RF 50mm vs EF 50mm... worth your money?!
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- Опубликовано: 21 авг 2024
- Edit: The examples of the RF and EF from the cameras shoot out got swapped accidentally in editing! The photos labeled "EF" are actually the "RF" and vice versa! Sorry about the confusion!
In today's video we're comparing the Canon EF 50mm 1.2L and RF 50mm 1.2L! I've shot a handful of weddings with the RF version and am excited to share my thoughts on this fantastic (and expensive) lens! If you're looking for a down to earth, practical review of this lens then this is the video for you!
Buy the Canon RF 50mm 1.2 : amzn.to/3cz75Uj
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Video Shot & Edited by Tyler Herrinton ( / tylerherrinton )
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I deeply appreciate your honesty when saying "I don't think I'd have bought this unless I was doing this for youtube".. no one ever says this. It adds an authentic integrity to your review :)
Thanks! That means a lot!
I really appreciate your focus on analyzing equipment. It's often missing in other types of reviews; to wit, you focus upon what actually happens in a shoot, and in purchasing decisions and plans. Thanks.
Thanks for watching!
appreciate the honesty. I'm sticking with the 50 f/1.2 OG L lens. It's so amazing on the R6!
Love it!
The EF is legendary like a Noctilux lens, I just ordered the R6 and exited to pair it soon to my EF 50 1.2. Great review.
Thanks for sharing!
Your honesty is so appreciated. It's so helpful when deciding on large purchases.
Can’t believe this has been 3 years but I am now in a similar dilemma. Bought an R5C for photography and video - not for professional use but for my travels and life documentary. I bought the 24-70/2.8 RF IS USM but find it too heavy to lug around.
I am now considering selling both and find a lighter alternative but couldn’t find one with R5Cs capability.
Now I feel like just getting the new 40/1.2 Voigtlander to use with my R5C for both photography and videography for travels with my X1D II.
Nice and very informative.
Wow! This is the greatest 50 1.2 comparison I’ve seen
You’re great, really enjoyed listening to you and being so honest. I own the ef and watching other reviews I started feeling I was missing something, but definitely I’m not upgrading, so thanks a lot, I’m saving 1k 😁
To get the EF lens to preform perfectly in low light use it in live view. I had a 7dmkii body and turned it one night in a dark bar, was going to use the screen to focus but the iTR locked on and I never went back, 100% hit rate even though the mirror flips up and you get a black out, the rf body must be brilliant. Check it out and you may be surprised.
Thanks for watching!
Yes!!I LOVE how you go over different scenarios with suggestions. Thank You!!
You are so welcome! Glad it was helpful, thanks for watching!
I was just thinking about this a week ago, great timing! Whenever they come out with RF version -- an RF vs EF of the 135mm would be awesome. Thanks for the advice of saving for something better!
That would be awesome!
@@KatelynJames It's coming!
Loved this! Would love to see a comparison of the RF 50 1.2 and 1.8 😁
Good idea!
I use EF and RF lenses. EF lenses (Sigma 85mm f1.4 and Canon EF 70-200 is ii) work flawlessly for me with the RF adapter. Honestly see no reason to ever upgrade to very expense RF versions. Because mirrorless cameras focus on the sensor it's hard to mess up a shot. Most instances it's user error such as camera shake or shutter speed to slow. I LOVE my R6 with both EF and RF lenses.
Totally agree!
I have both the RF and EF but I just hated having to use an adaptor, I made the mistake of forgetting my adaptor on one of my other EF lens and that was it for me, made the decision to purchase the RF in order to keep both my kits complete and separate. One thing I was disappointed in was the fact that they are both loud when focusing. I was under the impression that the RF would be quieter than my EF 50 for some reason...
If the budget allows this is a great option!
Christopher Frost has a video comparison between these two and the RF is miles years ahead when it comes to sharpness and image quality.
Thanks for watching!
The 85 and 50 Canon F1.2 lenses were for portraits. They're supposed to be a lil soft. It smooths skin. The sharpness also is supposed to fall off to the edges as it helps the look of a portrait and makes the Bokeh more intense.
