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Lens review

Canon EF 50 mm f/1.2L USM

Canon EF 50 mm f/1.2L USM
10 August 2010
Arkadiusz Olech

1. Introduction

Originally posted 2010-07-15 on Optyczne.pl

In 2006 the range of classic 50 mm Canon lenses, although huge, seemed already a bit outdated. The cheapest model – the EF 50 MM F/1.8 II – although it features the II symbol in its name, is currently a twenty-year-old device. The EF 50 mm f/1.4 USM is just a bit younger but fast coming of age. The most expensive model in the whole line-up – the EF 50 mm f/1.0L USM - is also the oldest one because it was launched in September 1989.

Small wonder Canon decided to change something in that segment and nobody should be surprised that they started replacing the oldest lens, aimed at the most demanding users. The fact that Canon wanted to get rid of lead glass in the new construction was not without significance either.


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In January 2007 a totally new lens was launched – the Canon EF 50 mm f/1.2L USM. It is a bit slower than its predecessor but made according to modern standards and designed to work on digital detectors. Many people counted on it being a worthy addition to the L series and would become an inherent part of the EF system, like so much praised models: the EF 35 mm f/1.4L USM and the EF 135 mm f/2.0L USM. After all it befits an L series instrument. Reading the following chapters you will be able to check out whether the new lens really deserves a quite significant amount of money you must spend on it.

The lens was lent for the testing purposes by the RTV EURO AGD shop.

You are also invited to get acquainted with our test procedure, described in the article "How do we test lenses?" If you feel it’s still not enough, please go to our FAQ section where you can find some further explanation.


Canon EF 50 mm f/1.2L USM - Introduction