Quick answer
The Canon EF 50mm f/1L USM is a standard prime lens covering 50mm at f/1.0 for the Canon EF mount. Its very wide maximum aperture suits low light and shallow depth of field with strong background blur.
About this lens
The Canon EF 50mm f/1L USM is a fast standard prime lens covering 50mm at f/1 for Canon EF mount cameras, from the Canon L series with ultrasonic-motor autofocus. The natural field of view suits street, documentary and everyday photography.
Canon EF 50mm f/1L USM specifications
- Brand
- Canon
- Mount
- Canon EF
- Focal length
- 50mm
- Maximum aperture
- f/1.0
- Lens type
- Prime
- Format coverage
- full-frame
- Released
- 1989
- Optical construction
- 11 elements in 9 groups
- Aperture blades
- 8
- Autofocus motor
- USM
- Minimum focus distance
- 0.6 m
- Maximum magnification
- 0.11x
- Filter thread
- 72 mm
- Weight
- 985 g
- Length
- 81.5 mm
- Diameter
- 91.5 mm
Specification source: global.canon
What can you shoot with the Canon EF 50mm f/1L USM?
At 50mm this is a standard prime, which typically suits:
- Everyday and street photography
- Natural-perspective portraits
- Documentary and travel work
Its very wide maximum aperture suits low light and shallow depth of field with strong background blur.
Full-frame equivalent and field of view
Calculated from the focal length and crop factor. Not measured.
| Sensor | Crop | Equivalent | Horizontal FOV | Diagonal FOV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full frame | 1.0x | 50mm | 39.6° | 46.8° |
| APS-C | 1.6x | 80mm | 25.4° | 30.3° |
Frequently asked questions
What mount does the Canon EF 50mm f/1L USM use?
It uses the Canon EF mount, so it fits Canon EF cameras directly.
What is the focal length of the Canon EF 50mm f/1L USM?
It is a fixed 50mm lens with a maximum aperture of f/1.0. That makes it a standard lens.
Is the Canon EF 50mm f/1L USM a prime or a zoom lens?
It is a prime lens with a fixed 50mm focal length. Primes usually open wider than zooms; this one opens to f/1.0.
What is the Canon EF 50mm f/1L USM equivalent on a crop sensor?
On APS-C (1.6x crop) it frames like 80mm on full frame, with a 25.4° horizontal and 30.3° diagonal field of view. These figures are calculated from the focal length and crop factor.
Which cameras does the Canon EF 50mm f/1L USM fit?
Any Canon EF-mount camera, including Canon EOS 1D X, Canon EOS 5D, Canon EOS 5D Mark II, Canon EOS 5D Mark III, and Canon EOS 5D Mark IV and 7 more.
Alternatives for Canon EF from other brands
All Canon EF lensesSame mount, overlapping focal range, closest maximum aperture first.
