will buy the 1.4 since it meets all my desires and expectations. Your channel really helps out a lot. Keep up the great work!!!

[@ShaneLongPhotography]

Good choice! Thanks so much for watching!

[@TimeTraveller969]

I just got the RF 50mm 1.2. Still the best and the f1.2 is truer to how the human eyes see the world.

[@alexnrs8700]

Hi Shane. Thanks for this! I’ve been enjoying your reviews. Regarding the vignetting and stretched corners you note at ~13:58, and also in your review of the 35 mm F1.4 VCM lens… You noted, and I’ve noticed others speak to this, that the RAW files for most of Canon’s new ultracompact RF lenses (RF 14-35, and the new VCM Z lenses, for example) have a slightly wider field of view than the lens’ stated focal length, in addition to suffering a lot more barrel distortion and vignetting than past L lens equivalents (again in raw file edited in 3rd party software). I believe Canon automatically corrects the FOV in camera (EVF / back screen), as well as the SOOC jpeg files by cropping slightly to bring the field of view back to the lens’ stated focal-length (ex 48.5 to 50mm in this case), which removes the worst of the distortion and vignetting; bringing those levels in line with past lenses and acceptable modern standards. The obvious problem is that this leaves everyone not using Canon’s raw image editing software or SOOC jpeg’s (ie almost everyone) to correct for this manually, and I’m not aware of any 3rd party editors that correct the focal length alongside other lenses corrections. I don’t own/haven’t tested this yet for myself (holding out on buying for now), so I’m wondering if you’ve tested it? Specifically, I’m thinking that a small crop applied to the raw file on import - to match the out of camera jpeg to equalize the field of view - would remove the worst effects of the distortion and vignetting correction applied in Lightroom (or whatever). Do you have any thoughts on this!

[@BW_Maher]

Thanks. Very helpful review. This will probably be my next Canon lens purchase once the early adopter pricing softens up a bit. I had planned to pick up the 35 VCM but I think the 50 is a better fit for my work. Seems like a perfect all-rounder prime. I love the rendering of the 1.2 but it’s not always the most practical lens. In the real world, where there won’t be side by side comparisons with the f1.2, I think the rendering will be “magical” enough for my needs.

[@ShaneLongPhotography]

Glad to hear it! Maybe next time this year there will be some good sales on it!

[@ScottBasu]

Thank you so much for this video! It is good to see the new 50 1.4 is roughly on par with the 1.2. It does seem the 1.2 outresolves the 1.4 by *just a little bit* on the finest details of her eye in the shot you provided. It is a minor difference, but one worth noting. OTOH, the skin tones on the 1.4 look a touch nicer to my eyes, and the differences in form, size/weight, mechanical noise, and focusing speed are all very firmly on the 1.4's side. Thanks also for including the RF 50 1.8 in your comparison. I'm surprised at the softness you noticed - and I wonder if it's because the point of evaluation was off dead-center. On the budget RF 16mm f/2.8, for example, I've found the frame dead center really is the (only) point of critical sharpness wide open, and I wonder if your copy of the RF 50 1.8 might also show an improvement if you use the center focusing point as the key point of evaluation rather than center-border area. Just a thought. Anyways, you've given me something juicy to think about for the future, and gives me hope that we may one day see an RF 85 1.4 with a similar overall differential profile as this one! Merry Christmas and the best to you and yours in the new year.

[@martinklacansky3537]

this was the best video ever. thank u

[@ShaneLongPhotography]

Happy to now have the title of "best video ever" :) Thanks for watching!

[@deadreckoningoutdoors]

Finally someone comparing all of them. Thank you

[@lqr824]

Finally?? The 1.4 just came out a couple days ago...

[@deadreckoningoutdoors]

@@lqr824 yes. The 1.4 reviews have been out for over a month for the ones that got early copies. Regular people have had it for almost two weeks. In KZbin review world that’s forever when people are racing for clicks and likes.

[@ShaneLongPhotography]

Hope it was helpful!!

[@КлимКлимов-т9х]

Большое спасибо тебе друг за этот обзор, я так долго его ждал. У меня тоже есть объектив RF 50mm F1.2 L USM, он очень хорош по рисунку, но самое сложное в нем, это вес. Взять его на прогулку, это целое испытание. Недавно приобрел объектив RF 35 F1.4 L VSM и тоже сразу заметил насколько VSM быстрее и тише фокусируется, а также легче, поэтому задумался о замене на F1.4, но не было возможности сравнить напрямую качество изображения. Теперь я точно знаю, что можно менять без особой разницы в изображении. Еще раз спасибо, я долго ждал этот обзор.

