Canon RF50mm F1.8 Real Life Test, The Perfect Budget Lens for Portraits

[@IreneRudnyk]

What do you think about the new RF50mm F1.8? And what was your first lens?

[@Aleena.i]

I love your ideas ♥️😊😄

[@brianasealy6257]

My first lens was definitely the nifty 50! Then a 100mm macro 2.8! Now I’ve got the 50mm 1.4 and the 24-70 2.8 and 70-200mm 4.0. I’m liking the compression a LOT on those two zooms! But 85mm is one of my favorite lengths!

[@myspace04]

The images look awesome! Waiting for your Q&A session on instagram 🙂

[@Bajussz1]

My first lens was the 18-55mm f3.5 to 5.6 kit lens that came with my canon eos 1300d. Although I love the shallow depth of field created by prime lenses I bought a telephoto lens because I started to do wildlife photography. Works also well to create bokeh when used correctly. Great review and test of the 50mm f1.8! Thank you for the video!

[@haechi21]

I think it's relieving to know that we can actually purchase RF lens that is under $300 for once. My first lens was Sigma 35mm

[@olesjor]

EOS RP and the RF 50 1.8 are a really powerful setup for the money.

[@IreneRudnyk]

I know right? So good

[@kennysuave5117]

I already have the rp with the tamron 35 1.4 and rokinon 85 1.4 and it’s a beast!!!. if the price is right on the 50mm I’ll get that and add to my lens collection...

[@josephryan5448]

@@kennysuave5117 $199 USD

[@ryzenbiel4145]

Agree. ..

[@SteveHiemstraAKAspeg]

No silent shutter. No eye tracking in servo. Gotta go R.

[@aj-ed7wp]

WE TEND TO FORGET THE MOST IMPORTANT THING AND THATS TO BE CREATIVE WITH THE LIL THAT YOU HAVE

[@aj-ed7wp]

I used an iPhone 6 (yes that old thing cuz it's all this 16yr old can afford, lol) I use it to record videos for my channel called Daley lifestyle :)support me guys cuz sometimes I want to give up

[@TheJubess]

Do you comment this on all the reviews of this lens? Saw you post the same thing in all caps on Peter McKinnons review

[@aj-ed7wp]

@@TheJubess yep that's me and no I don't do it on just this review om just getting the point across, see, it has impacted you!, be sure to stop by Daley lifestyle, cheers:)

[@luisliu7843]

They are both canon ambassadors who working for the dark side, lol 😂

[@FraterABYA]

Sounds like you are trying to convince yourself LOL. There is no "most important thing" in any creative process. Each part of it is codependent on the others.

[@FabioBosco]

Love these images! Again, it is the photographer, not the gear. The way you play with the leaves, where the sun light is positioned, and the use of a step ladder, this is all part of what makes someone a photographer. Thanks for sharing!

[@jenningsford8961]

One thing I love to do for learning is to toggle between Before and After back and forth which shows more than the color editing, but the added hair volume, the extension of the edges to create 4x5 ratio, and other edits as well. Thank you Irene for giving us that opportunity to compare.

[@trogdor]

At first I was going to complain that you didn't use the same body for the test, but the fact that you can get those results of the RP and the 50/1.8 is pretty impressive compared to the R5/50/1.2 combo. Nice job illustrating to types of consumer price points.

[@KylerSteele]

This makes the r mount for canon so much more appealing to new photographers. Such a cost effective way to get into full frame mirrorless

[@IreneRudnyk]

Honestly, such a good starting setup, way better then what I had 10 years ago haha

[@alexmushat]

I love the results of the RP and 50mm 1.8 for this shocking budget price. Of course the R5 combined with the 50 mm 1.2 looks more refined but these two combos look more similar than I expected. Thank you, Irene for this comparison. Great job as always. 😊

[@IreneRudnyk]

I was surprised as well!

[@Koi-Koi-Koi]

what is the budget price? the rf 50mm is listed here about $240... the EF 50mm f1,8 is $125 , i have already the EF,... don't know if the RF will be worth the change?

[@AllgoodthingsTv]

I love that note about the bokeh being busier and not as pleasing from the budget RF 50mm compared to the RF 50mm f/1.2 beast at 9:37. Those are the type of things you might not consciously notice, but you just *feel* when you look at an image from one compared to the other.