It always amazes me that photographers don't know how lenses were made. I guess it's the difference from ordering online and ordering at the camera store where the salesman would tell you what the lens was for.
Why in the world would I want a sharp lens that gets deep into pores that I have to do intense skin smoothing.
Another trick. Use the EF to RF adapter with the variable ND filter. If you're using flash for your portraits you can now adjust the ND filter to bring shutterspeeds down and not go into HSS. ;-) So you get full power from your flash. As in when you're in HSS you're flash loses 2/3rds of it's power because it shoots multiple flashes to make one shot so it has to recycle fast. It can't do that at full power.
Thanks for watching!
Hey, just wanted to let you know that I think your videos are amazing. Very helpful indeed.
Thanks Katelyn, very informative on a practical level.
Glad it was helpful!
Finally I find a wise advise on this decision! It is helpful! Thank you!
Thanks for watching!
Solid advice! Thanks again for making this.
Thanks for watching!
I'd love to see a video on your experience/opinion on buying the 28-70 vs the 50mm and 35mm primes. I am considering getting the RF 28-70 to replace both and would love to know your take on it!
Will do!
I own the RF 28-70 f/2.0 and I absolutely love it! I use it for wedding but also portrait and even landscape. It is so sharp it blows my mind.
@@W1ck3d78 The RF glass is spectacular. With the RF, it’s extremely usable at its base aperture. With EF, the lens doesn’t become its best self until you go to a much slower aperture. Because my hands shake, I need the fastest lens (both focus speed and light coming in) to reduce motion blur and I’ve just been repeatedly impressed by RF glass.
Sold my ef 50mm just because of the focus issues . It’ does job tho but when I upgrade to the 50rf lens never look back !!! Amazing !!
It is so consistent!
So eager to rent the RF and test because I felt the same as you with the adapter for the EF, but lately just feeling like I’m not getting consistent sharpness lately with the EF adapted. Could be my focusing technique though. Gonna play around there.
Thanks for watching!
Just picked up an RF 50 :) I loved my 50 on my Pentax, but have never had a canon 50… I went with an 85 DS first as it wasn’t in that 28-79 range… And I really love the 28-70, but want to push my creatively and 50 mm portraits , as well as push low light capacity just a little further… both the 28-70 and 85 1.2 DS are amazing in low light, and I can shoot so much slower handheld than my 5d4 can ever go… but excited to see how the 1.2 handles in really tough situations … one reason I love the DS is that as it lets in less light you can shoot wide open on a sunny day and still stay at 1.2… this is really great for weddings, but it does mean a little less light on the dark end of the night… now the 50 fills that gap, and gives them each a unique edge :)
Pixel peeping? 😂 so funny. I love your reviews very helpful & straight to the point. Am i the only one who wants to try every lens?!
Nothing wrong with testing lenses! Makes for a smarter investment
I was always told to upgrade your gear when a client could tell the difference…however I have neither of these and just going for the 50mm 1.2 RF over that dated looking EF would make me happier :)
Thanks for watching!!
To me the EF looked sharper in your test images, especially noticeable on the text around the lens you focused
I don't know about a 50, but my 28-70 f/2 is out for delivery. My R5 can't wait. 😍 It actually amazes me how similar the results look on both lenses in this comparison. As far as optics, there are certain lenses it would appear Canon barely updated IF AT ALL when doing RF versions. Yes the focusing is vastly improved… But some lenses were simply not repurposed much glass-wise. In your case you saying the RF is a bit sharper, it could be because your EF is 15 years old. Both new, they may in fact be identical. I feel like that's the case with the 24-105 which I'm selling to KEH and also the 50mm f/1.8. Reviews shows the EF and RF 50 1.8 to be identical as well, optically. My RF 70-200 f/2.8 was a MASSIVE step up in sharpness and color, but it also came out later than the 50 1.2. I also feel like they are doing everything they can to get their pro zooms on par with primes. But also, they vastly improved the 85 1.2… THAT lens on RF is possibly the sharpest and best color lens in the entire market. So you really just have to see… Glad I don't really need a 50… I don't know how I'd ever decide!
