§ 03 Head to head

Canon EF 50 mm f/1.2L USM vs Samyang XP 50mm F1.2

Canon 50mm f/1.2 is 620 g lighter. Samyang 50mm f/1.2 has a more aperture blades.

Both lenses are made for the Canon EF mount: the Canon EF 50 mm f/1.2L USM is a 50mm f/1.2 prime, and the Samyang XP 50mm F1.2 is a 50mm f/1.2 prime. On paper the Canon EF 50 mm f/1.2L USM comes out ahead, 4 advantages to 2, but which one suits you depends on what you shoot.

01

Key differences

From manufacturer specifications

Why is the Canon EF 50 mm f/1.2L USM better than the Samyang XP 50mm F1.2?

  • 620 g lighter (580 g vs 1200 g)
  • 52 mm shorter (65.5 mm vs 117.4 mm long)
  • Is weather sealed
  • Smaller filter thread (72 mm vs 86 mm)

Why is the Samyang XP 50mm F1.2 better than the Canon EF 50 mm f/1.2L USM?

  • More aperture blades (9 vs 8)
  • Newer design (2017 vs 2007)
02

Which should you buy?

By use
  • portrait For portrait photography, the Canon EF 50 mm f/1.2L USM has the edge: it is 620 g lighter to carry.
03

Specification

17 rows · better value flagged ◆
SpecificationCanon EF 50 mm f/1.2L USMSamyang XP 50mm F1.2
Focal length50mm 50mm
Maximum aperturef/1.2 f/1.2
Minimum aperturef/16 f/16
Lens typePrime lens Standard prime lens
FormatFull frame Full Frame
Weight580 g (20.46 oz) ◆1,200 g (2.65 lbs)
Dimensions85.8 x 65.5 mm 93 mm (diameter) x 117.4 mm (length)
Minimum focusing distance0.45 m (17.72 inches) 0.45 m (1.48 ft)
Maximum magnification—0.17x
Image stabilizationNo No
Weather sealingYes ◆No
Aperture ringNo No
Aperture blades8 9 ◆
Optical construction8 elements / 6 groups 11 elements in 8 groups (1 aspherical, 1 high refractive index element)
Filter size72 mm ◆86 mm
Lens mountCanon EF Canon EF
Released2007 2017
04

Size

Drawn to relative scale
  • A · Canon
  • B · Samyang
  • 65.5 × 85.8 mm
  • 117.4 × 93 mm

The Samyang XP 50mm F1.2 is 52 mm longer and 620 g heavier than the Canon EF 50 mm f/1.2L USM.

05

Sample frames

Shot on each lens

Canon EF 50 mm f/1.2L USM

20230618-151211
20230618-151211 by AlexM.
time flies
time flies by wheres_bruce
Oltre il silenzio — Beyond the Silence
Oltre il silenzio — Beyond the Silence by deddazzo
Oltre il silenzio — Beyond the Silence
Oltre il silenzio — Beyond the Silence by deddazzo

Samyang XP 50mm F1.2

Tan universal que es unico
Tan universal que es unico by Nebelkuss
La playa de la cocina
La playa de la cocina by Nebelkuss
La Baja de Maspalomas
La Baja de Maspalomas by Nebelkuss
Bandera Roja, Montaña Roja
Bandera Roja, Montaña Roja by Nebelkuss
06

Video reviews

4 on YouTube
Video thumbnail for Canon EF 50 mm f/1.2L USM review 1
Video thumbnail for Canon EF 50 mm f/1.2L USM review 2
Video thumbnail for Samyang XP 50mm F1.2 review 1
Video thumbnail for Samyang XP 50mm F1.2 review 2
07

Questions

Which is lighter, the Canon EF 50 mm f/1.2L USM or the Samyang XP 50mm F1.2?
The Canon EF 50 mm f/1.2L USM weighs 580 g, 620 g less than the Samyang XP 50mm F1.2 (1200 g).
Do the Canon EF 50 mm f/1.2L USM and the Samyang XP 50mm F1.2 have image stabilization?
No, neither lens has optical image stabilization; rely on in-body stabilization if your camera has it.
Is the Canon EF 50 mm f/1.2L USM or the Samyang XP 50mm F1.2 better for portrait photography?
For portrait photography, the Canon EF 50 mm f/1.2L USM has the edge: it is 620 g lighter to carry.
08

Other comparisons