Canon EF 50 mm f/1.4 USM Lens Review and Sample Photos with Model, Annie Montgomery

July 5, 2026

(By using the affiliate links and/or codes in this blog post, you help support Myles Katherine Photography. I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase through these links. Thank you for your support!)

I’ve reviewed quite a few Canon lenses at this point but I definitely can’t forget about this one! The Canon EF 50 mm f/1.4 USM lens is probably one of the most underrated Canon lenses, in my opinion. It was my first fixed lens that I purchased to use alongside my Canon 5D Mark II (I’ve since upgraded to the Canon 5D Mark IV), and it was honestly the starting point for my entire photography career. The images I created with this lens caught the eyes of some of my very first clients. It’s an incredible lens for the price and has a magic to it that I haven’t been able to find with any other lenses in this price point. I eventually upgraded to the Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L lens (you can read more about this lens on my blog here!) and sold this one, but then I recently found it in a thrift store for an incredible price and bought it again! I was always upset with myself for selling it because the images I created with it were so special and memorable. I’m honestly so glad that it’s back in my collection. I typically give it to my second shooter at weddings while I use the 50 mm f/1.2 L, just because that one does do a bit better in low light. But there are so many positive things about the 50 mm f/1.4 USM lens and so I believe it deserves a full blog post showcasing it’s amazing capabilities!

3 OF MY FAVORITE FEATURES OF THE CANON 50MM F/1.4 LENS

IT’S SMALL AND LIGHTWEIGHT
Once you get into the L series lenses, they start to get bulky and heavy. The 50mm f/1.2 L lens is much larger and heavier than the f/1.4. If you go for the f/1.8 lens which is even cheaper then this lens, the lens is even smaller. However, I didn’t find the f/1.8 lens as special as this one. While I prefer zoom lenses in general, especially when I’m shooting a wedding, I love a fixed lens because of how much less annoying they are to walk around with. They’re great for traveling and are much easier to manage when carrying it in a camera bag. I travel a LOT and I have reached a point in my life where I just don’t bring my giant zoom lenses with me anymore. They make my backpack way too heavy. So these days I’ll stick a fixed lens on my camera and call it a day. I don’t find them as efficient and they do require more patience because you constantly have to step backwards or forwards to capture the exact distance you want from your subject or landscape.
THE BOKEH IS STUNNING
While the bokeh that this lens can produce isn’t technically amazing, there is something special about it, in my opinion. The key characteristic of ideal bokeh is that the circles that the lens produces at it’s widest aperture are perfectly circular. These circles are a little oblong, but I find it gives the images more of a surreal quality, which I prefer. It reminds me of an art lens, like the TTArtisan 75mm f/1.5 Swirly Bokeh Lens or the Petzval lenses (you can find them on Lomography or eBay for more affordable used ones).
IT’S AFFORDABLE!
I recommend this lens constantly because it’s an amazing mid-range lens that can truly elevate your work. Personally, I love shooting with this lens wide open, or close to it. In bright lighting situations, you’ll want to lower your exposure to make up for all of the light the lens is bringing in. If your photos are too bright or blown out, that’s how you know the exposure needs to come down. This lens costs about $450 new, which is pretty amazing for the images it can produce. Of course, it matters what camera you’re shooting with too, but for the images shared in this post, I used a Canon 5D Mark II, which was a super professional camera when it first was released, but now can be found for as cheap as $300 through KEH Camera for one in excellent condition. It’s a great starting point if you’re just starting your photography business and aren’t quite ready to spend thousands of dollars on lenses and equipment.