Thanks for watching!
I feel like the EF was sharper when zoomed in at 500%. I’m looking at the letters on Ty’s lens and the lines are definitely sharper on the EF
Yeah and that is with the adapter.
I’m guessing that was a fluke but also proves EF isn’t going anywhere soon but I would say ideally the rf should “usually” be ever so slightly sharper but no one would tell the difference on if it’s ef/rf if you just showed the picture
@@KatelynJames This is great to know, I won't be getting rid of my Ef 50 anytime soon then =)
Rf 50 1.2 is 10x sharper then the Ef version
I got the canon 50mm EF 1.2L lens and is good enough for what I do and to change your cameras for the R canon camera and lenses is COST lots of money
I agree it is good enough!
Great, honest info as usual!
The production on this channel is phenomenal.
Thanks to @tyler Herrinton
Just upgraded to R6 from R. Keeping my R as backup for now. Well, has been thinking of purchasing a used EF 50 1.2 as a way to start my prime collection. I have EF 24-70 2.8 II also and I do a lot of indoor events. After this review, I think I'll wait a little longer and go for RF 50 1.2. Hopefully I can sell my Zoom EF lens and add a little to also upgrade to RF 85. I'm also getting an RF 35 1.8 for my wide shots. With 2 Cameras and primes, I don't have to worry about changing lens and missing a great moment.
Why would you put a UV filter in front of this beauty ?
Real world review, not pixel peeping. Thanks!
Thank you! Great perspective to help make the decision.
thank you! i know what to do regarding this choice now
Glad it was helpful!
one of the best con of canon DSLR (and they never fixed it up and just made their transition to RF lol) is their focusing accuracies not so reliable like other competitors. Thats why those light EF primes work way much more better with RF.
Looking forward to test driving my old canon 50mm 1.4 on the R6. No one ever talks about that lens but its a work horse
Glad u keep sharing ur experiences e the R6
Thanks for watching!
You are the absolute best. I think so similarly to you!! I appreciate how you look at the tech specs!!! Thank you - thank you - thank you!!!
I'm not a wedding photographer, just an amateur enthusiast who loves travel photography and chronicling my family in the context of key moments in our lives against the backdrop of amazing locations. So the best lenses for me understandably may not be the best choices for you. Like any tools, you pick the ones best suited to the intended task. I'm sure the RF 28-70 f/2 is amazing and perfect for a working wedding photographer, but certainly not for a travel photographer. The 50 1.2, however, is fantastic for anyone who likes that focal length. Last month I got an R6, having sold my longtime 5DMkIII two years ago in favor of a Fuji XT-3 and having regretted doing so. The R6 is really quite amazing. For me, perfect ergonomics, perfect specs, perfect price point for what I shoot. The sensor is absolutely gorgeous and the autofocus technology is almost extraterrestrial. It is the 1DXMkIII with better AF in a smaller body. I got it as a kit with the RF 24-105L f/4, based upon my experience with the EF 24-105L I had with the 5DIII that I found to be just about the perfect travel lens. This one is even better by every metric -- significantly better optics, better OIS and smaller and better build quality with no lens barrel creep (I don't even need to flip the lock switch ever). I fell so much in love with this camera and lens combo that I immediately followed up with the RF 50 1.2. I grew up with a Nikon film camera and 50mm and think that focal length is the most versatile single focal length walk around lens. The RF 50 1.2 is astounding and worth the high price considering I will own it forever. The corner-to-corner sharpness even at 1.2 is remarkable and the rendering, the micro-contrast, makes me shake my head in wonderment. I don't know how Canon managed to do it. Yes it's big for a 50, but it balances perfectly on the R6 and I can carry it all day in comfort, especially with my Peak Design strap. The R6 with the 24-105 and the 50 fit perfectly in my Billingham Hadley Pro bag and those 2 lenses will take care of everything I will ever shoot. I'm so glad I got the R6 instead of the R5 and put the money saved into the 50 instead. I do have one suggestion for you: since there is a lot of controversy surrounding the 20mp sensor of the R6, you might want to make a couple of large prints, say 24 X 36, of images taken with it and with one of the 45mp monsters to show that the difference, even side by side at that size, is negligible from normal viewing distances. For many, photography = gallery prints hung on the wall to be enjoyed, not images viewed on an iPad or instagram.
