Top Rated Gear

Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM Lens

SKU: CA5012AFU MFR: 1257B002
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Key Features

  • Capture stunning portraits with the Canon EF 50mm lens' incredible f/1.2 aperture.
  • Experience exceptional image quality and sharpness with this Canon prime lens.
  • The fast, quiet USM autofocus ensures you never miss a shot with this 50mm lens.
  • Create beautiful background blur with the shallow depth of field at f/1.2 aperture.
  • This Canon EF mount lens is perfect for full-frame cameras and versatile shooting.
  • Built with quality, this Canon 50mm lens delivers professional results every time.
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Q&A

Questions & Answers

MICHAEL P : Would this be good in place of my macro 100 when taking food photography of items that have height? I find myself pulling the tripod back far on my 100 when shooting seafood towers etc.
BENJAMIN M : Why do some claim that there's a "Back Focus" problem, and some others imply that one must NOT expect the lens to be user friendly,.It's as if one must have, or acquire some special knowledge with regard to the use of the lens. That is to say; NOT FOR BEGINNERS?PAUL A : Using it at f/1.2 makes precise focusing more difficult for beginners, I think, due to the very thin focus field. If you're going to stop down to avoid that situation, you're probably better off with the lighter and less expensive alternatives (the f/1.4 or f/1.8 versions).ROBERT M : I have not had a problem with this lens. I like it but I have to say I use my 85mm f1.2 significantly more. I think the reason that most photographers suggest that it's not for beginners is the fact that the equivalent lesser grade Canon lens is almost as good for a whole lot less money. Where you will see a difference is if you are using a full sized sensor camera. The edges aren't used with an APS-C camera therefore not as critical. I use 5Dmk3 and can see a difference in the lenses. Oh I'm probably letting my OCD show through.CHERI R : I have had this lens for approximately 4 years and have never had an issue with it with back button focusing.STEPHEN P : I have not had a problem setting up back focus. I set my own focus.
Shopper : Is this a good lens for talking pictures of bands with many lights?ERIC W : I own this lense. It depends how close you can be from your subject. 50mm portraiture requires the subject's cooperation, don't expect to do unobstructive, stealthy pictures, candid pictures with 50mm focal. This is not a photojournalism lense, you need pretty much to ask anyone you want to photograph with this lense, because you will be standing very close to get enough frame coverage of the subject. This is more of a studio portrait lense. I would say you need longer focal like 135mm. This lense does amazing close up pictures. it's a specialty lense. If you leave it open it can take very narrow DOF and beautiful bouquet but don't expect this to be a straightforward lense to use unless you shut it down to f/4 or more. But then you can buy the 1.8L instead.TINA R : It's a super fast sharp lens. Would depend on how close you will be to the band.

Reviews about this item

Review Summary

2024-11-14T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Very special lens that can produce wonderfully artistic photos

This is a very special 50mm lens. At f 1.2 it has a razor shallow depth of field which can be used to create incredible images. That said the f stop often needs to be selected to capture the depth needed to provide the proper split between what is or is not in focus. I've never had this lens miss focus but it's possible to have too narrow a depth of field. This is really a lens that can produce extraordinary artistic images. Highly recommended.

TomH

2022-12-12T08:19:52

Rated 5 out of 5

50mm is a must!

Amazing sturdy lens.

ANNA K.

2022-06-09T20:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Love This Lens!

I couldn't be happier with this lens...so much bokeh! I absolutely love it.

Amber247

2022-06-07T09:15:38

Rated 1 out of 5

Please stop

I've reviewed this purchase twice already and not really into the constant emails asking me to review it again. The lens is fine, the emails are not

THOMAS C.

2022-03-10T02:26:34

Rated 5 out of 5

Nifty Fifty

Works great, fabulous clarity

Jaisen H.

2022-03-10T02:25:21

Rated 5 out of 5

Nifty fifty

Works great

Jaisen H.

