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

Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM Lens
Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Lens
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II
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
9
4.2 out of 5
3 user ratings
5 stars
33 %
4 stars
66 %
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 %
41
4.0 out of 5
41 user ratings
5 stars
24 %
4 stars
48 %
3 stars
26 %
2 stars
0 %
1 stars
0 %

Full Comparison

General

Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STMCanon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 IICanon EF 50mm f/1.8 II
Lens typeNormalNormal
Lens mountCanon EF
  • Canon EF
  • Canon EF-S

Image properties

Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STMCanon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 IICanon EF 50mm f/1.8 II
Max Format size
Full-frame
Full-frame
Focal length< 40< 50
Maximum magnification0.18 x0.15 x
Image stabilisationnono

Aperture

Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STMCanon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 IICanon EF 50mm f/1.8 II
Aperture max2.81.8
Aperture min2222
Aperture ringnono
Number of diaphragm blades75

Focus

Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STMCanon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 IICanon EF 50mm f/1.8 II
Focus method
  • Internal
  • Unit
Unit
Autofocusyesyes
Autofocus motor type
STP
Micromotor
Full-time Manual focusingyesno
Closest focusing distance0.30.45
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 IICanon EF 50mm f/1.8 II
ConstructionFixedFixed
Elements66
Groups45

Design

Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STMCanon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 IICanon EF 50mm f/1.8 II
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 IICanon EF 50mm f/1.8 II
Weight4.59 oz4.59 oz
Diameter2.69 in2.69 in
Length0.9 in1.61 in
Filter size2.05 in2.05 in

Pros & Cons

Pros
      Cons

          Often compared with Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II