Lens · prime
Canon FD 50mm f/1.8
Canon · from 1971
Vintage35mm
Canon FD 50mm f/1.8: 6 elements in 4 groups, 5 aperture blades, 0.6m minimum focus, 52mm filter thread, 170g. Canon Camera Museum marketing dates: FD50mm f/1.8 S.C. (I) (March 1973); FD50mm f/1.8 S.C. (II) (March 1976); New FD50mm f/1.8 (June 1979).
- Focal length
- 50mm
- Max aperture
- f/1.8
- Mount
- Canon FD
- Format
- 35mm
- Elements / groups
- 6 / 4
Known for
- General photography
- Street
- Travel
- Budget quality
Considerations
- 5 aperture blades (New FD)
- Not as fast as f/1.4
Optical characteristics
Silverlog's editorial rating: our own judgement, not measured data.
Sharpness (wide)4, level 4 of 5
Sharpness (stopped)5, level 5 of 5
Contrast4, level 4 of 5
Flare resistance4, level 4 of 5
CA control4, level 4 of 5
Vignetting control3, level 3 of 5
Distortion control4, level 4 of 5
Bokeh: Pleasant, smooth
Rendering: Sharp, clean
Colour: Neutral
Silverlog's editorial rating, 1 to 5; five is best. Not lab-measured.
Versions
FD / FD S.C. (breech-lock)
1971-1979
Chrome breech-lock ring; 55mm filter
6 elements in 4 groups, 6 blades (5 on the 1976 S.C. II), 200-305 g
New FD
1979-1990
All-black, bayonet-style mount; 52mm filter
6 elements in 4 groups, 5 blades, 170 g
Common issues
- Sticky aperture
- Focus ring wear
Buying guide
Check aperture and focus.
Specifications
| Mount | Canon FD |
| Focal Length | 50mm |
| Max Aperture | f/1.8 |
| Min Aperture | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 5 |
| Min Focus | 0.6m |
| Filter Size | 52mm |
| Weight | 170g |
Optical design
| Formula | Double Gauss |
| Elements | 6 |
| Groups | 4 |
| Coating | sc |
Pricing
- Typical used price
- £15 - £40
- Mint
- ~£60
Indicative, no dated source.