[@georgesmith3022]

I agree, the bokeh looks busy and not nice. the 1.2 is nicer but it costs 2500$ while 1.8 250$. I can get better bokeh with sigma art 1.4 and save $1000

I actually prefer the slightly "busier" one of the 1.8. It seems natural to me, while the one of the f1.2 looks almost like what current smartphones (over)do through AI.

[@photoshoott2022]

Great review. I might actually look into it. I got my R7 in Oct of 2022 and it is a game changer for sure. Love the speed and quality on my camera. So far, not to break the bank, I have been using all of my EF lenses which are great lenses that I have, with adaptor. The quality is sensational and huge improvement from DSLR model that I had. I have had my nifty fifty EF 50mm prime f1.8 and the price point was incredible on it, considering the quality I get with it. I love it and used it with the new camera with great result. Now I am curious and interested to try an RF lens, but so far haven't taken the financial plunge yet. I do love both pictures, and the one on the left is an amazing picture, plus I figure if we want to do any improvements there is always post processing, so overall, might look into RF type of lenses, but not at the current moment. Thanks for a wonderful review. Great to see a side by side comparison.

[@jajasmike7818]

This is PRIME time teaching right here. You are a phenomenal photographer and motivator. I love how you speak to your subject and affirm positive vibes. This helps them continue to remain energized and enthusiastic about the remaining shoot. Your awesome 🎖

[@johnleftwich650]

Yes more videos with budget lenses

[@lifesbeautiful3024]

Great video, Irene. I liked that you used the RP with this RF 50 1.8 lens. The RP may not be the R5, but the fact of the matter, as you yourself have shown, is that it can get the job done 👍. I’ll be getting this nifty fifty

[@johnnykilroy9394]

First lens was the RF 24-105 that I purchased along with my EOS R. This nifty fifty will be my second pickup. Would love to see you do some shoots with the RF 35 f1.8 and the 85 f2. Great vid as always.

[@c.augustin]

Yes, budget friendly gear (especially compared to the more expensive counterparts) would be interesting! While the 1.2 is definitely the more high-end lens, the 1.8 delivers very well (and let's be honest - most viewers won't see the difference if the shot is overall well done). The small size is what I find especially interesting in this lens, since most manufacturers seem to think that bigger is always better and have increased lens sizes to insane proportions …

[@LeeZavitz]

I was wondering when they would come out with this kind of lens for the R system. Love the shots!

[@game2572]

For people who can only afford the RP. The RP with kit lens this 50 and the 85 F2 great kit for the price of R6

[@tcmbrown]

I know right? I kept pestering them on FB messenger. Every review that came out about Canon coming out with another $2000-3000 lense or pointless $2500 camera(looking at you Ra), i would say "So...yall have time to come out with pointless cameras and $3k lenses but no time to develop a sub-$1000 50 or 85mm lens?" Lol!

[@jeffreytaveirne]

On a budget ?

[@muratbasc8302]

I would love to see how you do the image processing for this photo shoot.

[@charleskoonu]

I really think that de 50mm f1.8 is such a great lens, but as you said it is very useful with mid range or close up on the subject, when you take full portraits its where you can notice the difference even more versus the hi quality 1.2 glasses, as always Irene awesome shots!!!

[@jaytcapinpin]

Awesome photos! A client would never know the difference between the two setups.

[@f0t0b0y]

It’s funny, I own the R5 but this lens makes me want to get the RP for an ultimate mini combo.

[@MrNavi90]

lol

[@myspace04]

What I like about this review is, instead of going too technical and providing info which most of the actual consumers of this lens won't care, Irene showed what this lens is capable of and how it compares to the expensive 1.2L lens. I actually prefer the background blur of 1.8 over 1.2, and I think I'll be happy with what 1.8 is offering for $200. Thanks for the comparison and "review", Irene. . Whoever is getting their first camera, this lens is a great choice. Having said that, I think a lot of people who are planning to buy this lens are existing Canon users who already own an EF STM version of this lens. We would like to know how different the image quality is between the RF and the EF STM versions, and whether it is worth the upgrade or not.

[@paulmilovich2982]

First let me say that I am happy that you are a Canon ambassador, love my Canon equipment. I have the EF 1.8 and I use the heck out of it, totally love it. Thanks for your awesome videos.

[@agung472]

im addicted to the way you give affirmation your models ..

[@maddiemanassero5089]

Irene’s outfit at 8:08 reminds me of Winnie the Pooh! Too cute 🧡

[@JasonLawrenceNoel]

I actually like the context you get with a 1.8 vs the 1.2 …. You might have to be more particular with your background but the right context can add so much more emotion to a shot rather than blurring every background to max. Imo :)

[@KyleWilson]

These are stunning images Irene! Thank you for the honest review.