2022-01-02T12:46:13

Rated 5 out of 5

Sharp & and a staple lens

Always need a solid 50mm in your kit. The $75 standard version just isn't quality for final client products. Plus having this at a F1.2 is an incredible benefit for as much night-time work I do.

TONI S.

2021-10-20T20:00:00

Rated 2 out of 5

Way over priced.

Heavy, expensive, only a fixed 50mm lens. Blurry background. Slow autofocus.

Conman

2021-06-23T20:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

A real one

My husband and I shoot 60+ weddings a year together, and this is my hands down go-to lens. It's great for details, portraits, landscapes--it really does it all, and has a sharpness and look that I love. If I'm worried I won't have enough room in a space, I reach for the 35mm, and if I want dreamy bokeh I go for the 85mm, but of all our lenses the 50mm gets most of my love. I don't typically shoot below 2.2 for the sake of sharpness, but in low light situations with enough room the 50mm really pulls through. Love it, chef's kiss, buy it!

kristerdell

2021-02-15T12:01:37

Rated 5 out of 5

Portrait lens

LOVE this lens. It takes beautiful soft portraits with amazing bokkeh.

VALERIE S.

2020-12-12T14:56:12

Rated 5 out of 5

Awesome Lens

Love love love this lens. Best purchase i have ever made.

Carolina F.

2020-10-28T09:10:12

Rated 5 out of 5

Great product

I love my lens!

HALEY G.

2020-10-28T08:49:25

Rated 5 out of 5

Great Lens

Very sharp and shipped really quickly

MONICA A.

2020-08-27T20:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

A great lens when used for the correct application

I purchased this lens to use with my Canon EOS 5D Mark IV. The build quality is exceptional, and images produced have a gorgeous, dreamy look with a beautiful bokeh. However, if you are looking for a lens with ultimate sharpness, you may want to consider other options such as the Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM or the Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM. Also be aware that while using this lens at near minimum focusing distances (1.5 to about 3 feet, you will experience focus shift with apertures smaller than f/1.2 to about f/4 before the increased depth of field compensates for the focus shift. This is a function of the design of the lens, not a manufacturing defect, All in all, an excellent lens when thoughtfully used for the proper applications.

Don E.

2020-08-26T10:21:08

Rated 5 out of 5

Must have

The most versatile lense you can buy.

RAUL 3.

2020-08-12T14:27:19

Rated 5 out of 5

A must have

Even though,currently, I use a cropped sensor, I am still blown away by this lens! Focus is fast and sharp, colors are extortionately, and overall it has made my job so much easier! I don’t know how I lived without it.

SKYLAR D.

2020-08-04T08:46:22

Rated 4 out of 5

As expected.

Performs as expected. I won't give it 5 stars because A. the price is up there and B. I am not a reviewer of 50mm lenses and have limited experience. I do not recommend products unless I have experience with at least a few.

JAMES L.

2020-08-02T20:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Like New

Seems brand new to me! It came double boxed with bubble wrap around both the camera and between inner and outer boxes.

Quinoje

2020-08-01T20:00:00

Rated 3 out of 5

Too soft

Build quality is great, lens arrived looking brand new. It's far too soft in the center however, unless you stop down to 2.8. Returned.

Lou B.

2020-06-25T20:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Great lens!

I love this lens! The photos are so crisp compared to my other 50mm. Also love the weatherproof feature on this lens.

Ahna

2020-03-07T08:22:03

Rated 5 out of 5

50mm 1.2

Better than expected.

Josh G.

2020-03-06T07:34:52

Rated 5 out of 5

50 mm 1.2

Love this lens. No complaints whatsoever.

ROXANA M.

2019-12-18T07:25:43

Rated 5 out of 5

God like

So far this lens has been god mode for me. This is attached yo my Canon Eos r and its been working like a dream.

SOURIYA X.

2019-12-14T10:21:46

Rated 5 out of 5

Canon 50mm. 1.2 is Great!,, Don’t hesitate!!