CANON 50 MM F/1.2 L LENS (LEFT) VS. CANON 50MM F/1.4 USM LENS

3 CONS OF THE CANON 50MM F/1.4 USM LENS

IT HAS A STRONG VIGNETTE TO THE IMAGES
This isn’t necessary a negative to me, but a lot of people might find this frustrating. My favorite camera in the world is the Holga GCFN, which is known for it’s intense vignette, so I’m used to it and I find that it fits my personal style perfectly. I like to shoot darker imagery and I love a spooky elements to my photos. If you’re looking for a perfect wedding lens for high quality portraits or you prefer brighter imagery when editing, you’d probably prefer the 50mm f/1.2 L lens. If you aren’t sure what I mean by vignette, it means that the edges of the photo are dark and shadowy, almost like you’re shooting through a pinhole camera. You can see a circular ghosting around the corners of the photo. Again, doesn’t bother me but I totally understand if it bothers you!
THE IMAGES MIGHT SEEM A BIT SOFT
I wouldn’t describe this lens as the sharpest in the world, especially when comparing it to the 50 mm f/1.2 L lens. My 1.2 lens is incredibly sharp, especially when I’m shooting with the newer mirrorless cameras. I have a Canon EOS R that does amazing with the 1.2 lens, and I’m going to be upgrading to the Canon R6 Mark III soon and I know that’s going to be incredible too! I’m definitely looking for the sharpest images possible when I’m shooting for a client. However, creatively I actually prefer softer images. I’m also used to shooting with a lot of crappy film cameras, so I’m used to my images not being perfectly sharp. I just think it adds more character. I’m not a technically minded person so I’m not always looking to create the best image. I’m looking to create the most unique image.
IT ISN’T COMPATIBLE WITH THE NEWER CANON MIRRORLESS CAMERAS WITHOUT AN ADAPTER
This lens is a bit outdated as Canon moves towards only producing mirrorless cameras. The RF lenses are the newer line of lenses by Canon, so if you decide to get a Canon 5D Mark II, III or IV, then the RF lenses are not compatible at all. Meaning, no matter what you can’t use the RF lenses with an EF camera. However! It does work the other way around. You CAN use the EF lenses with an RF camera. So the 50 mm f/1.4 lens that I’m talking about isn’t entirely useless. You just have to buy an EF to RF adapter. But just know that this lens is the older EF style of lenses by Canon. And just to let you know, the adapter does make the lens stick out a bit more so it makes your camera set-up a bit bulkier.

SO, WOULD I RECOMMEND THIS LENS?

100%. I recommend this lens constantly to anyone who asks me where they should start if they don’t have a huge budget. I’d probably go for a Canon 6D Mark II and this lens if you’re looking for an affordable but professional starter set-up. This set-up carried me for quite a few years and helped me to grow my photography business. I actually used the Canon 6D, not the 6D Mark II, but I recommend the 6D Mark II because it’s a bit more modern. If you’re looking for more of a budget option and really want to start low, the Canon 5D Mark II and III are incredibly affordable, but just know you’re likely buying a used one, since they are pretty outdated. They were top of the line when they first came out though, so if you’re able to find one in excellent+ condition, you’re really getting an incredible deal and could definitely be considered a professional photographer with the images you could produce.

I’m so glad this lens is back in my possession and I honestly can’t wait to take it out on another fun fashion shoot. It’s a great lens if you’re looking to be creative, have fun, and create unique images. I was lucky enough to work with model Annie Montgomery for these photos and I’m just so obsessed with everything we created together. We took these photos in Forest Park in Portland, Oregon, which is one of the most magical places in the city. If you’re visiting Portland, I highly recommend walking the trail from Lower Macleay park to Pittock Mansion.

If you’re looking for a zoom lens, I highly recommend the Canon 24-70mm f/2.8 II L lens ( I have a full blog post about this lens here). I’ve been using this lens for years and it has truly carried my photography business. It’s perfect for weddings and low light scenarios that require fast shooting. It’s great for portraits but also for landscapes, nature and travel. If I had to choose between a fixed lens or a zoom lens, I’d always go for a zoom, but ideally I have a fixed lens and a zoom lens with me at all times. You’re usually compromising a wide aperture for the zoom focal length, so when it comes specifically to portraits, a 50 mm lens like the 50 mm f/1.4 is my go-to. Nothing beats the magic of an f/1.2 or f/1.4 lens shot wide open.

So, in conclusion, I love this lens and I think you will too! If you’ve used this lens before, I’d love to know what you think about it! Maybe I’m weird for loving it’s quirkiness but I just find it creates the most beautiful, surreal photos. Let me know your thoughts!

