Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II - Review / Test Report - Sample Images & Verdict
Lens Reviews - Canon EOS (APS-C)

Sample Shots

Ok, finally here're some sample shots taken with the EOS 350D (converted RAWs).

Click on a thumbnail to view the original file (opens in a separate window). Please note that the originals are FULL SIZE samples (=several megabytes) thus requiring a significant amount of bandwidth so please take care of the limited resources here.

Make Canon
Model Canon EOS 350D DIGITAL
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 50.0mm
Exposure Data: f/1.8 @ 1/4000s
Size 3412x2238
Make Canon
Model Canon EOS 350D DIGITAL
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 50.0mm
Exposure Data: f/4.0 @ 1/1600s
Size 3472x2312
Make Canon
Model Canon EOS 350D DIGITAL
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 50.0mm
Exposure Data: f/8.0 @ 1/640s
Size 3472x2312
Make Canon
Model Canon EOS 350D DIGITAL
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 50.0mm
Exposure Data: f/2.8 @ 1/4000s
Size 2312x3472
Make Canon
Model Canon EOS 350D DIGITAL
ISO Speed 100
Focal Length 50.0mm
Exposure Data: f/2.8 @ 1/1600s
Size 3472x2312

Verdict

At the beginning of this review I stated that the 50mm f/1.8 II is the cheapest lens in the Canon line. Cheap really refers to the price tag only because for a price below 100 EUR you get a light-weight, high performing lens. So most affordable may be a better wording here. Naturally you can't expect wonders regarding build quality for this price but the compromises work out better here than with the cheapo kit zooms.

The 50mm f/1.4 USM may be a tad better at large aperture settings and surely regarding build quality but at quite hefty extra costs. If you're on a budget the 50mm f/1.8 II is a good alternative here. It may also be interesting to check out the used market for a EF 50mm f/1.8 (I) which features the same good optical formula but combined with a better construction. It's not really surprising that the old lens tends to sell at higher prices on the used market than the "new" mk II though. The weakest spot of the lens is probably the bokeh which can be rough at times.

Optical Quality:    
Mechanical Quality:
Price/Performance:
      
   What does this mean ?


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