Canon's original EF 50mm f/1.8 — the first version of the legendary 'nifty fifty' for EOS.
The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 (Mark I) launched in 1990 as one of Canon's earliest EF-mount standard primes. It predates the popular Mark II 'plastic fantastic' and features a metal mount — the main physical difference from its successor.
Optically identical to the later Mark II — sharp from f/2.8 with acceptable f/1.8 rendering. The f/1.8 aperture provides useful low-light capability and background blur. Micro-motor AF — not USM. 5 aperture blades — angular bokeh highlights.
Canon EF mount with 52mm filter thread. Metal mount — the key difference from the later plastic-mount Mark II. Approximately 190g. Full-frame coverage. Minimum focus distance 45cm. No image stabilisation.
Available used at budget prices — sometimes slightly more than the Mark II due to the metal mount preference. The STM version is better with smoother AF. The metal mount is more durable than the Mark II's plastic. A functional budget 50mm for Canon EF.