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Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM vs Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM

Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM Lens
Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM
Available colors
Editiorial reviews
8
8 editorial reviews
The Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM is a pancake prime lens for APS-C and full-frame DSLR cameras. Offering continuous AF while capturing video with compatible cameras, the ultra-slim Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM retails for just £229.99 / €279.99 / $199.99. Read our in-depth Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM review complete with full-size sample images to find out if it's worth the modest outlay.Read more
Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM ReviewRead more
Read editorial reviews
8
4.0 out of 5
4 user ratings
5 stars
25 %
4 stars
75 %
3 stars
0 %
2 stars
0 %
1 stars
0 %
Read editorial reviews
User rating
43
4.1 out of 5
43 user ratings
5 stars
30 %
4 stars
48 %
3 stars
20 %
2 stars
0 %
1 stars
0 %
60
3.8 out of 5
60 user ratings
5 stars
31 %
4 stars
33 %
3 stars
20 %
2 stars
8 %
1 stars
6 %

Full Comparison

General

Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STMCanon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STMCanon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM
Lens typeNormal
  • Normal
  • Wide angle
Lens mountCanon EFCanon EF

Image properties

Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STMCanon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STMCanon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM
Max Format size
Full-frame
Full-frame
Focal length< 40< 50
Maximum magnification0.18 x0.21 x
Image stabilisationnono

Aperture

Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STMCanon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STMCanon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM
Aperture max2.81.8
Aperture min2222
Aperture ringnono
Number of diaphragm blades77

Focus

Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STMCanon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STMCanon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM
Focus method
  • Internal
  • Unit
Internal
Autofocusyesyes
Autofocus motor type
STP
STP
Full-time Manual focusingyesyes
Closest focusing distance0.30.35
Distance scalenono
Depth of field (DoF) scalenono

Optics

Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STMCanon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STMCanon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM
ConstructionFixedFixed
Elements66
Groups45

Design

Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STMCanon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STMCanon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM
Colour of productBlackBlack
Tripod collarnono
Hood suppliednono
Filter threadyesyes
Sealingnono

Dimensions

Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STMCanon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STMCanon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM
Weight4.59 oz5.64 oz
Diameter2.69 in2.72 in
Length0.9 in1.55 in
Filter size2.05 in1.93 in

Pros & Cons

Pros
      Cons

          Often compared with Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM