Brett Harkness Canon Photography Review: The Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM Lens
As one of the most sought-after social/wedding photographers in the UK and across the globe, Brett Harkness knows Canon cameras and lens very well, since they are the only equipment he uses. PhotographyTalk is pleased to share Brett’s insights and honest appraisals of Canon products.
There were 81 real customer reviews of the Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 lens, all giving it a 4-5 star rating. If you would like to read these reviews you can do so here.
Brett scores the Canon 50mm lens - EF f/1.2 L USM lens 9 on a scale of 1 to 10.
My Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 lens used to sit in my camera bag and I could hear it shout at me, “Let me out!” I only kept it for my personal work, however. Even though it may have felt neglected on occasion, I LOVE this lens because it comes the closest to optical perfection for me.
It is not an easy lens to use compared to a zoom, which is the case with all fixed lenses, especially if you have no experience with them. The reason for this is that YOU, the photographer, must “perform” the zoom function with a fixed focal length lens. You must move closer to the subject to fill the frame, instead of simply zooming a lens. The other challenge for many digital photographers is that when the Canon EF 50mm is at its widest aperture, f/1.2, it’s very difficult to achieve a precise focus.
The closest focusing distance of the Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM lens is 1.48 feet (.45m), which is nearly identical to the 50mm f/1.4. This makes the f/1.2 ideal for portraits and as a favorite of photojournalists who must be close to their subject matter.
The build quality of the 50mm f/1.2 is very good and has the solid durability to withstand the countless knocks that I have given it! I once pulled it at a wedding and it separated into two parts! I had to tape it together, so I could use it in the synagogue, but I had to move my hands to simulate a bellows! I don’t advise trying this maneuver at home.
It is the perfect lens for travel and documentary projects and anytime you don’t want to lug too much equipment with you. The Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 lens certainly deserves respect, although, as I stated above, it’s not easy to use. The good news is that once you have mastered it, it will repay your investment in money and practice tenfold.
I have travelled the world with this lens and it was the only lens I used while shooting in India, Prague, Canada and Miami. Now, however, I prefer a 24mm lens. Since the introduction of zooms into my life, I almost forgot about prime, or fixed focal length, lens until I bought another 50mm f/1.2, and I fell in love again.
For me, the 50mm focal length is perfect for the way I shoot. The 35mm is too wide; the 85mm is too long and causes me to be too far from the action or subject matter.
An important tip is that the Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 lens creates considerable “negative” space, so I hardly ever use it in a portrait orientation. You must be very conscious of the composition of the background of your images before you press the shutter. Transforming the negative space into positive space is an art, but that skill is what can make or break a captured image or moment.
I feel most at ease and calm when shooting with this lens at weddings. It fits my documentary style and, when used in conjunction with other focal lengths, gives clients a complete range of images.
There are cheaper 50mm lenses on the market; indeed, my first was the 50mm f/2.5 macro lens, which I took to Cuba. It’s still an amazing lens for the money. Yes, this is an expensive piece of kit, but when you “nail” an image at f/1.2 or 1.4, there is nothing like it.
These are my opinions on how I use this lens every day of my life. If it feels good in my hands, then I use it! This equipment is an extension of my eye and how I see my world and the social world within which I work. That was why I started to use Canon products more than 20 years ago. If a piece of equipment allows you to capture your vision, then use it. It is only when a piece of equipment is a hindrance that you should change it.
If you would like to see more examples of my work please go to www.brettharknessphotography.com.
You can also join me on Facebook, Twitter (@brettharkness), Instagram and Flikr. You’re also invited to visit our wonderful training site with a host of information to watch, read and download: www.brettharknessphotography.com/training
The opinions in this article are those of Brett Harkness and are not necessarily endorsed by PhotographyTalk.
About Brett Harkness: Brett Harkness is a highly regarded UK photographer, who, with Kristie, his wife and business partner, specialize in in all forms of social photography, both studio and outdoors, in the UK and overseas. Brett was born during 1972, and was graduated from Nottingham Trent University, where he studied photography. He spent the next 5 years working on board cruise ships in America and the Caribbean, where he learned the basics of working with a great diversity of people, as he photographed their vacation activities as guests. Couples around the globe seek Brett’s signature style for their wedding photography. He and his wife operate a studio and training facility in a converted wood mill outside of Manchester, England. They offer courses in lighting, lifestyle, and wedding photography.
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