Quick answer
An f/1.0 normal lens from 1989, the fastest autofocus lens in Canon's EF line. It is large and now a collector's item.
Pros
- f/1.0 aperture
- Ring USM
- Distinctive rendering
Cons
- Soft with glow wide open
- Heavy for a 50mm
- Out of production
Verdict
Fascinating, but the EF 50mm f/1.2L is the more practical lens.
About this lens
This 50mm f/1.0 fast standard prime lens from Canon fits 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 F1.0L 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 F1.0L USM?
- Collectors
- Extremely shallow depth of field
- Low-light portraits
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
Is the Canon EF 50mm f/1.0L USM sharp?
Not at f/1.0, where it is soft and shows glow. It sharpens as you stop down.
Is the EF 50mm f/1.0L still available?
No, it was discontinued, so only second-hand copies exist.
EF 50mm f/1.0L or f/1.2L?
The f/1.2L is lighter at about 590g and more practical. The f/1.0 is larger and chosen for its extra speed.
Alternatives for Canon EF from other brands
All Canon EF lensesSame mount, overlapping focal range, closest maximum aperture first.