This is a Fabulous lens for bokeh shots. Super fast in low light natural setting. Canon is my camera of choice. Adorama IS MY Favorite Camera and More Store!!!! They are fantastic!!!! Great for portraits/weddings with that romantic feel. I want the 85mm 1.2 some time in the future. Get the 50mm 1.2 is well worth the price.

ROBERT C.

2019-11-07T20:39:41

Rated 5 out of 5

Great Creative Tool!!!

What is not to like about great lens? Super fast, prime lens. Canon quality. I am a Canon man!!!! Adorama is my favorite Camera Store. My business History Proves it!!!!

ROBERT C.

2019-11-07T08:58:16

Rated 3 out of 5

Middle range focal length

This is my first prime L lense I have ever purchased. It really a good lense to start up if u guys love to do portrait and fashion photography. But because of the focal length. I don’t use it that much anymore. It a middle range. It really hard to let me get the good shoot I want if I have small area to work on. Just change the 35mm focal length. Is really good for the small narrow space for shoot. I would recommend anyone to test between 35 or 50 focal length. To see which focal length will suit you.

ANOK G.

2019-05-22T08:21:39

Rated 5 out of 5

Amazing lens for portraits and detail photos.

This lens is super sharp. So far I have used it to take graduation portraits of my daughter, prom portraits, and track meet photos. It blurs the background beautifully at the lower aperatures.

TAWNI B.

2019-03-29T11:41:31

Rated 4 out of 5

Great Lens with some learning curve

Great lens. you might need multiple shots to get a perfect focus..until you figure out the best technique to get good focus when wide open 1.2

KRISHNAKUMAR V.

2019-03-05T04:15:30

Rated 5 out of 5

What a lens.

I have always loved this lens and have always either borrowed it or rented it. I finally grabbed my own a few weeks ago and it's by far my favorite walk around lens and artistic lens. I have used it on fashion shoots and for video shoots. No complaints here!

Rich S.

2019-02-18T13:43:36

Rated 5 out of 5

I knew I couldn’t afford to splurge on another lens, but I am so glad I did! I love my nifty 50!

The 50mm is the fourth lens to be added to my red ring (L lens series) collection. I own the 70-200 f2.8, 85mm f1.2, 35mm f1.4 and now this amazing 50mm. It’s perfect because I have a small studio (18 feet long by 15 feet wide) which my 85mm can’t really work in and my 35mm is too wide - so the 50mm works perfectly in tight spaces. I find that I’m keeping the 50 on my body (canon 5D Mark iv) and I usually never switch it out. It’s fast, it’s crispy clean (even when wide open) and it’s the perfect focal length for my current workflow. I knew I couldn’t afford to splurge on another lens, but I am so glad I did!

FRANZENE G.

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Protect your product against accidents, breakage and more!

CarePAK PLUS provided through Canon offers protection from accidental damage such as drops, spills, power surges, and more including normal wear and tear, beyond the standard warranty period.

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Canon 50mm F/1.2L Specifications

General

General

Jump to...
  • Lens Mount

    Canon EF Mount

  • Lens Format

    Full Frame

  • Lens Type

    Standard

  • Compatibility

    All Cine Cameras: ARRI ALEXA Mini, Blackmagic Design Cinema Camera, Blackmagic Design Cinema Camera, Blackmagic Design Cinema Camera, Blackmagic Design Cinema Camera 6K, Blackmagic Design PYXIS 6K, Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K, Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K G2, Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro, Blackmagic Design Production 4K, Blackmagic Design URSA 4.6K, Blackmagic Design URSA Cine 12K, Blackmagic Design URSA Mini 4.6K, Blackmagic Design URSA Mini 4K, Black