Thanks for watching Yannis!
5:18 :You saw nothing." lol
haha
Such a helpful review. Appreciate it!
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!!
Many thanks for that. I think the same thing when ist comes to the 85/1.2 EF vs RF
Thanks for watching!
Wow! Thanks for the awesome review :)
My pleasure!
I'm not ready for a mirrorless switch just yet (just not where I want it) and I have an EF 50mm f/1.4 USM. I also have the EF 35mm f/2.0 IS USM and I can't help but wish they would have done an IS updated version like they did with the 35mm, because that lens is RAZOR sharp! But I may very well still pick up an EF 50mm f/1.2L USM just because I have tried it out and it is mighty fine.
Thanks for watching!
Great review. So helpful
Glad it was helpful!
This video came JUST in time. I was considering being a prime shooter as I've always been a zoom photographer. As an RF 85 owner, would you recommend the 50/35 over the 28-70? I know you now have praise for
Honestly… if you are okay with the size/weight of the 28-70 I’d probably save up for that and skip the 50!
I think that most EF lenses have a significant new lease of life paired with the R5 [or R6] such is the great AF and sensors that they have, I probably should, but I don't love the 50mm focal length, I mean they are great lenses, it is just probably my least used lens and to that end, the RF 50 f1.2 isn't worth it for me, One thing that I have noticed, that quite a few RF lenses, fast ones anyway, are pretty big compared to their EF counterparts, the bodies got smaller but the lenses grew, a LOT!
Incidentally, I have a lens that has not changed since 1996, I think, the jewel in the crown, 135mm f2, maybe they just couldn't improve it, will be interesting to see what the planned RF 135mm f1.4 will be like...
I think in the end you have to ask yourself, for most people, anyway, while an RF lens is often slightly optically better with a faster AF, and newer, it isn't always £/$1000 or more, better.
Maybe Canon just made the adaptability of EF lenses too good! :)
Totally agree!
such a great review. as a casual shooter of my family, you answered my q, should i get the ef or rf.... rf it will be and save up for it
Thanks for watching!
Great content in your channel even I don't have those Canon stuff I follow your videos keep it up! :)
Thanks for watching!!
7:57 that green color cast over Canon logo RF lens :o
Thanks for watching!
I prefer the warmer EF skin tone.
Thank you for your expertise. Most appreciated 🙏😊
Why is the rf version looking like it has some magenta on the letters when you zoom in but on ef it doesn’t have that
Ill have to look into that
Thought I was going crazy all these years with my 50 1.2 missing focus on my 5d mark iv. Soooo wanting to go mirrorless!
I do think it is worth it!
Yup, when I slap on the dslr lens on to my R6, its more accurate~!
Katie, I’m not sure what you mean by saying the older EF 50mm f 1.2 started getting soft. How has that happened? Did it get damaged? The new RF may be faster but since the glass on the EF is obviously larger …that sounds like magic. I’ve got the R6 and I’ll stay with the high quality EF L zooms I already have and use with a cheap non Canon adapter rather than upgrading to the RF counterpart lenses at 4x the cost. Call me a skeptic, but I’ll wait for Canon to get those new RF lenses priced down to earth. Then again, I am not a pro, never been paid for a photo or got equipment free or was able to takea tax write off on equipment I buy. Im banking on numbers to force Canon to lower those prices. If not, I suspect they will lose a lot of their market with serious amateurs, especially those who already invested in Canon’s previous top tier lenses. I like your videos a lot.
Thanks for watching!!