[@jb_runnin3228]

Just the comparison video I was looking for. Thank you for this. I actually went ahead and rented the RF 1.2 and 1.4 for the holidays. I have come to the same conclusions you have. As expected, the 1.4 falls right in the middle of the 1.2 and 1.8. I was also seeing a closer image with the 1.2 (Glad you confirmed). Still such a hard decision for me. I LOVE the bokeh, subject separation and rendering of the 1.2 but you just cannot beat the size/ weight of the 1.4. I'm not an all day wedding photographer so the weight is only and issue when I travel. Decisions decisions.... LOL.

[@mattgericke4537]

I also have the 1.2 and the 1.4 now and agree with all of your points. Nice video.

[@kifley19]

Which do you prefer?

[@mattgericke4537]

@@kifley19the 1.4 and it’s not even close

[@Emsee-s5f]

​@@mattgericke4537 - Could you please explain why you are saying - "It is not even close"? I am trying to decide between these two lenses and almost a hair-splitting exercise :)

[@mattgericke4537]

@@Emsee-s5fyou’re over thinking it. Watch the review and decide for you what is important.

[@ShaneLongPhotography]

Glad to hear then that the copies are consistent since I only had mine to test! And I am with you, trading some bokeh for smaller size and quicker AF - I really like the 1.4!

[@lqr824]

SHANE! First time viewer. Like your style. Only thing I really missed is comparing the 1.4 and 1.2 both at 1.4, 1.6, 1.8. My pet peeve is OOF highlight circles' smoothness and roundness. The 1.2 will introduce diaphram blade edges to the circle but I wonder if it is less football-shaped in the extreme corners?

[@ShaneLongPhotography]

Thanks for watching! I can totally see how that would be an interesting comparison. Just to keep my video shorter I opted not to go through all the apertures. Hope it was helpful anyway and hopefully with all the amazing youtubers out there someone will do a deep dive!

[@Cphoto1954]

Great review! My R3 with the 50 f1.2 can do that same near/far focus in 1.5 seconds. So the body must make a difference. Regarding the 100% views of the bokeh, there is a slight onion peel look on the f1.4 but it is minor.

[@ShaneLongPhotography]

Interesting! I didn't think about that. I bet the R3 and R1 have more battery to power the AF systems. And yeah the 1.4 definitely has more onion going on. I think that was part of the differentiation Canon did to separate the two.

[@Cphoto1954]

@@ShaneLongPhotography INFO From the Net - The Canon EOS R3 does not have a separate processor for focusing, but it does have a powerful sensor and processor combination that powers its autofocus system: Dual Pixel CMOS AF II: This autofocus system uses each pixel on the camera's image sensor as a focusing sensor, resulting in 4,779 selectable AF points. DIGIC X image sensor: This image sensor works with deep learning technology to perform advanced subject detection. EOS iTR AF X: This technology uses deep learning to detect and track subjects. The EOS R3's autofocus system has many features, including: Eye Control AF: Allows you to select a subject to track by looking at it Focus Tracking: Keeps the subject's eyes sharp Back-illuminated sensor: Samples focus up to 60 times per second Vehicle detection: Can detect vehicles for motorsports Animal detection: Can detect animals Low-light performance: Can focus in light as low as -7.5EV

[@kifley19]

I have the RF 50mm 1.2. It has that 3d pop that makes photos stand out. My only gripes are the weight, loud auto focus noise and focus breathing. I love the size of my RF 35mm 1.4. Still might get the RF 50mm 1.4 for the size.

[@ShaneLongPhotography]

Exactly my experience!

[@kestu7772]

Thank you for your review, the 1,4 sounds like a very nice Option, but as an owner of the 1,2 Version i'm not willing to give up it's beautiful rendering for lesser weight. I don't shoot Video so I don't need the capabilities of the 1,4 .

[@lqr824]

16:42 I got the f/1.4 and like it a lot but I've noted the 1.8 + R5MkII can be in my backpack constantly and I don't even know for sure they're in there. The 1.4 + R5MkII goes over some limit for me where I can't FORGET that it's in there. I thought I'd sell the 1.8 as soon as the 1.4 showed up but now I'm really thinking now. I won't get much for the 1.8 anyway so may keep it for walk-around (along with my 16/2.8 which I can crop to 35mm pretty easily should I wish). I like having the camera on me always. I have since the mid-90s (Yashica T5*, Contax G2, EOS3+50/1.8MkI, EOS M).

[@ShaneLongPhotography]

I can see how with backpacking you would feel that! The 1.8 is such a nice lightweight option for hiking. Fun to have different tool for different jobs!

[@sterling68]

I shouldn’t have watched this video because now I want to spend 2k 😂 I had the 50 1.8 before and wasn’t happy with the image quality but as you said you get what you pay for. Might save up for the 1.4 this year. Great video!!

