Canon EF vs RF - 50mm F/1.2 - My Thoughts + Example Photos - Portrait Photoshoot Behind the Scenes! 

I love your portrait style. So very unique. Your pictures literally LITERALLY warmed me inside. They just made me feel good looking at them. Like, I felt like I were there, in that environment. Your style speaks for itself.

I'm still loving the EF lenses and just upgraded from a 6D to a 5D mark iv after 6 years of using my previous camera. The price for me couldn't justify getting a mirrorless until it drops in price more!

50mm F1.2 is my bread and butter for my photoshoots. I actually upgraded from EF to RF. My personal experience was RF provided additional sharpness, which compliments my style. That being said, everyone has their own style - No one style is better than the other. Both lens are amazing.

Looks like RF suits more of product photography and EF for Model and dreamy artistic look. Your video really helped me decide that I should go for EF version and enjoy its characteristics

Finally a review based on a photoshoot experience rather than chart analysis or lab photos. I loved hearing your thoughts and opinion about both lenses, which made me choose for the EF unique style rather than the rf one. Thank you!

For me, EF has something more magical. Sharpness is not everything. The feeling from the photo is important. Very nice video. 👍👍👍

Thank you so much for this illuminating as well as sensitive practical review of this two lenses. I still work with my Nifty-Fifty (RF 50mm f/1.8 STM), which I bought for ridiculous 120 Swiss Francs, but with surprisingly good results. EF or RF version of the f/1.2? If you have the opportunity to shoot such beautiful women the result is outstanding anyway 🤩 But if one looks closely to your images it becomes obvious that the the R- version images are not only sharper, but have more contrast with more vivid colors. So the faces pop more out of the background, they have a more pronounced three-dimensional look. Bottom line: I am looking forward to get a used copy of the RF second hand, what will cost me about 1500 Swiss Francs. The EF- version new plus EF-RF- adapter would cost me 1230 Francs, so the difference to an used RF 50/1.2 is negligible for me. Kind regards from Switzerland.

EF magical lens. RF clinical as iphone 12 shoots. nothing special. just shots. But good work dude anyway . thnx .

I really hope Canon releases an L-series 50mm f1.4, I think a lot of people are stuck between not wanting to be saddled with the size of the f1.2 but wanting better than what the nifty fifty f1.8 can offer. I'm jealous of Sony users getting two great looking G Master lenses recently with their 35 and 50 1.4s.

I don't have a canon but I wanted to say that your fit is fire! Photographer x Wild West aesthetic

good shit! finally a photographer not overemphasizing on the sharpness all the tech people (and non-photographers) care so much about!

Well, as for art-portrait photoshoot, I would even PREFER the EF softness. There is no need in this extra-sharpness at all. It kind of kills the atmosphere somehow, IMHO. Wanted to reduce the sharpness and clarity on the test shots, to be honest :) But it's all about the art portraits, which is my passion. Technically, of course, the sharper lens is the better one. Thanx for the video! - By the way - got the EF after watching your video about it, for about 600$ used in nice cindition. Shoot with EOS R. Absolutely Love the lens! =) - P.S. why are you wearing mask in the hiils?? That peace of cloth doesn't help even in the city, man. They only lock us down, and tell us lies. Thanx for the vid once again. Take care!

LOL walking outside still wearing masks, then removed masks when taking the pics, ... LMAO, but thanks for the review

Dude - forget the lenses - your images and creativity are next level. I'm much more interested in your technique. What time of day was this shoot?

ну сравнил конечно обьектосы с ND фильтром и разными крупностями планов, сравнитель блин с ND шником по сути ты фильтр только сравниваешь господи да где вас таких находят фотографы блин!

Love the RF images 😍

you killed this comparison! loved the style and your thoughts!

RF glass seems to really unlock R mount cameras' fullest technological potential. I've noticed even my cheap RFS 10-18mm pancake lens, just how nice and sharp it gets when I was in Cuba doing beach shots on my R7 vs, my old beasty Sigma 18-35. Now I know they're not the same lens built for the same purpose, or have the same aperture. But performance wise; the RFS locked on better, faster, and slightly sharper but retained less detail than that old EFS. Now, this got me very curious. I have an old EF 70-200 f2.8L version 1 non-IS and I got some really nice shots with it. How much better would the RF version be?

