The EF 50mm f/1.8 II Lens is a bright standard or 'normal' focal length prime lens for Canon EOS cameras. With a fast maximum aperture of f/1.8 it's effective in low light situations and offers shallow depth of field for selective focus. This compact high-performance, standard lens shows that expensive exotic glass is not always required for great results. Its classic Gaussian optical design provide sharp delineation from near to far focusing distances. The color balance is excellent for a standard lens also.

The EF 50mm f/1.8 II is also one of the lightest Canon lenses ever; it's as light as the Canon 40mm f/2.8 STM yet less expensive and over a f/stop brighter. The light design makes it effortless to carry and use as a primary or auxiliary lens.

This version II was originally introduced in 1990 as a replacement for Canon's previous EF 50mm f/1.8. In 2015 Canon introduced the EF 50mm f/1.8 STM which features a stepper motor for video work but the 50mm f/1.8 II remains popular with users who are primarily still photographers due to its high quality and lower price. Canon users seeking a faster normal lens should consider the EF 50mm f/1.4 or EF 50mm f/1.2 L which offer a bit more aperture still albeit at additional expense.

The EF 50mm f/1.8 II is one of the very best values in a Canon EOS lens. If you just own kit zooms and no primes try one; shoot with it, you'll be glad you did.