[@GiacomoZonco]

Really needed a complete video about this! I’m thinking of getting this in May during a trip to Japan, as the 1.2 is more expensive and heavier. I also do photo and video so it seems like a great deal. Let’s see if they also bring out an R6 III 👀

[@ShaneLongPhotography]

Glad it was helpful! This would be an awesome lens for that trip! I too am eyeing that R6MKIII...

[@markusbolliger1527]

Very informative comparison - thank you so much! I am not quite sure with which of the new VCM- lenses I should start: With this 50/1.4 or with the 35/1.4? In many situations the 35mm is more versatile, but I prefer the look and perspective I get with the 50mm. I already have the 50/1.8 STM, great lens for the money, but often too slow. Kind regards from Switzerland, and my best wishes to you and your nice family for 2025.

[@ShaneLongPhotography]

That’s a tough decision! Both are great lenses! For me it would come down to which focal length I use the most...

[@markusbolliger1527]

@@ShaneLongPhotography It's the 35mm for sure 😊

[@Habcdee]

After watching, will keep my 50 1.2 😊

[@weaverrealestatephotograph7716]

The 48.50mm FOV maybe be for focus breathing compensation for video. That would be my guess.

[@shawnlabranche6852]

Thank you for you video, you did a great job comparing all these lenses. I'm curious on how you feel or compare rf 50 1.4 to the sigma 1.4 art. I have the art but not the best for video, it's front heavy on gimbals. I do hybrid weddings.

[@ShaneLongPhotography]

I had the Sigma and though its a good sharp option, it wasn't my favorite. The bokeh didn't wow me and it was pretty heavy, especially with an adapter. If you do hybrid work, this could be incredible for you!

[@Raheemjones23]

What is the 1.8 good for or what is it best at

[@さっちゃん-k6o]

Great review

[@ShaneLongPhotography]

Thank you!

[@AndrewJD79]

Great review, thank you! Did you notice any focus accuracy difference with 1.2? Some reviewers suggest that 1.2 is more accurate i.e. more shots in focus.

[@ShaneLongPhotography]

In my use I didn't notice any difference! And I feel like I have a really good handle on using all the different focusing modes in different situations. If anything I had a higher hit rate because it could keep up with the fast moving subjects. But I didn't do like a numbers comparison...

[@arncht6507]

What I missed in the test is that they didn’t show how the lens performs when stopped down, for example, around f/5.6 or f/8. It would also have been interesting to see a comparison at f/1.8. How would it hold up against the Nikon Z 1.8 lens? It’s smaller than the RF 1.4, but offers a similar optical quality at a third of the price.

[@Sergei__v]

This F1.4 does hit out of the park. Previous Canon F1.4 50mm had nervous background, poor AF motor reliability and quite pronounced coma and fringing. This RF 50mm F1.4 however completely fixes these issues. The sharpness, the AF speed, accuracy and over all rendering are very good. Now it is also lighter. I couldn't muster myself to fill my camera bag with the 50mm F1.2 and 85mm F1.2 along other lenses. The kit becomes too heavy and unwieldy when changing lenses. So I stayed with ALL EF lenses until canon released the whole kit. Now we have it all and one can pick just one F1.2 lens they need and get the F1.4 lens for everything else. Can we expect an RF 85mm F1.4 or is it too much?

[@timog7358]

great comparison

[@mikel5094]

Hello great video. What settings are you at when your son came running towards you? And when they came down on the snow slide?

[@ericgrayphoto]

I feel like this is the sweet spot for price, size and speed. As far as weddings, what combinations do you prefer… A 24 and 50? Or a 35 and 85?

[@ShaneLongPhotography]

Agreed! Do to how much of a wedding day is in limited space I like the 24/50. Lets me do context and portraits.

[@PavlosPapageorgiou]

Well you're clearly in Minnesota!

[@bernardinotejada8978]

Does it have IS?

[@HoangNguyen-k4m5z]

Great reviews, you got my subscribe man. I'm owning r50 and thinking of getting this (because I have a plan to move to r8 in the future). Do you think it will be okay on R50 for awhile. ?

[@ShaneLongPhotography]

For sure! Thats how I started out using a 50 on a crop sensor! Just makes it like an 85. Then you will like it even more on the r8.

[@HoangNguyen-k4m5z]

@@ShaneLongPhotography awesome, thank you

[@jeffkernen1554]

Thanks for another great video. I have a question unrelated to photography. I love your gray sport coat and I think I may have seen you in a navy blue version of the same jacket in another video. May I ask where you got them? Thanks.

[@ShaneLongPhotography]

Haha! I got it at Target a few years ago :)

[@jeffkernen1554]

@ShaneLongPhotography well that was a good Target find.