  • Lens Series

    Canon USM Series, Canon L Series, Canon EF Series

  • Special Features

    Aspherical

  • Kit Style

    Base

  • MPN

    1257B002

  • Color

    Black

  • Focus Type

    Auto Focus

  • Closest Focus Distance

    1.48 / 45cm

  • Distance Information

    No

  • Built-In Motor

    No

  • Fixed Focal Length

    50mm

  • Maximum Aperture

    f/1.2

  • Filter Size

    72mm

  • Angle Of View

    46°

  • Minimum Aperture

    f/16

  • Maximum Magnification

    0.15x

  • Aspherical Elements

    Yes

Features

Jump to...
  • Image Stabilization Type

    No

  • Tripod Collar

    Yes

  • Waterproof / Water Resistant

    No

  • Dust Resistant

    No

Construction

Jump to...
  • Lens Elements / Groups

    8 Elements in 6 Groups

  • Diaphragm Blades

    8

  • Weight

    1.28lb / 580g

  • Dimensions

    3.38 x 2.58" / 85.8 x 65.5mm

  • UPC Code

    013803064551

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11 Accessories for Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM Lens

  • All Accessories (11)
  • Filters (5)
  • Cap Leash (1)
  • Bags & Cases (1)
  • Lens Caps (1)
  • Extended Warranty (3)

Designed For Use With:

  • Canon 5D
  • Canon 5D Mark II
  • Canon 5D Mark III
  • Canon 5D Mark IV
  • Canon 5DS
  • Canon 5DS R
  • Canon 6D
  • Canon 6D Mark II
  • Canon 1DX Mark III
  • Canon T7i
  • Canon 1DS Mark II
  • Canon 1DX
  • Canon 1DX Mark II

Compatible With Restrictions:*

* If using a APS-C Lens on a Full Frame Camera OR Full-Frame Lens on a APS-C Camera then Image sensor will be narrowed down to APS-C size.

  • Canon 10D
  • Canon 60D
  • Canon 60DA
  • Canon 70D
  • Canon 77D
  • Canon 7D
  • Canon 7D Mark II
  • Canon 80D
  • Canon 90D
  • Canon SL1
  • Canon SL2
  • Canon SL3
  • Canon T2i / 550D
  • Canon T3
  • Canon T3i
  • Canon T4i / 650D
  • Canon T5
  • Canon T5i / 700D
  • Canon T6
  • Canon T6i
  • Canon T6s
  • Canon T7
  • Canon T8i
  • Canon XS
  • Canon XSi / 450D
  • Canon XTi

Need Help?

For any questions about compatibility with this product, call us at 800-223-2500 or you can email us any time.

Models
Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM Lens

SKU: CA5012AFU

MFR: 1257B002

$1,499.00

In Stock

Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM Lens

SKU: CA35142

MFR: 9523B002

$2,199.00

In Stock

Canon TS-E 50mm f/2.8L Macro Lens

SKU: CA5028

MFR: 2273C002

$2,399.00

In Stock

CompatibilityCanon 1DS Mark II, Canon 1DX, Canon 1DX Mark II, Canon 1DX Mark III, Canon 5D, Canon 5D Mark II, Canon 5D Mark III, Canon 5D Mark IV, Canon 5DS, Canon 5DS R, Canon 6D, Canon 6D Mark II, Canon T7iCanon 1DS Mark II, Canon 1DX, Canon 1DX Mark II, Canon 1DX Mark III, Canon 5D, Canon 5D Mark II, Canon 5D Mark III, Canon 5D Mark IV, Canon 5DS, Canon 5DS R, Canon 6D, Canon 6D Mark II, Canon T7iCanon 1DS Mark II, Canon 1DX, Canon 1DX Mark II, Canon 1DX Mark III, Canon 5D, Canon 5D Mark II, Canon 5D Mark III, Canon 5D Mark IV, Canon 5DS, Canon 5DS R, Canon 6D, Canon 6D Mark II, Canon T7i
Special FeaturesAsphericalAsphericalTilt/Shift
Kit StyleBaseBaseBase
Lens TypeStandardStandardMacro, Standard
Filter Size72mm72mm77mm
Fixed Focal Length50mm35mm50mm
Lens MountCanon EF MountCanon EF MountCanon EF Mount
Maximum Aperturef/1.2f/1.4f/2.8

About Canon 50mm F/1.2L

PRO REVIEW by Vanessa Joy, Wedding Photographer

"If I had to shoot a wedding with just one lens, this would be the one. I can shoot landscapes, groups, wedding details and individual portraits all with this super fast, crisp lens."