[@robstyles2675]

Ive shot with 1.8 1.4 and 1.2 and over time i would have to recommend getting a 1.8 50mm. Save the money and focus on buying different focal lengths instead of comparing apertures. My lens recommendations for EF glass 24-70mm 2.8 ii, 50mm 1.8, 85mm 1.8, and 135mm 2.0 or 200mm 2.8 save the money get a wider array of primes and that awesome zoom instead of spending loads of money on the 1.2 50mm versions

[@diwakarkaushik23]

I really like that you have reviewed the budget set up, keep on doing it. Thanks

[@fatgrouch]

Great example of using budget lens to create beautiful images, well done ! It's not all about the equipment , it's about who is using it.

[@marianolasco1151]

Aree

[@skylar767]

Hey Irene. I love, love, love your work. Your creative simplicity or should that be your simple creativity with your model and nearby objects is perfect. I also like that you share you before and after images. Any chance you could take us into your studio and show us the process of getting from before to after?

[@dres100ish]

Fantastic video. Loved how educative it was and loved the comparisons between images from both lenses. I also enjoyed the before and after process. Wish more people made videos like this! My first lens was a Nikon 50mm f.18 & now I also have the 35mm f1.8

[@holladaycubed]

It seems like NOBODY has or knows about the ef 50mm Stm because everybody brings up the plastic fantastic but newer has the stm system and has a metal mount.

[@myspace04]

I think they know. But they either don't have the STM to compare or simply using the old one to make the difference look bigger.

[@thedondeluxe6941]

If it's anything like the 35mm F1.8, I'm buying it. Love that 35mm so much. Most versatile lens I've ever owned. Wish it was weather sealed, but that would of course defeat the purpose of a budget lens and make it bigger and heavier.

[@vivalasvegas702]

Just to let you know, the new nifty-fifty has no 1:2 macro capability and Image Stabilizer, unlike the RF 35. But still a fantastic affordable lens. 👍👌

[@user-jc1gr8ib9g]

Спасибо за ваши видео на английском, учусь и фото, и языку)

[@pwood5733]

A nice addition the model holding the vintage looking camera

[@ghlocal1]

I always say, it’s not the camera/lens but the person behind it. Nicely done!

[@chuckiemationg9347]

I was Shaking when you said Budget-friendly gear. O.O

[@Gremlack13]

I love that you paired the budget lens with the budget body. I have the rp and would be pairing the 50 1.8 with it just the same way. Glad to see that that combo can produce some fantastic results.

[@drbeardo6960]

Canon could have launched RF 50mm f1.8 at time of RP launch...! Anyways, gonna get RP n this Nifty-Fifty

[@IreneRudnyk]

Better late then never :)

[@FraterABYA]

The MP count probably works to your advantage here. A lower count means less flaws will be apparent.

[@g4money]

Beautiful images especially the colors and very informative. On a side note. Too much hip action on your thumbnail 😉 joking of course since some people care more about that than your actual content. 😐

[@lvmtb]

Thank you Irene. I just love your photoshoot and how you work with model and to see your creative style.

[@Anchy58]

I love your videos and in-depth description but i get annoyed with "mhmmm" "ohhhh yea" during every photoshoot😂 idk just annoys me

[@IreneRudnyk]

That's how you let the model know that she is doing a great job. I am very expressive during the shoots and that's how it's going to stay

[@justinholding02]

It doesn't annoy me. Irene is very enthusiastic about her work. That's what I love

[@panopsata3038]

Can't wait to get this on my R6!!!! I'm glad that I entered the EOS R system with the R6.

[@jefersonmarcos]

Thanks for using the Canon EOS RP to review the lens. It seems everybody out there is just using the R5 and R6 when they review the lens and I honestly believe the EOS R & RP owners like myself was wondering how the RF 50 mm F1.8. works with the EOS R and RP, especially because they don't have In-body Stabilization.

[@akifalim]

Keen to see the RF 35 1.8 and the RF 85 F2 as well if possible. Great video!

[@sander9t]

Your photo shots are amazing. Love how you placed the models. I actually prefer the bokeh that has a bit of vintage feel - busier and more defined bubbles. Even though Canon hasn't published the block diagram, the leaked images show a different 6/5 optical design from EF 50/1.8 STM - they went from the more popular modified Biotar with split front elements (aka "Ultron" design) to the less popular modified Biotar with split rear elements (aka "Pancolar" design). The one popular lens using this design is the 1969 Carl Zeiss Jena Pancolar 50/1.8 MC "Black" (where the design moniker was from).

