Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM vs Yongnuo YN 50mm f/1.8

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

Canon · 1993

EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

f/1.4290 gUSM

Check price Full specs

Yongnuo

Pick the Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM if

You need ⅔ stop more light for low light or background blur (f/1.4 vs f/1.8)
Our notes say it suits: Portraits, available-light photography, street and documentary

Pick the Yongnuo YN 50mm f/1.8 if

Our spec data shows no clear advantage for this lens.

Spec differences

14 differences

Specifications that differ between the Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM and the Yongnuo YN 50mm f/1.8
	Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM	Yongnuo YN 50mm f/1.8
Brand	Canon	Yongnuo
Format	Full frame	not listed
Max aperture	f/1.4 ⅔ stop faster	f/1.8
Weight	290 g	not listed
Length	50.5 mm	not listed
Diameter	73.8 mm	not listed
Filter thread	58 mm	not listed
Min focus distance	0.45 m	not listed
Max magnification	0.15×	not listed
Aperture blades	8	not listed
Optical design	7 elements / 6 groups	not listed
Autofocus motor	USM	not listed
Image stabilization	No	not listed
Released	1993	not listed

3 identical specs hidden: mount, type, focal length. Show all

Mount: Canon EF both
Type: Prime both
Focal length: 50mm both

Our notes

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

A fast standard prime from the 1990s with a ring-type USM motor and a metal mount. It sits between the f/1.8 models and the L-series f/1.2 in speed and build.

Pros

f/1.4 aperture
Ring USM with full-time manual focus
Metal mount and solid build
Compact for its speed

Cons

Soft and hazy wide open
Not weather sealed
Older optical design

Our notes

Yongnuo YN 50mm f/1.8

Yongnuo YN 50mm f/1.8: a fast standard prime lens with a 50mm focal length and a maximum aperture of f/1.8, made for Canon EF mount cameras. The natural field of view suits street, documentary and everyday photography.