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Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM vs Voigtlander Nokton 50mm F1 Aspherical

Both are Canon RF prime lenses. Here is what actually differs.

Pick the Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM if

  • You want the lighter lens to carry: 490 g lighter (160 g vs 650 g)
  • You want autofocus (STM): the Voigtlander Nokton 50mm F1 Aspherical is manual focus only
  • You shoot close-ups: it focuses down to 0.3 m vs 0.45 m
  • You want bigger close-ups: 0.25× vs 0.15× maximum magnification
  • You want a compact lens: 40.5 mm vs 64 mm long
  • Our notes say it suits: Everyday photography, portraits, low-light shooting

Pick the Voigtlander Nokton 50mm F1 Aspherical if

  • You need 1⅔ stops more light for low light or background blur (f/1 vs f/1.8)
  • You care about the shape of out-of-focus highlights: 12 aperture blades vs 7

Spec differences

13 differences
Specifications that differ between the Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM and the Voigtlander Nokton 50mm F1 Aspherical
Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM Voigtlander Nokton 50mm F1 Aspherical
Brand
Canon
Voigtlander
Format
Full frame
not listed
Max aperture
f/1.8
f/1 1⅔ stops faster
Weight
160 g lighter
650 g
Length
40.5 mm shorter
64 mm
Diameter
69.2 mm slimmer
79.3 mm
Filter thread
43 mm
67 mm
Min focus distance
0.3 m closer
0.45 m
Max magnification
0.25× larger
0.15×
Aperture blades
7
12 more blades
Optical design
6 elements / 5 groups
9 elements / 7 groups
Autofocus motor
STM
Manual focus
Released
2020
not listed
4 identical specs hidden: mount, type, focal length, image stabilization. Show all
Mount
Canon RF both
Type
Prime both
Focal length
50mm both
Image stabilization
No both

Our notes

Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM

A light normal prime for Canon RF full-frame cameras with a stepping motor, often seen as the RF 'nifty fifty'.

Pros

  • Light and compact (160 g)
  • f/1.8 aperture
  • Quiet STM focus
  • Close focus 0.3 m

Cons

  • No image stabilization
  • Softer wide open

Our notes

Voigtlander Nokton 50mm F1 Aspherical

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