If you’re in the beginning stages of choosing a camera, make sure to check out my blog posts, The 15 Best Digital Cameras for Beginner Photographers Under $1500 or The Top 10 Most Desired Digital Cameras of 2026.

WHERE TO BUY THE CANON 50MM F/1.4 USM LENS

AMAZON

B&H PHOTO

KEH CAMERA (USED)

WHERE TO BUY THE CANON 50MM F/1.2 L LENS

AMAZON

B&H PHOTO

KEH CAMERA (USED)

If you found this post helpful in any way, I’d love it if you considered signing up for my Patreon! For as little as $1 a month, you’ll get early access to all of my YouTube videos, plus tons of photos that I don’t post anywhere else. Depending on which tier you choose, you could also receive seasonal prints and/or discounts! I always use all of the proceeds towards cameras, film & processing.

If you have any questions, I’m always happy to help! You can contact me here, or leave a comment below! Thanks so much for stopping by! You can also check out my B&H Photo storefront & Amazon Storefront for more camera/film recommendations. :) Have a magical day!

<3 Myles Katherine

Canon R6 Mark III Review Using the Canon RF 28-70mm f/2.8 IS STM Lens with Sample Photos | Is it Worth the Cost & Hype?

January 25, 2026

I’m SO excited to review this camera. I’ve been keeping an eye on the R5 and R6 lines by Canon for a while now. The Canon R6 Mark III was just released in November 2025 and I had the opportunity to try it out recently. And I’m not kidding when I say, this is my current dream camera. It was everything I was hoping for and is now on my list as the camera I plan to purchase this year to replace my EOS R. I’ve had the Canon EOS R, which was Canon’s very first mirrorless camera, since 2020 (I have a full blog post about this camera here). I’ve been using it as my secondary camera at photo shoots and weddings, with the Canon 5D Mark IV as my main camera. There are a lot of things about the EOS R that just made it unreliable to use as my main camera, but it had some redeeming qualities that made me still kept it in my back pocket. Mainly, the photos were incredibly sharp and it had amazing low-light functionality. But it felt fragile in my hand, the controls didn’t feel intuitive, and there were features that kept activating when I didn’t want them to. I didn’t have time to fumble around with a camera at a wedding, so the 5D Mark IV was my go-to. After testing the Canon R6 Mark III recently though, I finally feel like there’s a Canon camera that edges out my 5D Mark IV. I can say without a doubt that when I do buy this camera, it’s going to be my main camera, with the 5D Mark IV as my backup. That’s kind of crazy to say, because for years the 5D Mark IV was considered top of the line in it’s price range for professional photographers. I’m also just ready for something more modern that competes with everything else out there by other brands.

STANDOUT FEATURES OF THE R6 MARK III

As the third iteration of the R6 cameras from Canon, they have definitely worked out some of the kinks. Canon hasn’t always been able to keep up with some of the other main camera brands when it comes to autofocus and video specifically. Canon made sense for photographers, but not really videographers. I think that is finally shifting though because the autofocus and image stabilization on the R6 Mark III is the best I’ve experienced so far with a Canon camera. I’ve somehow never owned a digital camera with image stabilization and I already miss it. Once you have image stabilization, you just can’t go back. All of my cameras and lenses feel outdated now, which is a bummer, but it’s also giving me the drive and inspiration to get rid of some old gear and spring for the R6 Mark III. While it’s not the most affordable camera in the world, you get a LOT for the price. To me, yes, it’s pricey, but if you’re a professional photographer, you’ll make back that money tenfold. It’s currently priced at $2799, but it sort of hovers in that mid-range of not-affordable but not-absurdly-expensive. It’s approachable to aspiring and professional photographers, but maybe not to the average consumer. If you’re hoping to grow your business or start your business, the R6 Mark III will bring a professionality to your work that can catapult you above other photographers who maybe aren’t willing to invest that much into their gear. But I’m telling you, your gear is the most important part of your business.

