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.

Verdict is reader-supported. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Some links on this page are affiliate links — if you click through and buy, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our ratings are sourced from independent publications, not sponsors.

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

5 sources1 derived$219as of Aug 2

Canon rebuilt the optics of its classic 50mm f/1.8 for the RF mount, and the result punches well above its price. 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.' It carries the first aspherical element in any Canon 50mm f/1.8 design since 1987, and sharpness holds up against the far pricier RF 50mm f/1.2L. Reviewers flagged the missing image stabilization and weather sealing, which points it at casual photographers and EOS R users who want an affordable standard lens rather than professionals who need heavy-duty 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

$219 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #5 in Best Portrait Lenses Under $500

Sony FE 50mm f/1.8

4.2

5 sources$229.44as of Aug 2

Sony's E-mount lineup needed an affordable, compact 50mm prime, and the FE 50mm f/1.8 filled the gap. Digital Camera World praised its smooth bokeh and good image quality; Photography Blog noted the lightweight design and the plastic build quality. Both flagged significant vignetting at wide aperture and audible autofocus noise, the latter a real problem for videographers. With no weather-seals and no internal stabilization, it fits still photography enthusiasts looking for an entry-level fast prime more than professionals shooting 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

$229.44 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

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

← See the full ranking of best portrait lenses under $500