Canon

Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM

The Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM was the lens that launched the RF system and immediately demonstrated the optical advantages of Canon's large-diameter RF mount. Exceptionally sharp wide open, with silky smooth L-series bokeh and fast, quiet Nano USM AF. A landmark lens that defines the RF system's ambition.

GearFrame's Take

The lens that proved the RF mount's potential — f/1.2 sharpness and bokeh in an L-series build.

Starting from
£2399 new
Used from £1209 (eBay)
Average price across retailers: ~£2449
Available at 6 retailers
✓ Available at 6 retailers 🔒 No signup needed 📦 UK stock only
RetailerPrice
Clifton Cameras
Clifton Cameras
£2399
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Wex Photo Video
Wex Photo Video
£2449
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eBay
eBay used
Lowest Buy It Now · marketplace
£1209
Search eBay →
Wex Photo Video
Wex Photo Video used
£1549
Check on Wex Photo Video →
eBay
eBay
Lowest Buy It Now · marketplace
£1619
Search eBay →
Prices are synced live from UK retailers. Not every product will be stocked by every retailer; older models may only be available second hand.
Value & Depreciation
£2350
Launch price
→
£2299
Today
=
2%
Value drop
Over ~8 years, this camera has cost roughly £6/year to own (buy at launch price, sell today). That's one of the lower cost-per-year cameras in its class.
Core
Released
2018
Focal Length
50mm
Aperture
f/1.2
Compatible Mount
Canon RF
Filter Size
77mm
Dimensions
89.8mm diameter × 108mm length
Weight
950g
Weather Sealed
Yes
Optics & Focus
AF Motor
Dual Nano USM — fast, precise, and near-silent
Optical IS
None (relies on IBIS)
Min. Focus Distance
N/A — lens

Select up to 2 cameras to compare against the RF 50mm f/1.2L USM. It's always pinned as the baseline.

Select 1–3 cameras to compare

4 cameras compatible with the Canon RF mount.

GearScore™ — Suitability by Genre

Base score — computed from verified specs for an enthusiast shooting photo and video. Camera Match adjusts it for your skill level and priorities.

Portrait
8.2
Street
6.4
Travel
4.9
Wedding & Events
7.5
Filmmaking
5.7
Documentary
6.4
Landscape
6.4
Casual
5.3
Food
6.4
Architecture
6.3
Astrophotography
6.2
Underwater
6.1
✅ Great For
🧑
Portrait 8.2 Strong on optical quality, maximum aperture and focal length. The RF portrait standard at 50mm. Subject isolation at f/1.2 is extraordinary.
💍
Wedding & Events 7.5 Strong on optical quality, autofocus and maximum aperture. f/1.2 handles dark venues. The 50mm perspective covers ceremony to reception naturally.
⚠️ Not Ideal For
✈️
Travel 4.9 Held back by focal length and portability.
📝 How suitability scores are calculated GearScore™ genre scores are calculated from this camera's verified specifications — autofocus, sensor, weight, weather sealing and more — weighted by what matters for each type of photography. Where a spec sheet misses something (e.g. a manual-focus rangefinder for street), we apply a documented editorial adjustment. Scores are not based on customer reviews. See our full methodology →
Price History — RF 50mm f/1.2L USM

Video reviews and hands-on coverage for the Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM from across YouTube.

Video results sourced from YouTube. GearFrame is not affiliated with these channels.

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