Therefore, you can program it to quickly change the aperture or exposure compensation. Like the f/1.2L, this lens has a control ring. Sure, the STM autofocus isn’t incredibly fast, but it’s both accurate and virtually silent when you combine that with the impressive AF system included in Canon’s cameras, you shouldn’t have any problems. The wide aperture also gives you solid low-light capabilities so you can produce some stunning nighttime portraits and street photos. It has a large maximum aperture of f/1.8, which is more than enough to create bokeh effects and to separate subjects properly from the background. What’s not to love about this lens? It weighs virtually nothing, it’s extremely compact, and it still has fantastic optics and features.įor first-time photographers or those wanting to get into portrait photography, it offers a great starting point. It’s significantly cheaper than the f/1.2 model shared above, yet it’s a powerful little option (it’s essentially the RF version of the iconic EF 50mm f/1.8 STM). Not everyone wants to jump in and buy an expensive L-series lens, which is where the Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM comes in handy. This means you should never miss an opportunity, and you won’t have to constantly check your camera as you make changes. You can program it to adjust a number of different camera settings, including aperture, exposure compensation, and ISO. The control ring is invaluable for those who like to make settings changes on the fly. The build is on the heavier side, and the RF 50mm f/1.2 is certainly bulkier than the f/1.8 budget option (shared below), but you can still comfortably use it handheld. The lens feels robust, and the metal mount provides a secure connection to your RF camera.

You can also take some fantastic photos at f/1.2, which is hugely helpful if you plan to capture naturally lit portraits indoors or at night. The f/1.2 maximum aperture gives you so much flexibility it helps create stunning bokeh effects and amazing background separation. If you want to capture pro-level portraits with your RF-mount mirrorless camera, then this is the lens to buy. It’s currently the best 50mm prime lens available for Canon RF cameras and one of the top RF lenses on the market. The next evolution of 50mm lenses is here in the form of the Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM.

Cheapest canon lenses with big aperture