The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM and the Canon 50mm f1.8 II for their suitability to various photography scenarios:
Size and Weight Comparison
The size of a lens is a crucial factor to consider when comparing two lenses. Canon 50mm f1.8 II is the longer of the two lenses at 41mm. The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM with a length of 39mm, is 2mm shorter. On the other hand, the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM has a larger diameter of 69mm compared to the Canon 50mm f1.8 II's 68mm diameter.
The weight of a lens is equally significant as its external dimensions, particularly if you intend to handhold your camera and lens combination for extended periods. Canon 50mm f1.8 II weighs 130g, 18% (29g) lighter than the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM's weight of 159g.
Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the Standard Prime Lenses in Canon EF Mount for size comparison purposes.
Standard Lenses in Canon EF Mount for Size Comparison
Filter Threads
The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM has a filter size of 49mm whereas the Canon 50mm f1.8 II has a 52mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 49mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM:
And these are the 52mm filters that we recommend for the Canon 50mm f1.8 II:
Lens Mounts
Both the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM and the Canon 50mm f1.8 II has the same Canon EF lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Canon EF lenses are Canon 1D X III, Canon 6D MII and Canon 5D MIV.
Focal Range
Both lenses have the same focal range of
50mm and the fastest aperture of
F1.8.