This was a great comparison. Was the EF loud when AF’ing? I shoot more with flash and curious when shooting as the sun went down were you exposing for the face or underexposing? Could you give an idea of settings please. If your using histogram? Thanks

Two years have passed since you made this video. Have you changed your mind and moved to RF or you are still using your EF?

People always knew EF focusing system have some flaw(even some of my collegues spent tons of money to alight right focus point with camera repair shop with these prime L mount lenses) unlike their competitors like 'Nikon' but they never fixing it and finally with RF system this 'soft' lenses get a new light :) I myself own EF version but with a size, weight, price and most importanly less character than EF version make me keep my old one instead of RF version.

I have the rf 50mm 1.2 an its fantstic!!! Bro your Pics ar awsome!!! Please More from your work

Beautiful models too, thank you for the content. I would love to see the playlist continue with more photoshoots like this comparing the rest of the RF line vs EF 35, 85 ...

I own the EF currently, not the RF, so I'm probably biased but I think I like the slightly fuzzier quality of the EF, although the RF's sharpness looks dope. I also have the Dream Lens which murders both of these in the character department.

The key difference that you can adopt EF lens to any camera brand, and RF (and any other "modern" mirrorless lenses) you can use just to specific mounts, no adapters. Such a dumb from manufacturers....

Ef version is perfect for me on R body at f2.

I've been watching this specific video 3 times in a raw. I really hated 50mm focal length because I thought it was in the middle of nowhere. I love the 35mm 1.4 for its slight distortion and "filmy" effect and the 85mm 1.4 for its dreamy bokeh. This video just made me love 50 1.2!!!! The EF version is on the way, I guess I will receive it next Wednesday. I have an R and an R6 but I can't afford the RF version right now. Thank you!

I enjoyed your content! I'm wondering why your using a ND filter on the RF but not the EF lens.

Ahh thank you for this! Never wanted to click play so fast in my life. Your 50mm EF 1.2 video made me buy it!

Well Zach you got me... I usually subscribe to channels that I randomly find videos.. if I see more than once video that makes me smile.. I'm subscribed with notifications.... You win bro. Looking to get an R6 and invest onto great EF glass (until photo pays any bills, then I'll look at RF) btw. That single thumbs down.. was just a sour dude totally envious of you hanging out with gorgeou models. Big high-five from the Dominican Republic! @MonchyPerez

I have them all And i still love Ef more because of weight

The EF is not as sharp as the RF, ut the quality of image it produces is special. Sharpness is not the determining factor in the image quality of a supetfast lens. It is just a technical aspect and quite often overrated.

Thanks comparing rf are in mind prepared for even more resolution camera's coming... By the way all model photos look seriously

My EF 1.2 has very poor front focus issues on my canon r5. Is this fixable?

Cool video!! I am planning to buy Canon EOS R6 soon and I'll buy RF 50mm F1.2 for sure. What will be the best lens with Canon EOS R6 for landscape photography, please?? Soon I will be into the Smoky Mountains!

color fringing can be easily corrected via post. So it’s down to lil bit sharper lil bit faster lil bit creamier bokeh, and bit heavier more surgical. So 1000 dollars more? Meh

Love this one! I do landscape and macro, and your contrasting the two lenses in the real world use is exactly what I needed! Unfortunately, this means more money, but it’s better to make the right choice the first time!

EF has more character

The RD images have a medium format vibe. I’m loving the quality.

Thanks for the excellent review, well done. Were any of the EF images shown at 2:21 & 2:31sharpened? The eyelashes can been seen in fine detail. Were they shot at F/1.2? The images, shot at F/1.2, from my EF50 F/1.2 + EOS R combo are not as sharp as the EF ones in your review (yours are much sharper). Thanks.

I have a question, does your RF lens work noiselessly? Because I have 24-105 / 4 and you can't hear him when AF works. Recently I used RF 50 / 1.2 and you could hear how it works. Is it normal ?

