Canon EF 50mm f/2.5 Compact Macro

• Specifications
• Reviews
• Sample Images
• Initial launch information.

One of Canon's longest lasting lenses that's still in their current lineup (2015).

Needs an optional ($250) 'life size converter' to get 1:1 macro performance.

This extends the magnification from 1:2 to 1:1. Unlike a conventional extension tube, the Life Size Converter EF has a 4 element optical design that works like a tele extender, allowing magnifications from 0.26x to 1x whilst increasing the working distance slightly from the front of the lens to the subject.

Fills a niche in Canon's range of lenses, although the 100mm macro is probably more flexible, with the MP-E65 as better for specialist use.

Available from: Amazon.com | Amazon.co.uk | B&H | Adorama

Lens specifications

Focal Length & Maximum Aperture	50mm 1:2.5
Lens Construction	9 elements in 8 groups
Minimum Aperture	32
Maximum Magnification (x)	0.5
Closest Focusing Distance	0.23m
Filter Size	52mm
Max. Diameter x Length, Weight	67.6 x 63mm, 280g

A quick guide to MTF charts (which only measure contrast and resolution. Canon's guide to their MTF charts) Black lines reflect lens performance at widest aperture. Blue lines show the performance at f/8 Thick lines indicate lens contrast Thin lines indicate lens resolution Dashed lines: Lens performance with meridional lines. Solid lines: Lens performance with sagittal lines Closer sagittal and meridional chart lines indicate more 'natural' out of focus areas. Remember that MTF charts are good for comparing similar lenses, so comparing ones from the 14mm f2.8L and 300mm 2.8L won't tell you much at all, whilst comparing the EF14 2.8L with the EF14 2.8L II will show meaningful differences. Note that other manufacturers may have different ways of displaying such information that may or may not match up with the Canon figures.

EF 50mm f/2.5 Compact Macro reviews and articles

• Canon UK / US Information Page
• Amazon
• Northlight Images
• Canon CPN article
• Fred Miranda
• Lens Tip
• Digital Picture
• PhotoZone
• SLR Gear
• Lens Review
• ePhotozine

Written a review? Contact us and we'll add it to the list.

Sample images

None available.

Product launch

No information available on the 1987 launch of this lens.