Canon
RF 50mm F1.8 STM
Canon RF Mount
The affordable nifty fifty for RF — compact, sharp, and perfect for beginners exploring prime lenses.
$199
Launch priceReleased Nov 2020
Sony
FE 50mm F1.2 GM
Sony E Mount
Exquisite resolution and dreamy bokeh combine in a masterful f/1.2 prime.
$1,999
Launch priceReleased Mar 2021
FE 50mm F1.2 GM is 4 months newer.
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Wins
RF 50mm F1.8 STM
Wins
FE 50mm F1.2 GM
1 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- ARF 50mm F1.8 STM has lower Weight (160 g vs 778 g)
- ARF 50mm F1.8 STM has lower Length (41 mm vs 108 mm)
- BFE 50mm F1.2 GM has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/1.2 vs f/1.8)
- BFE 50mm F1.2 GM has lower Max aperture (Tele) (f/1.2 vs f/1.8)
- ARF 50mm F1.8 STM has higher Max magnification (0.25 × vs 0.17 ×)
Key specs at a glance
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose the RF 50mm F1.8 STM
- ✓
Weight
160 g vs 778 g — lower is better
- ✓
Length
41 mm vs 108 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Min focus distance
30 cm vs 40 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
70 mm vs 87 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Max magnification
0.25 × vs 0.17 × — higher is better
Reasons to choose the FE 50mm F1.2 GM
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 3 XA (extreme aspherical)
- ✓
Weather sealing
Only FE 50mm F1.2 GM supports it
- ✓
Custom function button
Only FE 50mm F1.2 GM supports it
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/1.2 vs f/1.8 — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/1.2 vs f/1.8 — lower is better
Shared specifications
Internal focus
Both support internal focus
Control ring
Both support control ring
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
RF 50mm F1.8 STM
Pros
- ✓Incredible value at under $200
- ✓Very compact and lightweight (only 160g)
- ✓Sharp enough for most everyday photography
- ✓Silent STM motor ideal for video
Cons
- –Plastic build feels basic
- –No weather sealing
- –Narrow maximum aperture vs L-series primes
FE 50mm F1.2 GM
Pros
- ✓Outstanding sharpness wide open at f/1.2
- ✓Stunningly smooth, circular bokeh with 11 aperture blades
- ✓Extremely quiet and fast autofocus tracking
- ✓Manageable size and weight for an f/1.2 lens
Cons
- –Expensive investment for a single focal length
- –Heavy compared to standard f/1.8 options
- –Some visible vignetting wide open
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the RF 50mm F1.8 STM and FE 50mm F1.2 GM at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM
Sony FE 50mm F1.2 GM
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.