Honest video.
Thanks for watching!
I am inches away from purchasing a second-hand ef lens. I tried a copy last night and was SO thrilled about it. But I'm also looking in the direction of Sigma 105mm f/1,4 ART which focallength I'm a big fan of. Did you ever try that?
I have not
My goodness! Your first test, the rf image is not as sharp as ef, the chromatic aberration is heavier and sharpness is much softer.
thank you for this comparison.
My pleasure!
Love the video, thanks for sharing
Our pleasure!
In your opinion I own the 28 to 70 RF lens And I shoot Portraits What do you think would pair with this lens?
85mm
I have the RF2870F2, so I'm a little biased. But, occasionally CanonUSA has the RF2870F2 refurbished for the same price as the RF50F1.2. (I got mine refurb) And the RF2870F2 is SOOOOO versatile.
Great idea!!
And soooooo Heavy!!
@@locsbcn Yes, yes it is. Me No Care.
that first shot the ef actually looked better and didnt have the colour frindging round the edges of stuff :o
Thanks for watching!
Helpful thank you…from your test though it looks like the new lens has some light fringe or purple haze on the edges when shooting your cameraman when your highlights hit the back of his shoulder vs the old lens did not…interesting
Thanks for watching!
Hey friend! Would you mind sharing which adapter you use with the R6? Great content as always!
We use the one with the control ring. amzn.to/3iI7esD
I think the lens is great. I just hate the price tag. Kinda crazy. It would be one thing if Canon gave it IS or something, but I don't get the extra cost. Maybe it has extra glass? IDK
It is a valid point!
It would have been really helpful to do a bunch of portraits with both lenses to see the details in the iris and the overall rendering and micro contrast - a little lame to do one photo each of the front of a lens as a professional photographer of hundreds of weddings … a real pitty
I would have thought that the RF wouldn't need to be as long, since it can be designed to be closer to the sensor (no mirror)
Thanks for watching!
What is bad about selling older gear and upgrading?
Nothing is wrong with it!
Thanks for the video!
I have an ef50 1.4, i dont really like it anymore. Its not as sharp even with the R6.
I've been debating over the ef50 1.2 and the rf 1.2. This makes more sense to get the rf! Thanks! Ive also been thinking about the rf28-70 2.0 instead of the rf50 1.2 but not too sure about that.
Those are the right questions to be asking!
Katelyn do you notice a massive difference when using R lenses on Ef bodies but with an adaptor ring in terms of image quality?! I'm wondering at what point I will have to upgrade entirely to R lenses from my EF collection.
We don't use R lenses on EF bodies.
@@KatelynJames my apologies I meant the other way around! Ef lenses on R bodies using the adaptor ring. Sorry long week and it's only Tuesday ha!
I was hoping you’d say that because I got the canon RF 15-35 F2.8. I wanted the primes but was torn between the 28-70 & 24-70 mm.
We love the 28-70!!
We have an almost identical ratio. I keep 80% f2.8 24-70. 20% (either 85 f1.2 or 70-200 f2.8).
135 f2 :)
We love it.
Kaitlyn, I know how much you love the Rf24-70 F/2.0. With that lens in your bag, do you still find yourself pulling out the RF 50mm? If I had to choose between those two lenses and could only have one for portraits, which is best, in your opinion?
I stopped bringing my 50mm to weddings because I never used it! Go with the 28-70 if you can get your hands on one!
its weird how the world works lol. ive been debating buying the 50 1.2 and was on the fence about investing in the RF lens (currently using the R6) or saving some money an going with the EF. This video really helped me THANK YOU! :)
Glad it was helpful!! Thanks for watching!
Definitely going to look into purchasing the RF version. I love my 24-70 RF, I want some fast primes as well.
That would make a great combo!
The EF lens Is better in RF system than EF system 🎉
I got the ef one week ago used in like new condition for €850. I don't think the RF is worth the money and yet when 3rd party companies will start to produce lenses for the RF mount you'll be able to buy Sigma RF 50 for fraction of the RF 50 1.2 L... And knowing sigma enough it could be 50 1.0... Who knows 😉
Great points!
