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Canon EF 50mm F 2 5 Compact Macro Review | 54 Data compared

Avg. price:~£180Lens mount:Canon EFMaximum focal length:50 mmMaximum aperture (telephoto end):2.5Optical image stabilization:noMaximum angle of view:46 °

Canon EF 50mm F 2 5 Compact Macro Review: Compare 54 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Camera lenses category and whether it is worth buying.

5.4

Overall score

Score
5.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the camera lens's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best camera lenses on the market.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

80%

4.6

Technical score

20%

8.3

User score

▼Worse than 94% of camera-lenses
4.6

Technical score

Technical score
4.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Camera lenses category across these key areas: Mount & Format, Optics & Aperture, Focus & Controls, Stabilization, Build & Handling, Lab Scores.
When it matters
When you want to compare camera lenses based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

35%

5.0

Optics & Aperture

24%

5.6

Build & Handling

20%

3.2

Focus & Controls

10%

?

Lab Scores

8%

1.0

Stabilization

3%

1.0

Mount & Format

▼Worse than 95% of camera-lenses
8.3

User score

User score
8.3/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera lens.
When it matters
When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

8.3

User ratings

30%

8.3

Number of reviews

Based on 595 buyer reviews from online shops.
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
▼Worse than 52% of camera-lenses
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Best prices

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Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of camera lens Canon EF 50mm F 2 5 Compact Macro

Technical score
Technical score
4.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Camera lenses category across these key areas: Mount & Format, Optics & Aperture, Focus & Controls, Stabilization, Build & Handling, Lab Scores.
When it matters
When you want to compare camera lenses based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

35%

5.0

Optics & Aperture

24%

5.6

Build & Handling

20%

3.2

Focus & Controls

10%

?

Lab Scores

8%

1.0

Stabilization

3%

1.0

Mount & Format

4.6
User score
User score
8.3/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera lens.
When it matters
When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

8.3

User ratings

30%

8.3

Number of reviews

Based on 595 buyer reviews from online shops.
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
8.3
Popularity
Popularity
8.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the camera lens.
When it matters
When you want to see which camera lenses attract the most buyer attention and review activity.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Popularity:
Canon EF 50mm F 2 5 Compact Macro has a popularity score of 8.3 points, which is higher than 65.4% of camera lenses.
8.3
Value for money
Value for money
6.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the camera lens's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you want to know how much overall quality you get for the price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

60%

5.4

Overall score

40%

9.6

Price

6.6
Lens type
macro
Lens mount
Canon EF
Sensor format coverage
Full-frame
Filter thread size
52 mm
Teleconverter compatibility
no
Teleconverter compatibility
no
This camera lens does not support teleconverters. 15.3% of camera lenses support teleconverters.
Dedicated Life-Size Converter EF only.
Show more
Minimum focal length
50 mm
Maximum focal length
50 mm
Optical zoom
N/A
Maximum angle of view
46 °
Minimum angle of view
46 °
Show more
Focus motor
AFD, DC motor
Minimum focus distance
0.23 m
Minimum focus distance
0.23 m
This camera lens focuses as close as 0.23 m, which is closer than 76.7% of camera lenses and equal to 0.9% of camera lenses.
Maximum reproduction ratio
0.5xx
Maximum reproduction ratio
0.5x
This camera lens reaches a reproduction ratio of 0.5x, which is higher than 91% of camera lenses and equal to 2.8% of camera lenses.
1 with optional Life-Size Converter EF.
Full-time manual focus
no
Full-time manual focus
no
This camera lens does not support full-time manual focus. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
Internal focusing
no
Internal focusing
no
This camera lens does not support internal focusing. 83.7% of camera lenses support internal focusing.
Barrel extends during focusing.
Show more
Optical image stabilization
no
Optical image stabilization
no
This camera lens does not support optical image stabilization. 29.1% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
Stabilization effectiveness (CIPA stops)
N/A
Weight
300 g
Weight
300 g
This camera lens weighs 300 g, which is lighter than 74.5% of camera lenses and equal to the weight of 0.4% of camera lenses.
Lens length
63 mm
Lens length
63 mm
This camera lens is 63 mm long, which is shorter than 79.6% of camera lenses.
Lens diameter
67.6 mm
Lens diameter
67.6 mm
This camera lens has a diameter of 67.6 mm, which is slimmer than 78.6% of camera lenses.
Weather sealing (splashproof)
no
Weather sealing (splashproof)
no
This camera lens does not support weather sealing. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
Metal mount
yes
Metal mount
yes
This camera lens uses a metal lens mount. 93.6% of camera lenses use a metal lens mount.
Show more
DxOMark overall score
?
DxOMark sharpness score
?
DxOMark transmission
?
DxOMark distortion
?
DxOMark vignetting
?
Show more

