The EF 50mm f1.8 STM replaces the company’s earlier EF 50mm f1.8 II. The lens has a seven-bladed aperture and uses an STM motor for smoother, quieter focusing – especially useful to video makers.
The new lens has a close focusing distance of just 35cm, and a new lens coating, which Canon says reduces ghosting and flair, and cuts down on internal reflections.
The EF 50mm f1.8 STM has a 49mm filter thread, and weighs in at just 160 grammes. This is despite the fact that Canon has switched to a metal lens mount to make the new optic more durable.
Video makers, though, will be equally interested in the lens’ design changes. In video mode on a Canon camera, the STM system gives a slower, more natural looking focus “pull”, although it is actually faster for stills shooting.
The EF 50mm f1.8 STM also has an improved, widened manual focus ring. Canon has also done away with the chamfered front on the previous model’s focus ring. This should make it much easier to adapt the new EF 50mm f1.8 STM to work with follow focus gears – a shortcoming of the earlier lens.
The EF 50mm f1.8 STM will cost £129.95 of €189.99 when it goes on sale later this month.
