Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

The Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM is a classic, mid-speed 50mm normal prime that balances a bright maximum aperture with manageable size, making it a favourite for portrait, street and low-light photography. Its optical character often emphasises pleasing rendering of skin tones and a natural perspective for general use. The USM autofocus provides quick, reliable focusing and the lens’s build strikes a compromise between premium-feeling glass and everyday usability. While newer designs push resolution further, the 50mm f/1.4 remains a useful lens for photographers seeking character and strong low-light performance without the cost of flagship 50mm optics.