Canon's L-series fast standard — the New FD 50mm f/1.2L with an aspherical element.
The Canon New FD 50mm f/1.2L was introduced in 1980 as the flagship L-series fast standard prime for the FD manual-focus system. Using an aspherical element to correct aberrations at full aperture, it sat at the top of the FD 50mm range above the standard f/1.2 and f/1.4 versions.
This is a manual-focus Canon FD lens with a fixed 50mm standard focal length and a maximum aperture of f/1.2. As an L lens it incorporates an aspherical element to control aberrations wide open, and it is built in the New FD black barrel with the redesigned bayonet. Focus and aperture are set manually.
The aspherical design gives this fast standard cleaner rendering at f/1.2 than a conventional design, holding sharpness on the subject while the background falls into a smooth blur. Its speed suits low-light and available-light work, and the 50mm angle makes it a natural choice for portraits, street and everyday shooting.
On the used market the New FD 50mm f/1.2L is a prized L lens and commands a premium, so verify the aspherical optics carefully. Look for haze, fungus, coating marks and separation, confirm the aperture blades are dry and the rings move smoothly, and check the mount for wear. It is highly popular on mirrorless via an optics-free FD adapter.