Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 | The Perfect First Lens for R50, R7, R10, & R100

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Introduction

If you own (or plan to own) a Canon APS-C RF camera like the R50, R7, R10, or R100, one of the most affordable and versatile lenses you can add to your kit is the Canon RF 50mm f/1.8. Though originally designed for full-frame RF cameras, this lens works exceptionally well on crop bodies too, effectively giving you an ~80mm portrait focal length. Below, we’ll explore its features, pros, cons, and who it’s best suited for.

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Key Specs & Features

1. Focal Length: 50mm (equivalent to ~80mm on APS-C)
2. Aperture: f/1.8 maximum—ideal for background separation and low-light shooting
3. Construction: Mostly plastic build (5.6 oz), but with a metal lens mount
4. Minimum Focus Distance: ~11.8 inches, allowing for relatively close-up shots
5. Control Ring/Focus Ring Combo: Single ring can function as either control or focus ring; no dedicated AF/MF switch
6. Price: Usually around $180, making it the least expensive autofocus RF lens from Canon

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Why It’s Great for Canon APS-C Cameras

1. Portrait-Friendly Focal Length:

   • On APS-C bodies, 50mm becomes ~80mm, hitting a sweet spot for portraits, headshots, and product photography.
   • Gets you tighter framing than the standard kit lens, which usually tops out around 45mm.

2. Wide Aperture (f/1.8):

   • Lets in plenty of light for indoor or evening shoots, reducing the need for high ISO.
   • Yields dreamy bokeh and subject separation, perfect for those shallow depth-of-field shots.

3. Light & Compact:

   • Weighing only about 5.6 oz, it pairs effortlessly even with lightweight APS-C cameras like the R50 or R100.
   • Great for travel or everyday carry when you want a small, unobtrusive prime lens.

4. Easy Upgrade from Kit Lens:

   • If you own a kit lens (e.g., 18–45mm on APS-C), the 50mm f/1.8 offers a more creative lens for portraits, low-light, and shallow DOF.
   • At $180, it’s among the most affordable ways to experiment with faster apertures.

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Pros & Cons

Pros

1. Superb Value: One of the cheapest ways to achieve that classic “nifty fifty” look on APS-C.
2. Great Image Quality: Sharp enough for most uses, especially when stopped down a bit to f/2.8.
3. Compact & Lightweight: Hardly notice it on smaller cameras like the R50 or R100.
4. Bright Aperture for Low Light: f/1.8 helps reduce noise by allowing lower ISO settings.

Cons

1. No Dedicated AF/MF Switch: Must switch focus modes via the camera menu—slower to toggle quickly.
2. Plastic Build & Not Weather-Sealed: Feels solid for the price, but lacks robust sealing or premium finish.
3. Slight Softness at f/1.8: Corners and edges can be a touch soft wide open—but typical for an entry-level fast prime.

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Who Should Buy It?

• Beginner Photographers: Perfect first upgrade from the kit lens to explore portraiture and low-light shooting.
• Budget-Conscious Creators: Want that shallow-depth-of-field “look” without spending $300+ on other RF primes.
• Portrait & Product Shooters: 80mm effective focal length is ideal for capturing flattering portraits or crisp product photos.

Who Might Skip It

• Need Weather Sealing: Look for higher-end L-series primes or third-party sealed options.
• Video Vloggers: If you mostly shoot wide, a 50mm on APS-C may feel too tight for handheld vlogging.

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Conclusion

For around $180, the Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 is arguably the best “nifty fifty” you can buy for Canon’s APS-C mirrorless cameras. It’s an affordable gateway to fast-aperture photography, delivering pleasing bokeh, strong low-light performance, and a great portrait focal length. If you want a small, lightweight lens that can elevate your portraits, product shots, and general photography, look no further than this humble 50mm prime.