Another Awesome video Katelyn!!!! Thank you this video was so helpful!!! I have the rf 28-70 f2 and now don't feel the need to even have a 50mm... just saying that is weird!!!! Yikes!! Thanks again!
Thank you!! Yes I feel the same way! Super weird!!
Great video! If given a choice between the RF50 mm 1.2 and the RF85mm 1.2 for portrait and maternity shoots which would you pick?
Totally depends on your preference and which focal length you prefer! Both lenses are amazing!
I hit the like button only because you bought it for RUclips :D
haha!! did it for you!!
Which lens you prefer for wedding photography 28-70mm f2.0 or the Rf 50mm F.1.2 lens? I'm trying to buy one of them & I don't know which one to buy 😅
I have been so surprised by and love the 28-70mm!!
Yeah I heard a lot about it, so I have to wait more when it's in the market here in Finland, thanks! :) @@KatelynJames
i love softness ef50, sharpness is overrated
Do you think the 50 is more versatile than the 85?
Yes!
I love the EF 50 on my R6, and after renting the 28-70 I am saving up for that!! That lens was amazing! Since you have been shooting with the 28-70 for a little bit now, do you have any recommendations on adjustments you made to shooting with it?
I do love it! I should make a video about shooting with a zoom now!
extended battery grip it helps with the weight I found
I have the RF 50 on order, but I feel like I need to revisit the 28-70. It was just SO heavy! I use the R5 and currently my only lens is the 70-200. Would you choose 28-70 over 50??
I have been choosing the 28-70 over the 50 at weddings.
28-70 hands down for weddings.
The question more is for me: If you have the RF 28-70 2.0 should you use this or use a 1.2 50 mm lens?
Thanks for watching!!
What camera body were you using to make your Ef lens feel better?
the EF LENS looks sharper
Thanks for watching!
Is 2.0 enough to get good portrait shots on the 28-70? I don’t think the bokeh is pleasing right? 1.8 is not even that good
We have been pleased with it!
Did you ever do a comparison of the Canon RF 85mm 1.2 versus Canon EF 85mm 1.4 with RF adapter? Both lenses receive rave reviews; though, the latter is nearly $1,000 cheaper if you already have the adapter for other lenses. I'm guessing the RF lens may also fit into the "I bought it for RUclips." Curious what you think?
I want to rent an RF-L, having already used Tamron SP's on my R62, to make comparisons!
Do I need to buy adapter for my Canon EOS 4000D to use 50mm/f.1.8?
Thanks for watching!
Aren’t mirrorless lenses supposed to be smaller?? Hmm…
How many pictures do you deliver to a client (in general). 200 pic after 8 hours or....
We say we average 100 delivered photos per hour we are shooting. so 800 for an 8 hour day
Hi! Love this video! I'm a 19 yr old photographer that doesn't have a crazy budget. I just bought the r6 and using my rp as a backup. I was thinking to buy a new ef 50 with the adapter mainly because it looks like there's not that much of a difference and I just can't afford the rf for a while. Do you think it's a smart move to get a new ef 50 on my r6? I mostly do family shoots and events rarely weddings for now.
You should do a video about your video recording setup!
I am sure Tyler would love to do that!
@@KatelynJames haha! quickly glanced through what he's using, but more specifics would be nice
RF it is... I'm just too poor right now!
Thanks for watching!
I was going to ask if you have fell out with the RF28-70 F2 LOL is there much difference in the RF28-70 F2 @ 50mm against the RF50 F1.2 ? I have pre=ordered the RF100 Marco too to replace the old EF100 L macro . but on a different lens the RF100-500 F4.6-7.1 L is surprising good I've used it to take some cracking Flower shots zoomed in at 500mm focus at 1.2mts is like wow . this lens hasnt been off the camera from the day I got it . maybe not so good inside or low light though
We pre ordered the RF 100 as well. We still love the 28-70!!