Other standout features include a 32.5 MP sensor (much better than the R6 Mark II’s 24 MP sensor), up to 7K video at 60 fps (insane!), super fast continuous shooting up to 40 fps (great for sports and wildlife photography), a super sturdy weather sealed body, dual card slots, a multiple exposure option, an articulating screen (great for vloggers and video), and so many other things. From the R6 Mark II, the image stabilization was improved upon (from about 8 IBIS stops to 8.5 stops, along with some other stabilization improvements), the battery life was improved (the R6 Mark III uses a new style of battery, the LP-E6P) and a different secondary card slot that uses a CF express Type B card which is faster in terms of write speed, especially for large RAW files and those 7K video files. It still has a UHS-II SD card slot though too, so don’t worry!

For me though, the image stabillization, 7K video and autofocus are what excite me most because I’ve never had a camera with such amazing video quality AND picture quality. What I love most about Canon is the stunning photo capabilities and natural beauty of the images. But I’ve always had to sacrifice on video functionality, which has made me feel like I could only ever be a “photographer” and never a true videographer. But the R6 Mark III would really expand my capabilities as a photographer/videographer hybrid shooter, which means more work for my business.

IMAGE QUALITY

Obviously, the 32.5 MP sensor makes a huge difference, especially if you’re looking for high quality images for your clients. This means it captures more detail and allows you to create larger prints that are still super sharp. It also gives you the ability to make tighter crops, so if you’re a sports or wildlife photographer, this could be an important feature. For me though, I just want the most beautiful images with the sharpest detail and highest quality. The R6 Mark III is such a huge jump from the previous versions of the R6 and a small jump for me from my EOS R. I think the reason I loved the images from my EOS R so much is because the 30.3 MP resolution created such sharp and detailed images no matter what lens I threw on there. It never made sense for me to go with the previous versions of the R6 because the MP were 20.1 MP with the first version of the camera and 24.2 MP with the R6 Mark II. It would have been a step down photography-wise, even if they were technically better video-wise. Going through the photos from my time with the R6 Mark III, the photos reminded me of a blend of my 5D Mark IV and my EOS R. They have a slight mirrorless look to them, which are super sharp but can sometimes come across more “digital”, but they still had those lovely color tones and natural beauty that Canon is known for. I’ve tried quite a few digital camera brands over the years, and I still find Canon photos to be the most beautiful right out of the box.

Canon RF 28-70 f/2.8 Lens at f/5.6

Canon RF 28-70 f/2.8 Lens at f/2.8

(By using the affiliate links and/or codes in this blog post it supports Myles Katherine Photography. We may get a small kick back by you doing so.)

WOULD I BUY THE CANON R6 MARK III?

Ohhh yes, and I plan to! It’s the camera on my list for the year. I just need to sell a bit of gear first! But it’s the camera I’ve been waiting for. The R5 line was always a bit too expensive and the R6 line didn’t make the cut for me until now. After using the R6 Mark III for a few weeks, it’s been hard going back to my EOS R and 5D Mark IV because they don’t have image stabilization and the video quality doesn’t compete at all. I’m anxiously awaiting the day the Canon R6 Mark III arrives on my doorstep. I also only have one RF lens at the moment, so I’m also considering lenses at the moment. For the images in this post, I used the Canon RF 28-70mm f/2.8 IS STM lens and loved it. It’s much more affordable than some of Canon’s fancier RF zoom lenses. I always use a zoom lens as my main lens, and I currently shoot with the Canon 28-70 f/2 USM lens. It’s a HUGE lens, but it’s incredible. It’s a bit too big for the EOS R though, which is a pretty small camera, but I think it would work with the R6 Mark III, which has a larger, sturdier body. You can read more about that lens and see sample photos here!

IS THE CANON R6 MARK III WORTH THE HYPE AND COST?

I think so! While I was only shooting with the R6 Mark III for a few weeks, I loved every second of it. I’m so ready to upgrade from my EOS R and I finally feel like the camera that I need is here, waiting for me. Do I think it’s a little overpriced? Maybe? But not really? You’re getting SO much for the price. Years ago, a camera like this would have cost $5000-7000. Or more! Especially with the incredible autofocus and 7K video. You’re getting some truly amazing features and the possibilities are unlimited. You could be a professional photographer OR videographer with this camera and it really is a true hybrid. I’ve been waiting for this camera to come out and it lived up to my hype.