Canon EF 50mm F 2 5 Compact Macro vs the average camera lens

246810TotalMount & FormatOptics & ApertureFocus & ControlsStabilizationBuild & HandlingLab Scores
  • Has focus distance scale
    Focus distance scale
    yes
    This camera lens has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
  • 0.3 lower f-number at telephoto end
    Maximum aperture (telephoto end)
    2.5
    This camera lens has a brighter maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/2.5 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.
    2.5 vs 2.8
  • 0.31 x higher maximum reproduction ratio
    Maximum reproduction ratio
    0.5 x
    This camera lens has a higher maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.5 x vs 0.2 x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192 x.
    1 with optional Life-Size Converter EF.
    0.5 x vs 0.192 x
  • 210 g lighter
    Weight
    300 g
    This camera lens is lighter than the average camera lens (300 g vs 510 g). The average lens weighs 510 g.
    300 g vs 510 g
  • 29.25 mm shorter lens
    Lens length
    63 mm
    This camera lens is shorter than the average camera lens (63 mm vs 92.25 mm). The average lens has a length of 92.25 mm.
    63 mm vs 92.25 mm
  • 9.4 mm narrower lens barrel
    Lens diameter
    67.6 mm
    This camera lens is slimmer than the average camera lens (67.6 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
    67.6 mm vs 77 mm
  • 0.07 m shorter minimum focus distance
    Minimum focus distance
    0.23 m
    This camera lens has a lower minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.2 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
    0.23 m vs 0.3 m
  • 2.94x cheaper
    Canon EF 50mm F 2 5 Compact Macro is cheaper than the average camera lens (£180 vs £530).
    £180 vs £530
  • 2.94x cheaper
    Canon EF 50mm F 2 5 Compact Macro is cheaper than the average camera lens (£180 vs £530).
    £180 vs £530
  • 0.3 lower f-number at telephoto end
    Maximum aperture (telephoto end)
    2.5
    This camera lens has a brighter maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/2.5 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.
    2.5 vs 2.8
  • Has focus distance scale
    Focus distance scale
    yes
    This camera lens has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
  • 0.31 x higher maximum reproduction ratio
    Maximum reproduction ratio
    0.5 x
    This camera lens has a higher maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.5 x vs 0.2 x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192 x.
    1 with optional Life-Size Converter EF.
    0.5 x vs 0.192 x
  • 0.07 m shorter minimum focus distance
    Minimum focus distance
    0.23 m
    This camera lens has a lower minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.2 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
    0.23 m vs 0.3 m
  • 210 g lighter
    Weight
    300 g
    This camera lens is lighter than the average camera lens (300 g vs 510 g). The average lens weighs 510 g.
    300 g vs 510 g
  • 29.25 mm shorter lens
    Lens length
    63 mm
    This camera lens is shorter than the average camera lens (63 mm vs 92.25 mm). The average lens has a length of 92.25 mm.
    63 mm vs 92.25 mm
  • 9.4 mm narrower lens barrel
    Lens diameter
    67.6 mm
    This camera lens is slimmer than the average camera lens (67.6 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
    67.6 mm vs 77 mm
  • Not weather-sealed
    Weather sealing (splashproof)
    no
    This camera lens does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
  • 3 fewer aperture blades
    Aperture blades
    6
    This camera lens has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (6 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.
    6 vs 9
  • No full-time manual focus
    Full-time manual focus
    no
    This camera lens does not support full-time manual focus, the average camera lens does. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
  • No rounded blades
    Rounded aperture blades
    no
    This camera lens does not use rounded aperture blades, the average camera lens does. 87.8% of camera lenses use rounded aperture blades.
    6 straight blades.
  • No internal focusing
    Internal focusing
    no
    This camera lens does not support internal focusing, the average camera lens does. 83.7% of camera lenses support internal focusing.
    Barrel extends during focusing.
  • 2 fewer aspherical elements
    Aspherical elements
    0
    This camera lens has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
    0 vs 2
  • No lens hood
    Lens hood included
    no
    This camera lens does not include a lens hood, the average camera lens does. 88.7% of camera lenses include a lens hood.
  • 2 fewer low-dispersion elements
    Low-dispersion elements
    0
    This camera lens has fewer low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
    0 vs 2
  • 3.7% worse value for money
    Canon EF 50mm F 2 5 Compact Macro has a worse value-for-money score than the average camera lens (6.64 vs 6.9).
    6.64 vs 6.89
  • 3 fewer aperture blades
    Aperture blades
    6
    This camera lens has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (6 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.
    6 vs 9
  • No rounded blades
    Rounded aperture blades
    no
    This camera lens does not use rounded aperture blades, the average camera lens does. 87.8% of camera lenses use rounded aperture blades.
    6 straight blades.
  • 2 fewer aspherical elements
    Aspherical elements
    0
    This camera lens has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
    0 vs 2
  • 2 fewer low-dispersion elements
    Low-dispersion elements
    0
    This camera lens has fewer low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
    0 vs 2
  • No full-time manual focus
    Full-time manual focus
    no
    This camera lens does not support full-time manual focus, the average camera lens does. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
  • No internal focusing
    Internal focusing
    no
    This camera lens does not support internal focusing, the average camera lens does. 83.7% of camera lenses support internal focusing.
    Barrel extends during focusing.
  • Not weather-sealed
    Weather sealing (splashproof)
    no
    This camera lens does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
  • No lens hood
    Lens hood included
    no
    This camera lens does not include a lens hood, the average camera lens does. 88.7% of camera lenses include a lens hood.
  • Older release date
    Release date
    1987
    This camera lens was released earlier than the average camera lens.
    December 1987
    1987 vs 2016

