Photo: Ximonic (Simo Räsänen) (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Quick answer
The EF 50mm f/2.5 Compact Macro is a compact macro prime that reaches half life-size natively. A separate Life-Size Converter was sold to reach 1:1.
Pros
- Compact and light
- Sharp
- Simple macro option
Cons
- Only 1:2 without converter
- Slower AF
- No stabilization
Verdict
A small macro option; the 100mm macros offer more working distance.
About this lens
A 50mm f/2.5 macro lens, the Canon EF 50mm f/2.5 Compact Macro is designed for Canon EF mount bodies. A compact macro prime that reaches half life-size without an adapter.
Canon EF 50mm f/2.5 Compact Macro specifications
- Brand
- Canon
- Mount
- Canon EF
- Focal length
- 50mm
- Maximum aperture
- f/50.0
- Lens type
- Macro
- Format coverage
- full-frame
- Released
- 1987
- Optical construction
- 9 elements in 8 groups
- Aperture blades
- 6
- Minimum focus distance
- 0.23 m
- Maximum magnification
- 0.5x
- Filter thread
- 52 mm
- Weight
- 280 g
- Length
- 63 mm
- Diameter
- 67.6 mm
Specification source: global.canon
What can you shoot with the Canon EF 50mm f/2.5 Compact Macro?
- Small-object close-ups
- Flowers
- Casual macro
Its smaller maximum aperture favours daylight shooting and keeps the lens compact.
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 magnification does the Canon EF 50mm f/2.5 Compact Macro reach?
It reaches 1:2 (half life-size) natively. Adding Canon's Life-Size Converter EF accessory gives 1:1.
Is the EF 50mm f/2.5 Compact Macro compatible with full-frame cameras?
Yes. It covers full-frame and APS-C EF bodies, where it frames like an 80mm lens.
EF 50mm macro vs EF 100mm macro?
The 100mm gives more working distance and reaches 1:1 directly. The 50mm is smaller and lighter.
Alternatives for Canon EF from other brands
All Canon EF lensesSame mount, overlapping focal range, closest maximum aperture first.
Tamron
AF 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD Aspherical (IF)
28-300mm · f/28.0 · Canon EF
Tamron
SP AF 28-105mm f/2.8 LD Aspherical IF
28-105mm · f/28.0 · Canon EF
Tamron
SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di LD Aspherical (IF) Macro
28-75mm · f/28.0 · Canon EF
Tamron
SP AF 24-135mm f/3.5-5.6 AD Aspherical (IF) Macro
24-135mm · f/24.0 · Canon EF
