Canon RF 50mm F1.2 L USM

The centre is close to the sensor's limit wide open, borders are very good at f/1.2 and excellent by f/2, and the extreme corners catch up between f/4 and f/5.6. Distortion is negligible, lateral colour is very low, and bokeh fringing is nearly gone by f/1.6, with no focus shift as the aperture closes.

The weak points are vignetting of more than 3 EV at f/1.2 without correction, the price, and out-of-focus highlights that show the aperture shape from about f/2 despite the 10 blades, plus cat's-eye highlights in the corners wide open. Autofocus was described as snappy and silent, including in very low light, and the build as professional and weather-sealed. One tester wished for optical stabilisation and warned video users that the control ring is not clickless.

Owners describe it as the best 50mm Canon has made and as a lens that lives on their camera most of the time. They praise sharpness at f/1.2, colour, the transition into the blurred background, quick autofocus and solid build, and many see the cost as justified for professional work.

The common complaints are weight, which some feel after half an hour of hand-holding, and price. One owner who worked in retail found the materials less reassuring than EF-era L lenses, and another notes corner shading until about f/2.8 and strong flare when shooting into the sun without the hood.