RF 45mm F1.2 vs EF 50mm F1.2

[PinholeR5]

Got the RF 45mm F1.2 last week. I had bought a used EF 50mm F1.2 a few weeks before the 45mm was announced (lucky me).

So I decided to do a bit of comparing the two. I used my R5 II (all in electronic shutter) fo comparing. Every time I try to do this, I gained renewed respect for folks who do reviews online. Doing these comparisons is hard and labor intensive!!

My comparison is only loosely controlled and somewhat ad-hoc. However, for what it's worth, my overall feeling is:

- These lenses are much more similar than they are different.
- The RF 45mm F1.2 is sharper
- The EF 50mm F1.2 has smoother bokeh

The AF feels different, with the 50 feeling "EFy" and the 45mm "RFy". That is the EF sometimes feels a bit more jerky and the 45mm a bit smoother. However, in terms of focus speed and accuracy, I couldn't really identify one I'd say is better. I shot mostly static subjects, though.

In case someone is interested, here is a link to some CRAW files (44 images, 22 each lens with same settings, handheld approximate framing).

Jorge shared 44 photos with you

www.amazon.com

 

[PinholeR5]

 

[PinholeR5]

 

[PinholeR5]

 

[West Coast Birder]

Great set of comparison photos. I would say that the 50L has a slightly better resolution and maybe a bit more pleasing blur, which may be ascribable to its L glass, but it is close. At less than 1/3 of the price of the L, the 45mm seems like a bargain from an optical standpoint. Not sure about the other factors like focusing, weather sealing, robustness of build, etc.

Love the books on your shelf, btw.

 

[Mr Roboto]

Thank you so much for doing this!
I was hoping someone who had both the 50mm and 45mm f/1.2s would make a comparison

Even side-by-side, the images are virtually indistinguishable. Better than I expected for the 45mm STM.
When compared to the RF version of the 50mm f/1.2L, the 45mm is only 18% of the price and 36% of the weight.

Definitely made up my mind on this one.

 

[West Coast Birder]

Now we need someone to do a comparison of the RF 35/1.4L ($1500ish) vs. the 35/1.8 ($500).

 

[Inphoto]

Is the minimum focus distance the same for the two lenses?

 

[PinholeR5]

Is the minimum focus distance the same for the two lenses?

Yes, 45cm for both.

 

[Inphoto]

I think the 45mm is bulky, while the 50mm 1.8 has a smaller MFD, therefore bigger magnification with a similar bokeh, and it's a lot cheaper.