Rank #2 in Best 50mm Lens 2026: 10 Ranked, Spec Sheets Cross-Checked
Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM
Price and rating as shown on Amazon when we collected them. Both change.
The Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM is a prime lens for Canon's EOS R mirrorless bodies, listed at £183.00 with a 4.7 rating from 1,850 ratings. It sits at number two in this guide. Canon's description calls it the new version of the Nifty Fifty: a fixed 50mm f/1.8 with STM focus, 160g in the hand and 40.5mm across.
The spec table on the same page does not agree with itself. Maximum Aperture is recorded as "1.8 Millimetres" — a distance rather than an aperture — while Minimum Aperture is given as 22.0 and Fixed Focal Length as 50 Millimetres. Image Stabilisation Type reads "Optical", yet none of the product bullets mentions stabilisation; the Stepping Motor is the only mechanism described. The star breakdown supplied with the listing adds up to 100 reviews across four star levels, against the 1,850 ratings stated on the page. Everything here comes from the Amazon listing, not from testing we carried out.
How those 1,850 ratings break down
An average hides its own shape. This is the spread behind the 4.7 stars.
Specification
Exactly as published on the Amazon listing, field for field.
| Price | £183.00 |
|---|---|
| Rating | 4.7 out of 5 from 1,850 ratings |
| Maximum Aperture (as listed) | 1.8 Millimetres |
| Minimum Aperture | 22.0 |
| Fixed Focal Length | 50 Millimetres |
| Image Stabilisation Type (as listed) | Optical |
| Photo Filter Size | 43 Millimeters |
| Weight (as stated) | 160g |
What buyers actually say
Quoted from customer reviews on Amazon
Verified purchase“The Canon 50mm f/1.8 is one of those golden lenses that isn't too expensive. It's a great first lens to learn the basics of framing and still photography. Autofocus is fairly fast, and in low light it really shines thanks to the wide aperture. The size is perfect for travel. It's great for close shots like portraits, but also works well if you step back for landscapes or car photos. It's easy to mount on a Canon RF body, feels well built, and delivers sharp, clean images. Shooting in RAW really brings out even more detail, no matter if you're using a low- or high-end body”
Verified purchase“it's quickly become my go-to lens. It's compact and lightweight, so it's easy to carry around all day, and the fast f/1.8 aperture gives beautiful background blur and performs really well in low light. The STM autofocus is smooth and quiet, perfect for both photos and videos. It feels solid for its size and works seamlessly with my Canon EOS R series camera. Overall, an excellent, versatile lens that's great for everyday shooting.”
What it is up against
The rivals it was ranked against in Best 50mm Lens 2026: 10 Ranked, Spec Sheets Cross-Checked.
Questions people ask
What is the maximum aperture of the Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM?
The Maximum Aperture field in the spec table reads "1.8 Millimetres", while the description says the wide F1.8 aperture is what produces the blurry backgrounds and the low-light performance.
Does the Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM have image stabilisation?
The spec table lists "Optical" under Image Stabilisation Type, but none of the six product bullets mentions stabilisation. The STM Stepping Motor is the only focusing mechanism the description refers to.
Which cameras does the Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM fit?
Canon states it is compatible with all Canon EOS R series mirrorless cameras, and one bullet names the EOS R100, R50, R10, R6, R7 and R8 as the EOS R models it works with.
How much does the Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM weigh?
A description bullet gives 160g and 40.5mm, describing the lens as one that slips in the bag or stays discreet on the camera.
What is the price and rating of the Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM?
The listing shows £183.00, with a rating of 4.7 from 1,850 ratings.
What filter size does the Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM take?
The spec table gives a Photo Filter Size of 43 Millimeters, while a description bullet states 40.5mm for the lens itself.
Comments
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