Canon Announces Nifty Fifty Lens Update

Canon has announced the long overdue update to the Nifty Fifty. The famous prime retains its fast f/1.8 maximum aperture as well and its affordable price tag. It has, however, slimmed down and bulked up in all the right places.

If you were like me, the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II was your gateway into a dangerous world of fast prime lenses. None of which are as easy on your wallet as the Nifty. Mine has since been vanquished by many trips under an airplane, due to its lack of a metal bayonet.

The first thing I noticed about the new Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens is that it sports a metal lens mount this time around. The focus ring has also been vastly improved, moving it onto the barrel of the lens from the end. This was by far my least favorite property of the predecessor. The 50mm STM is designed for use on full-frame sensors, but may be used on crop bodies as well (at an 80mm equivalent). This is a nice update to a pretty fantastic entry-level prime lens. It is one of the best bang for your buck lenses available for the Canon EOS system. This would likely be a great pickup for anyone starting out and would like a fast portrait lens in their kit.

The EF 50mm f/1.8 STM costs $125 and is available for pre-order now from B&H Photo with free expedited shipping once it is released. It will begin shipping May 21, 2015 (subject to availability).

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Standard Telephoto Prime Lens Specifications Summary:

• Compact, lightweight, fixed focal length standard lens for EOS cameras

• Large f/1.8 maximum aperture

• 80mm effective focal length when attached to EOS cameras with APS-C sensors

• Canon STM gear type stepping motor technology provides quiet autofocusing to support Canon's EOS Movie Servo AF function

• Improved exterior design including new focus ring placement makes it the most compact Canon EF 50mm lens ever

• New metal mount for stability and ruggedness

• Super Spectra Coating for minimized ghosting and flaring

• Circular seven blade aperture

• 14-inch minimum focusing distance

• 0.21x maximum magnification