3 Must-Have Lenses for a Wedding Videographer

Breathe Your Passion with Vanessa Joy

Ready to dive into some wedding video? Join Vanessa with her husband, expert videographer Rob Adams, as they chat about the lenses you need to video a wedding. Find out what lenses Rob likes to use for what situations and the “secret lens” that’s a real steal for the incredible quality it gives.

Bring your photography to new heights with the EF 50mm f/1.2L USM Lens, a premium piece of equipment designed for serious photographers. As the fastest autofocus lens in its class, it's an indispensable asset for professionals and advanced amateurs alike. This lens is compatible with Canon's full-frame sensor Digital SLRs, such as the EOS-1Ds Mark II and EOS 5D, enhancing their performance while also delivering stunning results on APS-C/H sized sensor models.

The EF 50mm f/1.2L USM Lens is a shining example of Canon's commitment to optical excellence. Every feature of this lens, from its wide 72mm filter diameter to its dust and moisture-sealed construction, speaks to its professional quality. A high refraction glass molded aspherical lens element minimizes spherical aberration, ensuring fine detail and maximum image quality from corner to corner, even when the lens is used wide open.

Ideal for portrait photography, the 50mm focal length allows you to capture waist-up portraits while maintaining an appropriate subject distance. The large maximum aperture of f/1.2 enables this lens to produce a shallow depth of field, softening the background and making subjects stand out. This large aperture also allows for higher shutter speeds, enabling you to shoot in lower light and prevent blurring caused by subject movement or camera shake.

The EF 50mm f/1.2L USM Lens also boasts a fast autofocus speed and response time, thanks to Canon's ring-type Ultrasonic Motor (USM), which quietly drives the lens. A full-time manual focus feature allows photographers to fine-tune the sharpness of their images, even when the lens is set for autofocus.

Designed to deliver the best possible optical quality while withstanding the demands of professional use, this lens features eight lens elements in six groups for high resolution. Advanced coating suppresses flare and ghosting, while a glass molded (GMO) aspherical element reduces spherical aberration and linear distortion. Dust and moisture-resistant components in the lens mount, switches, and focus ring ensure the lens's durability in a wide variety of shooting conditions. Experience the difference of the EF 50mm f/1.2L USM Lens, a testament to Canon's heritage of optical excellence.

Canon 50mm F/1.2L Features

  • Ultra-large aperture for a narrow depth of field and soft background blur
  • Suitable for any shooting situation;
  • Lens coating and construction are optimized to minimize the ghosting and flare that frequently occurs when lenses are used with digital cameras.
  • High-performance, weather-resistant lens delivers all the superb image resolution and contrast you expect in a Canon L Series Lens.

Warranty Information

This product has a limited warranty of 12 months.

Key Features

  • Capture stunning portraits with the Canon EF 50mm lens' incredible f/1.2 aperture.
  • Experience exceptional image quality and sharpness with this Canon prime lens.
  • The fast, quiet USM autofocus ensures you never miss a shot with this 50mm lens.
  • Create beautiful background blur with the shallow depth of field at f/1.2 aperture.
  • This Canon EF mount lens is perfect for full-frame cameras and versatile shooting.
  • Built with quality, this Canon 50mm lens delivers professional results every time.

What's in the box:

  • Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM Lens
  • Front Lens Cap E-72U
  • Rear Lens Cap E
  • Lens Hood ES-78
  • Soft Lens Pouch
  • Canon 1 Year Warranty