EF 50 mm f/1L USM vs EF 50 mm f/2.5 Compact Macro
Canon
EF 50 mm f/1L USM
Canon
EF 50 mm f/2.5 Compact Macro
Here we are comparing the Canon EF 50 mm f/1L USM and the Canon EF 50 mm f/2.5 Compact Macro. The Canon EF 50 mm f/1L USM is a 50mm standard prime lens with a maximum aperture of f/1, released in 1989. The Canon EF 50 mm f/2.5 Compact Macro is a 50mm macro lens with a maximum aperture of f/2.5, released in 1987.
There is a 2 years difference between the Canon EF 50 mm f/2.5 Compact Macro and the Canon EF 50 mm f/1L USM — the newer design may benefit from more recent optical engineering and coatings.
Below you will find a detailed side-by-side comparison of their specifications, features, and key differences.
Shopping links may contain affiliate codes that support this site at no extra cost to you.
| Compare | Fastest Aperture | |
|---|---|---|
| Mount | ||
| Sensor Size | Full Frame | Full Frame |
| Best For | Portrait | Portrait Macro Street |
Price & Availability | ||
| Shop | ||
Optical Specifications | ||
| Focal Length | 50 mm | 50 mm |
| Aperture | f/1 | f/2.5 |
| Aperture Blades | 8 | 6 |
Features | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Image Stabilization | No | No |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
Close-up Performance | ||
| Min. Focus Distance | 0.95 m | 0.23 m |
| Max. Magnification | - | - |
Physical Specifications | ||
| Weight | 989 g | 280 g |
| Length | 81.5 mm | 63 mm |
| Diameter | 91.5 mm | 67.6 mm |
| Filter Thread | 72 mm | 52 mm |
Price & Availability | ||
| Release Year | 1989 | 1987 |
| Shop | ||
Shopping links may contain affiliate codes that support this site at no extra cost to you.
Comparing Canon EF 50 mm f/1L USM (50 mm, f/1) and Canon EF 50 mm f/2.5 Compact Macro (50 mm, f/2.5).
Canon EF 50 mm f/2.5 Compact Macro is the lightest at 280 g, Canon EF 50 mm f/1L USM weighs 989 g.
Canon EF 50 mm f/1L USM offers the fastest maximum aperture at f/1, allowing for better low-light performance and shallower depth of field.
Canon EF 50 mm f/2.5 Compact Macro can focus closest at 0.23 m minimum focus distance.
Use the detailed comparison table below to see all specifications side-by-side and find the perfect lens for your photography needs.
Discover the best lenses for your camera mount and photography style
Top-rated Canon EF lenses optimized for Portrait Photography
Top-rated Canon EF lenses optimized for Landscape Photography
Top-rated Canon EF lenses optimized for Astrophotography
Explore all curated lens recommendations by mount and photography type