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

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Third-party reviews

Based on 595 buyer reviews from online shops.
Reviews last updated: July 2026 · How we calculate this

What we like about Canon EF 50mm F 2 5 Compact Macro

  • Outstanding center-to-edge sharpness even at wider apertures
  • Extremely lightweight and compact for a macro lens
  • Virtually zero barrel distortion, ideal for flat-art or product photography
  • Highly versatile; performs well as both a macro and a standard 50mm prime
  • Excellent value for the price on the used market
  • Solid build quality featuring a metal mount

What we don't like about Canon EF 50mm F 2 5 Compact Macro

  • Outdated AFD motor that is slow, noisy, and prone to hunting
  • Lacks native 1:1 magnification (limited to 1:2 without the optional Life Size Converter)
  • Front element extends significantly during focusing
  • No internal focusing; the lens barrel physically grows longer as you focus closer
  • Manual focus ring feels 'loose' or scratchy compared to modern USM lenses
  • No image stabilization (IS), which can be challenging for handheld macro work

Verdict

The Canon EF 50mm f/2.5 Compact Macro is a versatile prime lens featuring a 9-element in 8-groups floating optical system that ensures high sharpness across its focusing range. Key specifications include a 0.5x (1:2) maximum magnification, a minimum focusing distance of 23cm (9.1 inches), a 6-blade circular diaphragm, and a 52mm filter thread. Its main characteristics lie in its dual-purpose design, functioning as both a standard 'nifty fifty' and a dedicated macro tool with low distortion and Super Spectra coatings to reduce flare. Pros include its exceptional center-to-edge sharpness, lightweight 280g build, and compatibility with an optional Life-Size Converter for 1:1 macro reproduction. However, cons include a dated AFD motor that is notably noisy, a tendency for the autofocus to hunt in low light due to the long focus throw, and a lack of a built-in focus limiter.

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