Canon EF 50mm f.8 STM
Score: 77/100
Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 45-150mm
Score: 76/100Rankings
The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM is a compact, fast prime lens delivering excellent low-light performance and quiet autofocus. Its trade-offs include softness at the widest aperture, a plasticky body, and no weather sealing. Ideal for beginners, portrait shooters, and video creators seeking a lightweight, affordable fast lens.
The Panasonic 45-150mm f/4-5.6 is a compact telephoto zoom with strong image stabilization and good central sharpness. Its trade-offs are a variable slow aperture, edge softness and lack of weather sealing. Best suited for travelers and hobbyists who value portability over ruggedness.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
50 mmbest | — | |
1.8best | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 0.35 mbest | 0.9 m |
| ↓ lower better | 159 gbest | 318 g |
— | 3.3best | |
7best | 7best | |
0.2best | 0.2 | |
6 | 12best |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Compatibility(1) | ||
Lens Mount | Canon EF | Micro Four Thirds |
Features(2) | ||
Autofocus Type | STM | stepping motor |
Focus Type | AF | autofocus |
Optics(7) | ||
Focal Length (mm) | 50 mm | 45-150 mm |
Maximum Aperture (f‑stop) | 1.8 | 4-5.6 |
Minimum Focus Distance (m) | 0.35 m | 0.90 m |
Macro Ratio | 0.21 | 0.17 |
Number of Optical Elements | 6 | 12 |
Number of Optical Groups | 5 | 9 |
Coating | Super Spectra | Nano‑Surface Coating |
Build & Design(4) | ||
Filter Thread Size (mm) | 49 mm | 52 mm |
Weight (g) | 159 g | 318 g |
Length (mm) | 39.3 mm | 102 mm |
Maximum Diameter (mm) | 69.2 mm | 62 mm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers describe the EF 50mm f/1.8 STM as a surprisingly capable "nifty fifty" that delivers excellent color balance, sharpness when stopped down, and a quiet STM motor that makes it video-friendly. They note the upgraded metal mount and Super Spectra coatings improve durability and reduce flare, though they acknowledge persistent softness at f/1.8 and the absence of weather sealing.
Everyday users love the lens for its pocketable weight, sharp portrait and low-light results, and value as an entry-level prime. Common complaints focus on softness and vignetting at the widest aperture, the plasticky feel of the body, lack of weather sealing, and occasional AF noise in very quiet video recordings.
Professional reviewers consider the Panasonic 45-150mm f/4-5.6 a standout value lens, praising its sharpness, effective MEGA O.I.S., and compact, lightweight build. They note the variable slow aperture, edge softness at extremes, and lack of weather sealing as trade-offs.
Everyday users consistently applaud the lens's portability and surprising sharpness, especially for wildlife, portraits, and travel photography. Common praise centers on the convenient 52mm filter size, smooth manual focus, and quiet AF for video. Recurring complaints focus on the slow f/4-5.6 aperture, occasional edge softness, and the plastic feel with no weather sealing.
