Canon RF 50mm 1.2 L USM

The RF 50mm f/1.2L USM is a very fast standard prime lens for Canon's new EOS R full-frame mirrorless camera system. The Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM features a bright f/1.2 maximum aperture, a ring-type UltraSonic Motor (USM) AF system more usually found in Canon’s super telephoto lenses which delivers fast, near-silent autofocusing, 10 rounded diaphragm blades for smoother bokeh, 40cm close-focus distance, a configurable control ring, and a weather-resistant construction. The Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM officially retails for £2349 / $2299 in the UK and the USA respectively, making it the second most expensive RF lens available at the launch of the Canon EOS R system, after the RF 28-70mm F/2L USM zoom.

Let's start with a disclaimer: Any verdict has to be very preliminary at this stage - it's our first review using the EOS R, after all. Also, keep in mind that the 30-megapixel sensor is rather average in terms of resolution today. That all being said, it is quite obvious that the Canon RF 50mm f/1.2 USM L is an awesome lens ... with a similar awe-inspiring price tag. In relation to other lenses in this class, the performance is already superb at f/1.2. Yes, the outer image region is not truly stellar, but it's impressive nonetheless. The image quality is extreme at medium aperture settings - across the image frame, that is. Low lateral CAs contribute to the very high image quality perception. Image distortions are generally no issue. Vignetting is, though - at least in its uncorrected state. There is some heavy light-falloff at f/1.2 and f/1.6, but to be fair - that's to be expected. Most users will not (should not?) buy the lens for its sharpness but for its shallow depth-of-field capabilities. While not truly exceptional, the bokeh is very good, with a smooth rendition in the focus transition zone. Out-of-focus highlights are nicely rendered in the image center, less so towards the image corners. However, that's a physical limitation really. We were also very impressed by the very low bokeh fringing. Yes, you may spot some traces at f/1.2, but it's not really relevant anymore from f/1.6 onward - and that's a very rare characteristic. Thumbs up for that. In terms of mechanical qualities, there are no real weaknesses. The lens is built to professional standards, including weather sealing. The AF is surprisingly fast thanks to Canon's dual-pixel AF and the Ring-type USM drive in the lens. You won't really miss a DSLR in this respect (in this specific case, at least). Unlike on DSLRs, you also don't need to worry about AF accuracy anymore. You may think that the additional control ring at the front of the lens is a bit of a gimmick, but it has grown on us during our field trip. Given its optical and mechanical qualities ... as well as its uniqueness in the EOS R system ... it is, of course, easy to highly recommend the Canon RF 50mm f/1.2 USM L ... assuming that you can afford it at least.

The Canon RF 50mm f1.2L USM is a supremely well-corrected ‘standard’ prime lens for Canon’s EOS R mirrorless system. It delivers the optical goods in every regard with crisp details into the corners, minimal distortion, and very shallow depth-of-field effects with lovely rendering. But be in no doubt, this is an unapologetically large, heavy and expensive lens that’s almost twice the length, twice the weight and twice the price of the earlier EF 50mm f1.2L USM. Sure it’s much sharper in the corners, suffers from less distortion and lower fringing, but if you all you want is creamy bokeh, then the two models actually deliver surprisingly similar results in terms of blurred areas. Then there’s Sigma’s 50mm f1.4 ART which may be fraction slower in focal ratio as well as focusing speed, but which delivers excellent results across the frame at less than half the price. Indeed, the high price of the RF 50mm f1.2L USM coupled with its compelling alternatives means it misses out on my highest award. But neither the EF 50mm f1.2L USM nor Sigma ART will match its overall performance, and they’re not native to the EOS R system either. Ultimately if you want it all, then the RF 50mm f1.2L USM is one of the best standard lenses around, a joy to shoot with, and importantly for Canon, a persuasive reason to consider the EOS R system - Recommended if your budget can stretch.