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Lens · prime

Canon FD 50mm f/1.2 L

Canon · from 1980

Vintage35mm

Canon FD 50mm f/1.2 L: 8 elements in 6 groups, 8 aperture blades, 0.5m minimum focus, 52mm filter thread, 380g. Canon Camera Museum marketing dates: New FD50mm f/1.2L (October 1980).

Focal length
50mm
Max aperture
f/1.2
Mount
Canon FD
Format
35mm
Elements / groups
8 / 6

Known for

  • Available light
  • Portraits
  • Cinematic video
  • Night photography

Considerations

  • Soft wide open
  • Heavier than the f/1.4 and f/1.8
  • Manual focus challenging at f/1.2

Optical characteristics

Silverlog's editorial rating: our own judgement, not measured data.

Sharpness (wide)3, level 3 of 5
Sharpness (stopped)5, level 5 of 5
Contrast4, level 4 of 5
Flare resistance4, level 4 of 5
CA control3, level 3 of 5
Vignetting control3, level 3 of 5
Distortion control4, level 4 of 5

Bokeh: Dreamy, ethereal at f/1.2

Rendering: Magical wide open, sharp stopped down

Colour: Warm, rich

Silverlog's editorial rating, 1 to 5; five is best. Not lab-measured.

Versions

New FD L

1980-1989

All-black, red L ring

Only made as a New FD lens; the breech-lock aspherical predecessor was the FD 55mm f/1.2 S.S.C. Aspherical

The New FD 50mm f/1.2L (October 1980) has 8 elements in 6 groups, including an aspherical element.

Common issues

  • Sticky aperture
  • Focus ring wear
  • Haze in elements

Buying guide

Check for haze and fungus in elements. Test aperture operation. Focus should be smooth.

Specifications

MountCanon FD
Focal Length50mm
Max Aperturef/1.2
Min Aperturef/16
Aperture Blades8
Min Focus0.5m
Filter Size52mm
Weight380g

Optical design

FormulaDouble Gauss
Elements8
Groups6
CoatingSSC (Canon)
SpecialAspherical element

Pricing

Typical used price
£250 - £450
Mint
~£600

Indicative, no dated source.