EF 50mm F1.2L USM

50mm
f/1.2
Prime
590 g
Min focus 0.45 m

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Quick answer

Canon's f/1.2 standard prime from the L line, with dust and moisture resistance and a ring USM motor. Built for shallow depth of field and low light on full-frame bodies.

Pros

f/1.2 maximum aperture
L-series dust and moisture resistance
Strong subject separation
Ring USM with manual override

Cons

Large and heavy for a 50mm
Soft toward the edges wide open

Verdict

A specialist lens for people who will use f/1.2. The RF 50mm f/1.2 is the mirrorless equivalent.

About this lens

A 50mm f/1.2 fast standard prime lens, the Canon EF 50mm F1.2L USM is designed for Canon EF mount bodies, from the Canon L series with ultrasonic-motor autofocus. A premium L-series standard prime whose very wide f/1.2 aperture gives strong subject isolation.

Canon EF 50mm F1.2L USM specifications

Brand: Canon
Mount: Canon EF
Focal length: 50mm
Maximum aperture: f/1.2
Lens type: Prime
Format coverage: full-frame
Released: 2007
Optical construction: 8 elements in 6 groups
Aperture blades: 8
Autofocus motor: USM
Minimum focus distance: 0.45 m
Maximum magnification: 0.15x
Filter thread: 72 mm
Weight: 590 g
Length: 65.5 mm
Diameter: 85.8 mm

Specification source: global.canon

What can you shoot with the Canon EF 50mm F1.2L USM?

Portraits with strong subject separation
Dim indoor events
Fashion and editorial 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°

Try the field-of-view calculator

Frequently asked questions

Can the EF 50mm f/1.2L be used on Canon RF mirrorless cameras?

Yes, with the EF-to-RF mount adapter. Autofocus and aperture control work through the adapter.

Is the EF 50mm f/1.2L weather sealed?

Yes. It is an L-series lens with dust and moisture resistance, and fitting a front filter helps complete the seal.

EF 50mm f/1.2L vs f/1.4 USM: is it worth the extra?

The f/1.2 gives a stop more light and a shallower look, with L-series build. If you rarely shoot wider than f/1.8, the f/1.4 USM is the smaller, simpler choice.