Overview

The Canon EF 50mm F1.4 USM is a compact, lightweight standard prime offering good value. Optically, it is soft wide open but sharp from f/2, with nice colors and contrast. Weaknesses include soft corners until f/2.8 on full frame, halation at f/1.4, and some chromatic aberration. Build quality is decent with a metal mount but plastic body, lacking weather-sealing. The micro-USM autofocus is quiet but not as smooth as ring USM. It suits photographers needing a fast, affordable lens for low light and portraits, especially on APS-C bodies.