This is a really beautiful piece of kit. I read the reviews here and on the various web fora and was obviously worried about the oft mentioned "back focusing" issue, but went ahead and bought one back in October 2009. My thinking was that I simply loved my Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM and, as it was the lens that was most often on my camera, I really wanted the best possible in this class, especially as I do like to shoot wide open around the home and indoors using natural light rather than flash.
Needless to say, the lens is a bit of a beast in terms of size and weight when compared to the other 50mm lenses Canon makes (I have owned the 1.8, 2.5 and 1.4 at some stage over the last few years). But I love the stability that weight gives to you when you hold it in your hands. Shooting wide open does take a lot of getting used to given the razor thin DoF, and I have made sure to use the centre point on my 5DMkII and 50D for best results. The results in portraits can be beautiful though with a slightly soft dreamy effect wide open (which has been improved with practice). The lens gets nicely sharp around 2.0 and tack sharp at 2.8. However, the whole deal with sharpness to me is second to the ability to be able to get the shot in the first place. That's where the 1.2 excels.
Regarding the "back focus issue" I went through the process of microadjusting all my lenses using this relatively easy yet effective method explained here: [...]. It turned out my 50mm 1.4 was focusing much more than my 1.2. I think the 50mm 1.4 was something like -15 and the 50mm 1.2 was -3. It seemed to be a consistent issue with my primes (though to varying degrees). My zooms were all pretty much spot-on. Simply must be to do with the wide apertures of the primes as DoF becomes thinner and thinner. 1.2 is as wide as it gets these days.
For sample images, please feel free to check out these pics: h[...]
The biggest caveat with this lens is, of course, the price. For that reason, I would say the best deal in terms of picture quality, low light ability, etc. is the Canon EF 50mm 1.4 USM. I still love that lens and have kept it for back-up and for whenever I need to travel. It really is a great piece of glass for the price. The 1.2 L is just that bit better though and, for my business, that's what I need to have.
Pros:
Great low-light ability at lower ISOs
Fast focus
Amazing build quality
Contrast and colours are beautiful
Bokeh is gorgeous even when stopped down (with nicely rounded aperture blades)
Feels nice and solid in your hands when shooting in low light without tripod
1/2 stop faster than the Canon EF 50mm 1.4 USM
Cons:
Heavy
Expensive
Takes some time to master using wide open
Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM offers comparable image quality (though half a stop slower and less well built).
Add to your order
-
Coverage for accidental damage including drops, spills, and broken parts, as well as breakdowns (plans vary) -
24/7 support when you need it. -
Quick, easy, and frustration-free claims.
Cover this product:
2-Year Protection Plan $99.99
3-Year Protection Plan $129.99
Cover all of your eligible devices:
Complete Protect: One plan covers all eligible past and future purchases (Renews Monthly Until Cancelled) $16.99/month
Select a plan
Add to your order
- Coverage for accidental damage including drops, spills, and broken parts, as well as breakdowns (plans vary)
- 24/7 support when you need it.
- Quick, easy, and frustration-free claims.
Cover this product:
Select a plan
Buy this product as Renewed and save $420.00 off the current New price.
Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras - Fixed (Renewed) $979.00 & FREE Shipping
(67)
Works and looks like new and backed by the Amazon Renewed Guarantee
(67)
Works and looks like new and backed by the Amazon Renewed Guarantee
Unwell Hydration from Alex Cooper
Hydrate & focus with every sip Shop now
Frequently bought together
This item: Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM
$1,399.00
Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 6
Only 3 left in stock - order soon.
+
$1,999.00
Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 6
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
+
$19.99
Get it as soon as Friday, May 9
In Stock
Total price: $00
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Choose items to buy together.
Frequently purchased items with fast delivery
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
From the manufacturer
Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM Lens
The EF 50mm f/1.2L USM is a peerless standard lens featuring an ultra-large aperture for a narrow depth of field and soft background blur so loved by photographers everywhere. The EF 50mm f/1.2L USM is suitable for any shooting situation; its lens coating and construction are optimized to minimize the ghosting and flare that frequently occurs when lenses are used with digital cameras. This high-performance, weather-resistant lens delivers all the superb image resolution and contrast you expect in a Canon L Series Lens.
Compare with similar items
This Item  Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM | Recommendations  |  |  |  |  | |
| Price | $1,399.00 | $1,099.00 | $572.60 | $1,148.99 | $199.00 | $436.49 |
| Delivery | Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 6 | — | Get it as soon as Friday, May 9 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 6 | Get it as soon as Friday, May 9 | — |
| Customer Ratings | ||||||
| Sold By | Adorama | Al's Variety | Amazon.com | Minty Gadgets (we track serial numbers) | Amazon.com | 6ave |
| lens type | Standard | Standard | Teleconverter | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| compatible mountings | Canon EF | Canon EF | Canon RF | Canon EF | Canon RF | Canon EF |
| lens design | Prime | Prime | Extender | Prime | Prime | Prime |
| focus type | Ring-type ultrasonic | Auto Focus | Auto Focus | Manual Focus, Auto Focus | Auto/Manual | Manual Focus, Auto Focus |
| minimum focal length | 50 millimeters | 50 millimeters | 85 millimeters | 50 millimeters | 50 millimeters | 50 millimeters |
| max focal length | 50 millimeters | 50 millimeters | 712 millimeters | 50 millimeters | 50 millimeters | 50 millimeters |
| fixed focal length | 50 millimeters | 50 millimeters | 85 millimeters | 50 millimeters | 50 millimeters | 50 millimeters |
| real angle of view | 46 degrees | — | 1.9 degrees | — | 46 degrees | — |
| model name | EF 50mm f / 1.2L USM | — | Canon EXTENDER RF 1.4x | Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM Lens | CNRF50F18STM | Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Lens |
| max aperture | — | 1.2 f stop | 1.4 millimeters | 1.2 f stop | 50 millimeters | 1.4 f stop |
| diaphragm blades | 8 | — | 8 | 8 | 5 | 8 |
Product information
| Product Dimensions | 2.6 x 3.39 x 3.39 inches |
|---|---|
| Item Weight | 1.28 pounds |
| ASIN | B000I1YIDQ |
| Item model number | 1257B002 |
| Customer Reviews |
4.4 out of 5 stars |
| Best Sellers Rank | #641 in SLR Camera Lenses |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Date First Available | October 2, 2001 |
| Department | Lenses |
| Manufacturer | Canon Cameras US |
Warranty & Support
Product Warranty: For warranty information about this product, please click here. [PDF ]
Feedback
Would you like to
tell us about a lower price?
Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM
Share:
Found a lower price? Let us know. Although we can't match every price reported, we'll use your feedback to ensure that our prices remain competitive.
Where did you see a lower price?
Please sign in to provide feedback.
Just wow!
I’ve been saving for 6 months for this lens and man was this worth the wait. I feel like a pro now. It takes absolutely stunning pics.
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews. Please reload the page.
Top reviews from other countries
- UsaaraqReviewed in Canada on April 9, 2020
Awesome for low light photography
Style: Lens OnlyVerified Purchase - IsabelleReviewed in Canada on November 1, 2020
GOOD LENSE. NICE SELLER !
Style: Lens OnlyVerified Purchase
