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

Canon RF50mm F1.8 STM vs Sony FE 50mm f/1.8

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

Canon RF50mm F1.8 STM comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.4 vs 4.2). The gap is mostly about EOS R users wanting premium optics at an affordable price — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #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 →

Ranked #5 in Best Portrait Lenses Under $500

Sony FE 50mm f/1.8

4.2

$196as of Apr 25

The Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 fills a gap in Sony's E-mount lineup with an affordable, compact 50mm prime lens. Digital Camera World praised its smooth bokeh and good image quality, while Photography Blog noted its lightweight design and plastic build quality. However, both reviewers highlighted significant vignetting at wide aperture and audible autofocus noise, with the latter being particularly problematic for videographers. The lens lacks weather-seals and internal stabilization, making it best suited for still photography enthusiasts seeking an entry-level fast prime rather than professionals requiring robust performance in challenging conditions.

Strengths

— Compact and lightweight at 186g with 68.6mm diameter
— Smooth bokeh quality with 7-blade circular aperture
— Good image quality with minimal chromatic aberrations

Watch-outs

— Severe vignetting at f/1.8 aperture
— Audible autofocus motor noise during operation
— No weather-seals or internal image stabilization

$196 · 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.

Sony FE 50mm f/1.8

The Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 stands out for its compact design and affordable price, but it falls short compared to the Canon RF50mm F1.8 STM in terms of optical quality and close-focusing capability. Unlike the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM, it suffers from severe vignetting and audible autofocus noise, making it less suitable for videographers. While it's lighter than the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM, it lacks the telephoto reach and professional build quality that would make it competitive with higher-end options.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Canon RF50mm F1.8 STM	Sony FE 50mm f/1.8
Mount	Canon RF	Sony E
Focal Length	50mm	50mm
Max Aperture	f/1.8	f/1.8
Autofocus	Yes	Yes
Image Stabilization	No	No
Weight	160g	186g

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