How convenient that Canon is not allowing Tamron and Sigma with their excellent prime lenses on RF mount, so they can get away with charging insane amounts for their new RF lenses.

About to buy RF 50 f1.2L much appreciated ❤

The RF is sharper than the EF (we already knew that, hence the uselessness of this video). The RF is too clinical and uninteresting and its price is crazy, not to mention its weight. I much prefer the EF, to keep carefully since Canon has decided to sell Fisher Price plastic toys, making us believe that they are professional cameras like SLRs. Besides, if we are to believe the Canon propaganda, the Pro photographers before the existence of the R took blurry photos. Really ?

The reflecting light setup is manipulated to provide an obvious advantage to the rf lens.

Don’t know if it’s my Ef50 lens problem or a generic problem, when I shot photos which have messy back scenes (e.g. tress with light), I can see super strong purple in the bokeh

Hey Zach. Did you use Cascade preset here at all. Love both these lenses. Think this is a great video. Time for the 85 1.2 shootout.

Lens is one thing but having so lovely models also helpful

EF any day ... its more natural to me 😊 ... great video 💪👍

Can you company Canon EF 50 1.2 and Canon RF 50 1.8?

на таком ведре без фильтра никак

As an EF 50 1.8 STM owner, i'm super jealous of the unique renderings of EF 50 1.2L. Something that i can only dream about. Great comparison video btw!

EF version can't be beaten> The way it renders that sunlight.

New sub here! I really like your style. I’m considering the rf 1.2 though it may be awhile before I’ll save enough. I really love the way it renders the out of focus backgrounds. So beautiful!

Great video! can i ask why you were shooting with an ND filter on?

Wonderful and super artistic, the video made me forget about the equipment.

Mr. Mendez, you are a simply outstanding photographer. You really captured the tender beauty of these two models in such a dreamy setting. I'd be really appreciative if you could tell me how much the chromatic aberrations (color fringing) of the EF lens gets in the way. I'm debating whether to go the SONY A7IV + 50mm f/1.4 GM or the Canon R6 + 50 EF 1.2 (as a non-pro I can't justify $2300 for the RF). I love the look of Canon raw files, but I'm concerned that the color fringing on the EF lens. What are your thoughts, as a pro portrait photographer?

Since day one my EF has stunned me in its capabilities. Kinda like golf, who can get better results? Tiger woods with a set of $200 clubs or you with a set of $10,000 clubs. Look what Ansel Adams was using, a box with a drape attachment.

I have to be honest Zach, I don't need to know the difference between the lenses because all my cameras and lenses are Fujifilm (haha), but I truly enjoy watching your videos, if nothing else, for inspiration, don't tell anybody but I’m definitely stealing the mirror on the ground idea, great tip/trick, thank you. Stay safe.

I just discovered your channel. Oh Wow !!! What a creative spirit, what talent you have !!!. I am a former Nikon shooter. My first camera was a Nikon F2 and my last a D850 ... I am looking to acquire the R5 and the RF 50mm f / 1.2 lens. You have been able to highlight the pros and cons of both very well. Thank you for this very informative video and once again your photos are simply stunning. Congratulations for your work.

The EF lens renders a more artistic looking image

This is such an amazing review in the beginning you mention the price the EF is a already expensive the RF lenses are just crazy in terms of price. Buy love the review and hey let me save up for the rf. One day, one day. Keep up the great videos

Sharpness for what? Too see more skin imperfections? RF mount for what? To sell all focals again!

The EF has more of a classic film vibe to it, which is to say I personally prefer its character. The RF can definitely feel a bit over-sharp for some styles. If you're the type of shooter that digs the Fujifilm vibe, the EF is the way to go. For super high-res commercial stuff, the RF would definitely win out. I'd be super interested to see the same lens comparison on your C70, graded to match your photo style and the EF with and without the .71x adapter.

Hmm have you tried it the other way around? The EF on the R6 and on the R the RF lense? Could be also the sensor is better cause R6 doesn't have that internal filter (forgot what it's called)

Amazing video, love the pictures! I like when the review/comparisons are made by really good photographers.

