Less than a week after the leak that revealed most of the upcoming specs of the brand new Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM lens, Canon officially announced it. As expected the new “Nifty Fifty” seems to be more filmmaking friendly and definitely a more solid lens in terms of build and image quality compared to its predecessor.
The new 50mm f/1.8 STM lens features an improved AF system and physical design, optimized coatings that help to reduce flares and ghosting for increased contrast and color neutrality, a 7-blade aperture, a metal mount and the STM technology for smoother and near-silent focusing.
Additionally, this focusing mechanism also works in conjunction with EOS cameras featuring the Move Servo AF mode to enable continuous focusing performance when working in live view providing precise and near-silent focusing. According to Canon, the new entry-level prime is ideal for both still and video shooting due to its speedier and smoother operation.
As previously mentioned, the biggest enhancement in terms of manual focusing is the new larger focus ring and its new placement that will make many video enthusiasts happier giving them a better option to pull focus more accurately and precisely right off the bat. Canon also claims the new Canon EF 50mm prime is the most compact lens ever, at just 1.5 inches in length.
Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM Highlights:
- EF Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
- Maximum Aperture: f/1.8
- Optimized Lens Coatings
- STM AF Motor Supports Movie Servo AF
- Manual Focus Override
- Metal Lens Mount
- Rounded 7-Blade Diaphragm
- Magnification: 0.21x ( compared to 0.15x on the older one)
- Minimum Focus Distance: 14.”
- Availability: End of May 2015
- Price: $125
Due to its smaller physical size, though, owners of the previous model won’t be able to use the 52mm filters on the new lens any more, as it now features a 49mm filter thread. On the other hand, it’s expected that the seven rounded diaphragm blades will further enhance the look of out of focus regions delivering more pleasing bokeh effect.
Like its predecessor the new 50mm f/1.8 STM lens is designed for use on full-frame DSLRs. However, it can also be utilised with APS-C-sized sensors where it will provide an 80mm equivalent focal length. The lens will start shipping towards the end of the month for around $125.
Pre-order Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM from B&H
[source: B&H]
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