The RF 50mm f/1.8 STM is the cheapest lens in Canon’s RF lineup and one of the best values in photography. It’s tiny, focuses close, and delivers bright f/1.8 images on every EOS R body — a natural 50mm on the R8, an 80mm-style portrait lens on the R50.
Key specs
What’s a good price?
This item mostly sells near list price, with dips during manufacturer rebates (often Black Friday through the holidays, and spring). A good price is anything at or near its 90-day low on a price tracker such as Keepa or camelcamelcamel. We’ll add it to our price drops list when a meaningful discount appears.
What’s good — and what isn’t
Strengths
- Very low price
- Tiny and light — pocketable
- Close-focusing (0.25×) for food and details
- Control ring for aperture, ISO or exposure compensation
Trade-offs
- STM focus motor is audible on video
- Soft corners at f/1.8
- Plastic build, no weather sealing
Who it’s for
Any Canon RF shooter who wants a first prime for portraits, low light and travel.
Alternatives
| Alternative | Why consider it |
|---|---|
| Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM | Wider, stabilized, 0.5× macro |
| Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM | Dedicated portrait prime with IS |
| Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM + adapter On our deal list | Only if you already own it |
| Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN (RF) | Better normal lens for APS-C R50/R10 |
FAQ
Is the Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 good on the R50?
Yes. On the APS-C R50 it frames like an 80mm, making it an excellent, inexpensive portrait lens. For an everyday normal view on the R50, consider the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 RF.
RF 50mm f/1.8 vs EF 50mm f/1.8 STM?
Optically similar. The RF version is smaller with a control ring and needs no adapter; buy the RF unless you already own the EF lens.
Related: Canon RF guide · Black Friday lens deals · All lenses