WOULD I RECOMMEND THE CANON 28-70MM F/2.8 IS STM LENS TO USE WITH THE R6 MARK III?

I had such a blast with the Canon RF 28-70mm f/2.8 IS STM lens. It’s amazingly small and lightweight, which is something I’m always looking for in a camera set-up. I’m honestly so sick and tired of giant digital camera set-ups that weigh a million pounds. I can hardly wait for the day that point-and-shoot cameras can compete with the pro cameras out there, and honestly, I think we’re just about to that day! When I was walking around with the R6 Mark III and the 28-70mm f/2.8, it didn’t feel like I was carrying around a $4000 camera set-up. And to me, this is a good thing. My body didn’t hate me the next day, I didn’t feel like a target, I didn’t feel like people were staring at me, and it just felt like the perfect travel camera. Yet it still looks large and professional enough to be shoot a wedding without your clients wondering how in the world you’re getting good photos with such a tiny camera. I even compared my photos that I took with my super fancy Canon 28-70mm f/2 USM lens and there wasn’t a huge difference. The main thing you’re getting with the f/2 lens is that extra wide aperture that can really bring a zing to portraits and adds an extra surreality to your photos if you’re shooting wide open. I love lenses with a crazy wide aperture because I feel that they allow me to be more creative and stand out from other photographers. It just gives me a little something extra.

Canon RF 28-70 f/2.8 IS STM Lens at f/2.8

Canon RF 28-70 f/2 Lens at f/2

I haven’t decided yet if this is the lens for me, but it competes with the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L II lens that I used to shoot with, but weighs half as much. I do love my Canon RF 28-70mm f/2.0, I just wish it wasn’t so dang HUGE and HEAVY. But the photos are stunning and make it all worth it to me. The RF 28-70mm f/2.8 would be a perfect backup for the f/2 lens though and would be my choice to use when I’m traveling or just spending a day with family or walking around town. The f/2 lens is just too large and heavy to use on a daily basis. For the price, the RF 28-70mm f/2.8 is a great deal that I feel might be underpriced. Especially considering how expensive the 24-70mm f/2.8 L II lens is and I find the images comparable. But the RF lenses are known for being sharp and amazing, and they definitely live up to it. It’s obvious that Canon is fading out the EF lenses, so it’s probably time for me to invest in another RF lens and the 28-70mm f/2.8 might end up being the one that makes the most sense for me. We’ll see!

WHERE TO BUY

I always recommend B&H Photo because they have standard, competitive prices, but with crazy fast shipping and excellent customer service!

CANON R6 MARK III

B&H Photo

CANON RF 28-70MM F/2.8 IS STM LENS

B&H Photo

Canon RF 28-70 f/2.8 Lens Multiple Exposure

Canon RF 28-70 f/2.8 Lens at f/2.8 ISO 100

I hope this post helps you decide if the Canon R6 Mark III is for you! It’s definitely the camera for me. I’ve included a ton of sample photos below. There are no filters on these images, but I have made minor adjustments to exposures, shadows, highlights, and color temperature to fit my personal style. There is no sharpness or clarity enhancements, curve adjustments, or color grading. If you have more specific questions about the editing, please feel free to ask!

<3 Myles Katherine

Contax Carl Zeiss 140mm f/2.8 Sonnar T* Lens Review & Sample Photos | The Best Lenses for the Contax 645

June 5, 2025

When I first bought my Contax 645, it came with two lenses, the Carl Zeiss Planar T* 80mm F/2 Lens (my favorite lens - you can find it on eBay here) and the Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* 140mm F2.8 Lens (you can also find this one on eBay). For years, the 140 mm lens just sat in my bag collecting dust. I tend to shoot wide and I find it slightly annoying to have lenses that have a longer focal length than 80 mm. However, I recently decided to challenge myself and try out the 140 mm lens! I took it with me to a few different photo shoots to really get an idea of how it handles. It’s always a little nerve-wracking to try out new gear because you just don’t know if you’re wasting your time and your expensive film! Luckily, the photos turned out amazingly beautiful and now I’m wondering why I left this lens in my bag for so long! I definitely want to take it with my on more of my future nature trips because I’m always looking for a way to capture mountains or stunning waterfalls off in the distance.

