While the Canon EOS R and EOS RP have been stealing most of the mirrorless camera limelight of late, Canon M50 lenses are still the most accessible. These cameras aren’t just for the beginner or enthusiast, but also for those who want a more straightforward mirrorless camera solution.
The EOS M50 enjoys a range of interchangeable lenses, which is the focus of today’s article. The current range of lenses available is more rounded than ever, with versions not just covering Canon primes and zooms, but also offerings from third-party makers. You don’t have to spend vast amounts to gain good quality optics, with even the most expensive versions being relatively accessible.
1. Canon EF-M 32mm f/1.4 STM (Overall Winner)
There are a few reasons for putting the Canon EF-M 32mm f/1.4 STM at our top spot, these being the 51.2mm equivalent focal length, wide and bright f/1.4 aperture, and quality optics. Zoom lenses may be seen as being more versatile, but a high-quality prime lens around the standard of 50mm is as versatile as you can get from a prime lens.
The EF-M 32mm f/1.4 STM has an optical arrangement of 14 elements in eight groups, with one aspherical element and a Super Spectra coating. The latest stepping motor (STM) has also been included, which should be quick and quiet enough for both stills and video shooting. A seven-blade rounded diaphragm gives images a creamy background blur.
Image quality is wonderful from this lens, with sharp images from the outset of f/1.4, only falling down with the effects of diffraction from f/16 and upwards. Colors are richly saturated, but not over-the-top with levels of contrast, providing quite neutral looking images straight out of the box.
This lens is super lightweight coming in at 235g, making it a great solution for travel purposes or when you need a general-purpose lens.
2. Canon EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM
Although there are wider ranging Canon M50 lenses available, the Canon EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 IS STM represents great value and optics in a lightweight package. This lens has an overall weight of 220g, with a very useful 55mm front filter thread, STM autofocus stepping motor, and optical image stabilization system with three stops of compensation.
Optically, the lens consists of two UD lens elements, two aspherical elements, and a Super Spectra coating to reduce the likes of lens flares. With an equivalent focal length of 18-35mm, the EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 STM can move from relatively wide-angle to more standard views, making it a good application for travel, street photography purposes or even the likes of vlogging.
3. Canon EF-M 28mm f/3.5 Macro IS STM
For those out there who like extra gadgets or unique features with their lenses, the Canon EF-M 28mm f/3.5 Macro IS STM covers these areas with ease while also providing great image quality.
This lens provides an equivalent 44.8mm viewing angle, along with a micro magnification of 1.2x, minimum focusing distance of 9.3cm, image stabilization, and a very cool looking, built-in LED Macro Lite.
The included Macro Lite can be set to illuminate either the left, right, or whole lens area. While it won’t take the place of high-powered lighting, it’s a nice addition for capturing small subjects. The hybrid image stabilization system, while not always needed on wide-angle lenses, provides exceptionally low shutter speeds, which work great in low-light conditions.
The lens is reasonably affordable and considering its usefulness at 44mm and doubling up as a macro lens, the EF-M 28mm f/3.5 Macro IS STM has plenty of scope for creativity.
4. Tamron 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III VC
If an all-encompassing zoom lens is more your cup of Darjeeling, then the Tamron 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III VC shouldn’t be overlooked. This lens provides an equivalent focal length of 29-320mm, along with a highly useful image stabilization system. The minimum focusing distance is a smart 50cm and the overall weight hits at 459g.
The optical design inside the lens consists of 17 elements in 13 groups, featuring aspherical, low-dispersion, and XR elements, plus a Stepping-Motor AF Drive, and a seven-blade rounded diaphragm. A handy zoom lock switch has also been included for locking the lens barrel at certain focal lengths.
Although the lens isn’t the greatest performer in low-light conditions, it provides a wide variety of focal lengths, useful for many different situations. The vibration compensation system works wonderfully and although the lens may be a bit more pricey than the rest of the lenses on this list, it makes up for the difference with its wide-ranging versatility.
5. Canon EF-M 22mm f/2 STM (Budget Winner)
Where the Canon EF-M 22mm f/2 STM excels is in its compact form, good quality glass, and bright f/2 aperture. On the EOS M format, the lens offers a moderate wide-angle view, featuring one aspheric lens element, a seven-blade aperture, a close focusing distance of 15cm, and a superlightweight of 105g.
The f/2 aperture works wonderfully in low-light conditions, along with also producing respectable bokeh renditions. The autofocusing is also respectably fast and accurate, only tripping up at times when in very low light.
In total, this lens is an inexpensive and very lightweight solution for capturing good quality images.
Rounding out the Best Canon M50 Lenses
The lenses listed above prove that you don’t have to spend vast amounts of money in exchange for good quality optics. These recommendations cover the wide-angle to telephoto range, with options from both the prime and zoom lens categories.
As the EF-M Mount cameras and lenses become more rounded out, we should be seeing more lens offerings from third-party makers, with possibilities of them porting more high-end lenses onto the platform.
With mirrorless cameras becoming ever more the standard, we should see an ever-increasing range of optics and cameras capable of making the most of their top-end resolution.
