Head-to-head · Best Portrait Lenses Under $500

Canon RF50mm F1.8 STM vs Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.4 vs 4.5). The gap is mostly about Nikon Z users seeking pro-level optics — read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #3 in Best Portrait Lenses Under $500

Canon RF50mm F1.8 STM

4.4

$179as of Apr 25

The Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM represents a significant optical redesign of Canon's classic 50mm f/1.8 lens, offering superb image quality at an affordable price point. Digital Camera World praised it as 'everything you want a nifty fifty to be' while Ken Rockwell noted its 'superb optics' and 'very close focussing.' The lens features the first aspherical element in any Canon 50mm f/1.8 design since 1987 and delivers sharp performance comparable to the expensive RF 50mm f/1.2L. However, reviewers noted the lack of image stabilization and weather sealing, making it best suited for casual photographers and EOS R users seeking an affordable standard lens rather than professionals requiring robust build quality.

Strengths

— Superb image quality with very sharp performance and no barrel distortion
— World's closest-focussing non-macro 50mm lens at 0.3m minimum focus distance
— First Canon 50mm f/1.8 with aspherical element for improved optics

Watch-outs

— No image stabilization or weather sealing
— No AF/MF switch or stabilization switch

$179 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Portrait Lenses Under $500

Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S

4.5

$467as of Apr 25

The Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S delivers S-line optical quality at a compelling price point. Reviewers consistently praise its remarkable sharpness, even shot wide open, along with excellent microcontrast and professional-grade weather sealing. The autofocus is fast and silent, making it ideal for both stills and video. While it lacks an aperture ring and is slightly heavier than budget alternatives, its image quality rivals more expensive f/1.4 lenses, making it one of the best nifty fifties for the Nikon Z system.

Strengths

— Exceptional sharpness even wide open at f/1.8
— Professional S-line build quality with weather sealing
— Fast, silent autofocus reliable in diverse lighting

Watch-outs

— No dedicated aperture ring
— Slightly heavier than budget 50mm alternatives

$467 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

Canon RF50mm F1.8 STM

The Canon RF50mm F1.8 STM outperforms the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 with its first aspherical element and superior close-focusing distance, but it's not as compact as the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM. Compared to the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM, it lacks the telephoto reach and hood included, though it offers better overall image quality and more advanced optical design. It's the most technically advanced of the group but still lacks image stabilization and weather-sealing.

Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S

The Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S offers superior optical quality compared to the Canon EF/RF 50mm f/1.8 STM lenses, with S-line sharpness and weather sealing. Unlike the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8, it includes professional-grade build quality at a competitive price point.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Canon RF50mm F1.8 STM	Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S
Mount	Canon RF	Nikon Z
Focal Length	50mm	50mm
Max Aperture	f/1.8	f/1.8
Autofocus	Yes	Stepping Motor (STM)
Image Stabilization	No	None
Weight	160g	230g

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