The Contax 645 is, by far, one of the nicest cameras I own. I have a full blog post about it here that features photos taken with the classic 80 mm lens that most people tend to use with this camera. The only downside with the Contax 645 is how huge and heavy it is. But every time I get a roll of film back, it’s more than worth the challenge of dragging it with me everywhere. The photos are like nothing else, in my opinion. You can also watch my YouTube video about the Contax 645 here where I take it with me on an adventure to Mount Rainier in Washington State!

REVIEW OF THE CARL ZEISS SONNAR T* 140MM F2.8 LENS

I was a little bit worried that the 140mm f/2.8 wouldn’t stand up to the 80mm lens f/2 that I’ve been used to. But I really should have known better considering the 1400mm is a Zeiss lens! Zeiss is known for creating lenses that are SUPER sharp and reliable. I had this idea that I’d get back images that just weren’t exciting, but that wasn’t the case at all. These lenses are incredibly sturdy and well-made, with high-quality optics and functionality. I was also worried that the lens just wouldn’t work, especially because it had been sitting in my bag, stagnant, for a decade. But it came back to life as if nothing had happened at all! I was still able to get that dreamy background blur and those super sharp landscape shots that I love the Contax 645 for, even dropping back from an f/2.0 aperture to an f/2.8. In general, I tend to prefer lenses with a wider aperture because I love the dreamy, surreal quality that they can create. But I was pleasantly surprised with the bokeh and background blur of this lens, likely because it does have such a long focal length and is so zoomed in naturally. I don’t typically use telephoto lenses or lenses past 100mm focal length, so it was a new experience for me. I did find myself backing up sometimes to get the images I wanted, but I’m sure that is just something I’d get used to after a while.

This lens also has a “T*” coating, which is a technology that Zeiss implemented to help reduce flare and ghosting. Personally, I don’t mind a little flare but I noticed that this lens did handle light extremely well and creates absolutely beautiful portraits. The Contax 645, in general, is an incredible camera, especially if you’re looking to create stunning, fine art portraiture. When I first started getting into photography, a few of my all-time favorite photographers used the Contax 645. I was in awe of their portraits and knew that I’d have to get one in the future. When I finally was able to purchase one, it felt like I had reached a new level as a photographer.

The autofocus is a little slow with this lens, but when I’m using this camera I’m typically working slower anyway, making sure I don’t waste a single frame. If you’re trying to shoot extremely quickly, I wouldn’t recommend a camera like the Contax 645 anyway. It’s really meant for slow, precise photography and not sports or fast motion.

Overall, I love that this lens didn’t disappoint me at all, and in fact, surprised me with how much I loved the images! I had convinced myself that there was no way this old, unused lens would be able to create beautiful photographs, but it definitely did. I’ve included a bunch of sample images below that I’ve taken with it over the last few months so you can decide for yourself!

WHERE TO BUY THE CARL ZEISS SONNAR T* 140MM LENS

KEH Camera

Etsy

Check eBay Listings

The Contax 645 is expensive, but it’s also highly desired. If you’re on the hunt for one, here are a few places you might be able to find one!

WHERE TO BUY THE CONTAX 645

KEH Camera (not always in stock, but you can keep checking back!)

Check eBay Listings

Etsy

For these images, I used Cinestill 400D 120 film and Kodak Portra 400. You can check out more of my 120 film recommendations on my blog here - The Best 120 Film Stocks and Where to Buy Them.

If you found this post helpful or inspiring, I’d love it if you considered signing up for my Patreon! For as little as $1 a month, you’ll get early access to all of my YouTube videos, plus tons of photos that I don’t post anywhere else. Depending on which tier you choose, you could also receive seasonal prints and/or discounts! I always use all of the proceeds towards cameras, film & processing.

<3 Myles Katherine