Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM vs Canon RF 50mm f/1.4 L VCM
Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM has more in its favour on paper. The RF 50mm f/1.4 L VCM gathers more light for low light and background blur; the RF 50mm f/1.8 STM is lighter and cheaper.
Choose the RF 50mm f/1.8 STM for
- less weight (160g vs 580g)
- a lower price (about £140 vs £1,110)
Choose the RF 50mm f/1.4 L VCM for
- a brighter maximum aperture (f/1.4, about 0.7 stops more light)
- weather sealing
| RF 50mm f/1.8 STM | RF 50mm f/1.4 L VCM | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Canon | Canon |
| Focal length | 50mm | 50mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.4 |
| Weight | 160 g | 580 g |
| Stabilisation | No | No |
| Weather sealing | No | Yes |
| Filter size | 43mm | 67mm |
| Made for | Full frame | Full frame |
| New price | £209 | £1,449 |
| Used at MPB (Canon RF / RF-S) | £124–£164 | £1,099–£1,129 |
More lens comparisons
See all Canon RF / RF-S cameras and lenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM better than the Canon RF 50mm f/1.4 L VCM?
The RF 50mm f/1.8 STM offers less weight (160g vs 580g), a lower price (about £140 vs £1,110); the RF 50mm f/1.4 L VCM offers a brighter maximum aperture (f/1.4, about 0.7 stops more light), weather sealing.
Which is better value, the RF 50mm f/1.8 STM or the RF 50mm f/1.4 L VCM?
On Canon RF / RF-S, the Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM costs about £140 against about £1,110 for the Canon RF 50mm f/1.4 L VCM (MPB used where listed, otherwise new; checked 5 November 2026).
Is f/1.4 worth it over f/1.8?
f/1.4 gathers about 0.7 stops more light, which helps indoors, at night and for background blur. If you mostly shoot in good light, the slower lens is usually lighter and cheaper.
Do both lenses fit the same cameras?
Both are available for Canon RF / RF-S.