Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras

The Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM lens is a peerless standard lens for Canon digital SLR cameras. The lens is suitable for any shooting situation, with a lens coating and construction type that are optimized to minimize the ghosting and flare that frequently occurs when lenses are used with digital cameras. The lens also offers an ultra-large aperture that produces a narrow depth of field and the type of soft background blur so loved by photographers everywhere. The high-performance, weather-resistant lens delivers all the superb image resolution and contrast you expect in a Canon L Series lens.

Specifications

• Focal length: 50mm
• Maximum aperture: f/1.2
• Lens construction: 8 elements in 6 groups
• Diagonal angle of view: 46 degrees (with full-frame cameras)
• Focus adjustment: AF with full-time manual
• Closest focusing distance: 1.48 feet
• Filter size: 72mm
• Dimensions: 3.4 inches in diameter and 2.6 inches long
• Weight: 19.2 ounces
• Warranty: 1 year

List Price: $2,300.00
Amazon Price: $1,400.00
Customer Review: Amazing Lens, So fast hard to keep up with
So far I'm loving this lens. It's a purchase I put on hold for a long time due to the expense, but the investment has been well worth it. The single length forces me to frame my shots better and I am liking the results. The photos I am getting with this new lens are pretty amazing. It allows a flexibility that I've not had with other point and shoots or my 35mm SLR.
Customer Review: One of the best lenses ever made...
To many, this focal length may be the ideal length for portraits. For my particular skills it can be, as can it's sister lens, the 85mm, f/1.2L. Be forewarned, this requires a certain level of skill, and a certain knowledge of the camera itself. Furthermore, I am shooting a 1Ds Mk III. And while this lens is not known to be a particularly fast focusing lens, it is clear that it focuses better with the 45 point AF of this system than with that of the lower end cameras (I also own a 50D and a 5D - and a film EOS 3. And I have owned a 10D, 20D and a 40D also). Many users may have problems using the lens stopped wide open or nearly wide open, due to the EXTREMELY shallow depth of field, and this is an important consideration. It should, however, be noted that the lens can be stopped down quite a few steps to still obtain superior shots than you would with any zoom, Canon L Zooms included. It's the ultimate prime, and it is noticeably such. The results that can be achieved with this lens are simply mind-boggling. It is so tack sharp when shot correctly, it is almost unbelievable. The color is more correct than with most other lenses, and definitely deeper, with a higher amount of contrast. Using the high end 1Ds Mark III body accentuates this effect a bit more. With that said, I would suggest that equal consideration be given to the 85mm f/1.2L lens, as I consider this to be an equal companion (as stated, a sister) to this lens. If you can't afford both, base your decision on which focal length would provide the most use for your particular needs. If you can afford both, I recommend both equally.