[@jiangchenglu6629]

Should do the comparison with the 50mm 1.8 STM, not the II. STM is updated and way better than the original nifty fifty.

[@jiangchenglu6629]

@@airb1976 never said it was a review, I’ve watched her all of her videos and bought a 5D4 and 85 1.4 because of her inspiration. She said “what has improved” which is comparing the two lenses. The STM is the previous gen of 1.8, which is far greater than the II.

[@tristadrever3859]

I just upgraded my rebel t3i to an RP so really happy to seeing you show some results with that camera. My first full frame lens was also the 50 and used it on my rebel but using on a full frame has been nice. Great video Irene thank you!

[@MikeFilancPhotography]

Just listing to how quickly that R5 grabs focus makes me want one. 😊

[@tubtigre]

As usual, The Model behind the Lens is wonderful...

[@scottsater]

Stunning that you compared the two set-ups! I was amazed at your results with the RP and RF 50 1.8, and how similar they were to the R5 and RF 50 1.2. Another superb and helpful video, Irene! Thank-you! And your models did SUCH a great job as well :)! Have you done a review of the RF 85mm 2?

[@lucianoproencafotografia1098]

I changed my EF 50mm 1.8 for the RF, but I confess that I much prefer the bokeh of the EF, the RF seems to have a very grainy blur

[@antant06]

Irene, you are such a skilful photographer and with such a dreamy, iconic look. Absolutely love your work!

[@johnmantis5959]

I am looking at before and after pictures and I would like to know what photo processing program you’re using?🎉🎉🎉

[@melodeyrose]

What I notice the most between the 1.8 and 1.2 is the distortion and how blur there is in the background! I really liked the outcomes of the 1.2 more than the 1.8 👍🏽

[@fullclipaudio]

You convinced me to grab this lens. This will be my first prime lens for my RP.

[@HungNguyen-yg6dq]

Love the rf50L

[@Padawan0001]

They both looked surprisingly similar in quality for the price difference!! Which I'm very glad about.

[@CDeeez94]

Awesome work and review! Wild how great some of these photos look straight out of the camera! Truly well-done!

[@dragomirvalentin]

At 4:57 I actually prefer the RP a lot more, looks way more natural and lifelike for me. 6:21 as well

[@mdhasibulhossain8040]

Which one is cheaper?

[@jbeats02]

@@mdhasibulhossain8040 the rp

[@zoulhhh]

Thanks for showing the shutterspeed and f-stop and ISO with your great images. Most photographers forget this in their reviews on KZbin. RIGHT PETER MCKINNON?

[@rodrigo4379]

coming to an RF 50mm 1.8 from a 50mm 1.8 ii that i used for many years, to be honest its better than i thought

[@tristanparrish7350]

I loved the comparison shots. It really shows that you don't need to spend a ton to get really nice results.

[@darylhermann3792]

This video was totally amazing. Loved the video, technique, comparison, and photos of course... Made me inspired to pre order the 50mm f1.8

[@davidroberts5535]

Nice mini preview and comparison. Anyone else get annoyed with the focus beeps? That’s why 1st stop in the menu system.

[@michael_swardh]

Every picture looks better with a beautiful model.

[@surfyswag]

Great video! I found you through your collab with Mango Street, so happy I did!

[@aucourant9998]

I've got a vintage Pentax 50mm f1.8 and a vintage Minolta 58mm f1.4 which are both great portrait lenses on my Fuji camera.

[@rjzd]

I LOVE YOUR PICS, But，more improtant，I like the movie between the pics ，it shows me how to guide the model，lol，becaz I am new as a photogragher。

[@Hazmatti]

beautiful photos, inspired me to pickup my camera again and get back into it!

[@IreneRudnyk]

Great to hear!

[@BubblyBrie]

Thank you for reviewing with the RP, that’ll definitely be my next camera body especially with the nifty 50 ☺️

[@jonoy4375]

First class models + first class photographer

[@KevinBein]

As soon as I saw the announcement of the RF 50 f/1.8 this morning I jumped on B&H and immediately pre-ordered one. I have been wanting to pick up a fast 50mm for my RP since I bought it, but I have been trying to hold off for a native RF mount version that wasn't so expensive. Don't get me wrong I would love to have the 1.2 version, but this lens at less than a 10th of the cost was an instant buy. Besides, right now I am also trying to save up for an R6. I have plenty of great adaptable EF lenses, what I really need right now is just a better body.

