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Is the 50mm STM really that good?

Started Sep 12, 2015 | Questions thread
Alexsfo Senior Member • Posts: 2,362
Re: Is the 50mm STM really that good?

Al Downie wrote:

Alexsfo wrote:

images have a duller "kit"-like look compared to L lenses or even 40mm pancake.

Agree - from what I've seen, the 40mm seems a better lens for the money.

I have both, and they look pretty similar to me. The 40 I think is a tad better, but I prefer the focal length anyway..

Fro sure the new 50 is better than it's predecessors.

It is definately better than predecessor:
- better bokeh though still poor but the old one had the worst bokeh ever
- quieter AF
- metal mount
- smaller - almost pancake
- apparently better optics

Nevertheless, images look very similar to the old one. They lack contrast and color, and don't transcend skin tonality the way higher end Canon lenses do on FF bodies. I very much like cinematic images that Canon 6d produce wth better lenses. 50mm STM is still a great choice for beginners or for those not spoiled by magical L glass. It is a solid budget option which makes Canon EF such a great and versatile system for any level.

 Alexsfo's gear list:Alexsfo's gear list
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Canon EOS M6 II Canon EF-M 22mm f/2 STM Canon EF 35mm F2 IS USM Canon EF 24-70mm F4L IS USM +4 more
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