Zack, thanks for this! Super helpful, thoughtfully put together, and beautifully artistic. I love the vibe!

The lighting was amazing that day. I don't thinknyou could take a bad picture that day

I'm wondering how well the sharpness deficit can be remedied with careful sharpening in post.

I picked up an RF 1.2 thanks to this video and in particular, the photo at 9:09. I’ve watched this probably 15 times. Can’t wait to get it. The lighting at that location is crazyyy.

I prefer the look of the ef 50mm L

You have nice copy of EF 50 L, keep it

Where do you think the sweet spot is on the Canon EF 50mm F/1.2L lens ?

What company did you rent the lenses from and how much?

I don’t care what positives you say about the rf lenses . I’m not paying that price

EF 50L is one of my favourite FX lenses from Canon, i really love the look it produce (as well as 85L II), part of their character is that they are full of flaws (sharpness, flare, vignette and so one) so if i need a sharp 50, i just go for 50/1.8 one. From the RF lineup, the RF35IS really stood out for me, much better than EF35IS and original EF35L and the wide angle macros full of bokeh are just beautiful.

Beautiful pics and sound comparison... Thanks. - Since you made this video, Canon has came out with Cine lenses... Are they only for video? No AF, it looks like. One such lens is: EF Cinema prime CN-E50mm T1.3 L F (EF mount).

Great video and interesting to see the older EF 50 lens held up so well. I think the subject matter (beautiful models) and your creative interpretation transcends the technical differences between these lenses! Having said that the new RF 50 is a great kens that in the right hands can take photography to a new level.

Great photos! I was considering picking up an 85 RF 1.2 but convinced me to try an get more mileage out of my 50 before I spend the $$

whats the plastic bag on the lense is for?

I love the old classic nifty fifty, the rf 50 lens is boring. It’s a great lens and too perfectly sound and you know what perfect can give you, boredom.

Hey, awesome review! Just one thing… the EOS R has the command dial just like the some Pentax, Nikon and Sony’s. Up top in the back besides the LCD screen so you can use it with your thumb without loosing the grip of the camera contrary to the back dial which you would have to loose your grip to operate it. The EOS R5 incorporates the same layout without the thumb bar and the extra wheel and the AF button in a better place. Cheers! Really enjoy the review!!!

Autofocus?

Wish you drop sample files to check the quality

Do you have a tutorial/can you do a tutorial on how you do your film grain?

Biases? Sorry but are you making up words?

Would you recommend a Sigma 50 mm f1.4 art over the Canon 50 mm f1.2 ?

To shoot at F1.2 during daylight, what ND filter stop did you use?

Can I ask what lens you used to shoot the video on the C70?

Loved this video quality a lot, for a guy who listens to hip hop music all the time I really enjoyed the audio part of this everything was just high quality and relaxing

Makes sense it's not always the sharper the better. But man the difference in fringing.

I recently borrowed the 85 1.2 RF from Canon to compare to my EF II version and money aside I do prefer the newer lens for my work but because I shoot mostly w/the 28-70 f2 RF already it's hard to justify and I'll stay with my EF for now. Great work I'm typically not impressed w/these kinds of videos with models on RU-vid but this work is actually creative and illustrates the differences between the lenses nicely

I defy anyone to notice the difference on 10 x 8 prints side by side. Outstanding images by the way

Really nice video. Plz do tell what presets you used. Very nice film look with the canons.

Great compatison with greater skills. Nice yo know you.

I have noticed a lot of backlit portraits without any artificial light source😮

Hello

Hey Zach, where did u found ur musics? I feel something special about this style, is kind and peacefull :)

This is the video I've been looking for! Trying to decide between the R5 and R6 and I'm stunned by the image quality out of the R6 with the EF! (currently on a 5dmk3). Excited either way I go! Would you say you at all "miss" or want for the additional resolution? (I know it depends on your crop style etc).

Would be nice if you have the camera settings written on each of the pictures you displayed. Beautiful model and fantastic results.