[@PanzerIV88]

BEST 50mm F1.8 review by far that I've seen today. I love the comparison with the two RF 50mm lens and it's hard to believe there is such a huge price difference. I would say that this lens is almost too cheap while the F1.2 is way overpriced cause here in Canada it is (270$CAD vs 3000$CAD) and no... the pricier one isn't 10x better at all, maybe 2x or 3x at best which is why I would personally go for a (Sigma Art 50mm F1.4) at 1100$CAD instead of these 2 from Canon, even though it would require a 1 inch adapter. On another subject, I really like ur idea of the step ladder to avoid the annoying blown out white sky in the background. I dunno if it's gonna be as useful to me at 6ft0 and it could be pretty annoying to carry around for a 1-2H shoot but that's a good idea to remember.

[@macylobeauty]

Great video as always!! Thank you for using the RP, I was debating on getting that camera!!!

[@IreneRudnyk]

It's a great little camera, such a good price too

[@dearlyjorolan9911]

you're one of the best ❤️💕 my #1 fan 💕💕 from Philippines 🇵🇭 here

[@sonumunda9452]

Love from India got amazing tricks that must boost my photography 😇😇😇

[@davetv8171]

I used the R5 and 85 DS this past weekend and tried shooting like you vertically with the top Of the camera facing to the right with my hand under. I kinda liked it but will come to love it the more I shoot that way.

[@wastedtalentusa]

I was just about buying my new R6 Mark II, but after seeing those gorgeous images from the RP, now I am not sure if I should expend double money to buy the R6 Mark II. I really liked the images from your RP camera.

[@quanchenghuang7864]

These photos are gorgeous! So are the models!

[@azizanpilus6671]

Beautiful Autumn shots and good sample shots between f/1.2 and f/1.8 and of our fav Shiann❤️

[@AndresHernandez-fd1hi]

Insane sharpness and post processing.

[@iaminlove4128]

Gorgeous model! Amazing shoot as always, Irene. Keep it up.

[@naturebites5974]

Appreciate the objectivity with real-life observations. Absolutely outstanding video, thank you.

[@blackie75]

Very informative. On the shot where the model is laying down on a blanket, I actually preferred the 1.8, which shocked me. Great vid, cheers 😁

[@jasperfredrickson4420]

I want the RF 50mm but I have the old 1.4 and don't know if I can give up that sweet sweet bokeh.

[@foto_med_modell]

I love those pictures, and as a RP RF 50 1:8 user I feel very glad to see how it compares to its more expensive brother :) I think your editing is marvellous too.

[@jeez0r]

that R5 shutter sound is great

[@jessestarks3128]

I'm impressed. It's not the size of a nuclear warhead. I don't use Canon equipment but I think using the RP over the R5 or R6 was smart. Thanks for what you do!

[@old4004]

Thanks so much, Irene......I've been thinking about ordering the R6 and the 1.8.

[@TommyGunsDunleavy]

Again... I would love to know your technique for making her hair so much more dramatic and full.

[@oliviamunn3790]

*Irene Rudnyk you look fantastic... Such a happy lovely scene. Just what the world needs most right now. Thank you*

[@CJ-uh8bk]

I just got the EF model but it’s the slightly updated version, mostly plastic but the focus ring is better and the Mount is metal not plastic, it’s an amazing lens

[@NeneBlessing]

Wow , these images are absolutely beautiful 😍

[@brianasealy6257]

Loved it!!! Such beautiful fall foliage up there where you’re at!! ❤️

[@AbinashBtry]

Hey''''' Guys your Moment Shoot, Beautiful Scenery Nature view ! Your Experience project 😇

[@f0t0b0y]

Dude, you can get an RP refurbished from Canon for $800. 1k for a stellar setup is insane.

[@DanielFazzari]

Great content and comparisons (love that you used the same class of camera as the lens) . They are relatively similar close-up, but you do see how the 1.2 stands out in full body shots.

[@clintnieves]

Great comparison between different photo gear budgets

[@bhuvankohli9942]

I liked your video very much because I have a Canon R model and I was a bit nervous in the lens and wondered if the 1.8 RF lens would be as successful but thanks to your video I understood that the Canon RF 50mm is also very good Lens is heartfelt thanks