[@michbest]

Damn canon! is 50mm real 50mm or not? If the RF 50mm 1.2 is like 51.50 mm that would give a little bit of "hack" to give a little bit of smooth more aparent blur transition. I wish Canon would do that for cheaper lenses! I was watching all the comparsions and i tought i was going crazy because the model was looking a bit different in RF 50 1.2. Now I know I'm fine!

[@torsten1163]

Witzig, ich habe vor 2 Stunden einen Nussknacker, einen Weihnachtsbaum als Hintergrund, und eine farbige Lichterkette verwendet, um ein Adventsfoto für meinen Account zu schießen... Ihre Tochter wird wie meine recht schnell groß! ;-) Eine schöne Weihnachtszeit Ihnen, ich warte auf das Canon RF 85/1.4...

[@ShaneLongPhotography]

Thats awesome! Clearly we think a like! I too and really hoping for and 84 1.4!

[@lontegels8780]

I would like some price comparison nor I have to track down something from companion. I know different vendor prices differ. Christmas pricing is much different from March.

[@mattgericke4537]

@@lontegels8780 the time it took you to write that comment you could have googled it.

[@ShaneLongPhotography]

It is always interesting how the prices fluctuate!

[@AndelosPhotography]

I think the difference in focal length you mentioned is due to focus breathing. You can see this happen when you was doing your auto focus speed test Great review 👍🏼

[@ShaneLongPhotography]

Good point!

[@sarahcason1610]

For a beginner photographer, what is the best flash for the EOS R6 Mark II?

[@christoph886]

Godox is a cheap and good option in my case. R6ii with 3 Godox V1C here.

[@ionescugeorge2003]

Light weight Godox V350. Next i would get the new Godox V100, but keep in mind it's way bigger an heavier compaired to V350.

[@hearttarot]

could you give me rf 50.4 vcm focal length(48.50) information link?

[@ShaneLongPhotography]

Here you go! www.canonrumors.com/canon-patent-application-fast-focusing-prime-lenses/

[@basilbcf]

Does this lens (1.4) come with lens hood?

[@jeanladouceur4223]

Yes

[@ShaneLongPhotography]

Yeah and I like the shape and size of it.

[@PNWDOM]

Great video! Would love to see a comparison of the EF 50mm 1.4 vs the new VCM lens for fun.

[@dailysmelly9756]

🤔 the RF 1.4 version is longer and heavier than the ef 1.4 with either Canon adapter 😮 Length: The RF 50mm f/1.4 L VCM is longer (99.3mm) compared to the combined length of the EF 50mm f/1.4 USM with Canon EF-EOS R adapter (75mm). Weight: The RF lens is heavier (580g) than the EF lens with adapter (400g). ‐---- RF 50mm f/1.4: 99.3mm in length EF 50mm f/1.4 + Control Ring Adapter: ~81mm in length The RF lens is longer by about 18mm. RF 50mm f/1.4: 580 grams EF 50mm f/1.4 + Control Ring Adapter: ~411 grams The RF lens is 169 grams heavier.

[@mattgericke4537]

@@dailysmelly9756 the ef is also crazy soft

[@dailysmelly9756]

@mattgericke4537 🤔 even the 1.8s?

[@mattgericke4537]

@@dailysmelly9756huh?

[@dailysmelly9756]

@mattgericke4537 sorry, how do the ef 50mm 1.8 and rf 50mm 1.8 compare?

[@mattgericke4537]

@ not sure, they are both cheap lenses. Not really something I use professionally. Sorry.

[@Arshandays]

Do you notice a tint difference between a 1.4 and 1.2

[@mattgericke4537]

Yep he noted that

[@ShaneLongPhotography]

Thanks for all your helpful comments Matt! Truly appreciate it! Hope you have a wonderful Christmas!

[@Qoonutz]

1.2 if you can afford. 1.8 if you are new to photography. 1.4 is neither here nor there.

[@lqr824]

2:47 "they look very similar" except the 1.4 is onion ring city and the 1.2 is commendably smooth. Why don't you mention that for people who don't know to look for it?

[@mattgericke4537]

You’re comparing it to the 1.8 not the 1.2. At f1.8 on the either the 1.2 or 1.4 that goes away. Watch a little closer next time

[@ShaneLongPhotography]

The 1.2 is for sure the smoothest of the three, but having used it since it was released, it too gets the onion look depending on the situation. Sadly no "perfect" lens :)

[@infrarouge75]

Must be perfect with old EF 50L more

[@ShaneLongPhotography]

That was a fun lens!

[@faocisco]

Onion rings and chromatic aberrations ! Those vcm lenses are way overpriced for what they deliver.

[@kifley19]

But you can use them for video too because they have barely any focus breathing unlike the Sony 1.4 GM lenses.

[@ShaneLongPhotography]

Nice that there are options now!