I just bought this lens to replace an old 50mm 1.8 motor lens, expecting the STM focusing to be fast and quiet (as my other STM lenses are). This lens however is very noisy focusing, making a 'dud-dud-dud' noise which is really noticable, its fine for stills and the images look great, but for video...

The good points are that the images that come out are nice, it's compact, and it's cheap. But the build quality is terrible. You can't use it for video (the AF motor noise is extremely loud), and the manual focus makes a terrible grinding spring noise.

Compact

Build quality

Conclusions When a lens is priced this low, you're willing to forgive some of its shortcomings. The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM is plenty sharp, but its autofocus motor is on the slow side and it shows some fall-off at its widest apertures.

Sharp at f/1.8; Lightweight; Silent, smooth video focus; Very affordable

Modest barrel distortion; Slower focus; Can flare; Some fall-off at wide aperture; Omits stabilization; Narrower field of view on APS-C cameras; Hood not included

Honestly I can't remember how many 50mm lenses I reviewed during the last few years but there were many. Seems as if all the manufacturers are or have been in an update frenzy. All of then Well, Canon has been a little late in this game.

This 50mm lens produces some quality photos. While not as fast as the f/1.4 it is less than half he price. And the f/1.2L is 10 times the cost. It seems at times it has to hunt for focus a bit (but that could just be a contrast thing with my subject and background too) When everything is right focus...

the perfect macro lens. the LED's work just great. it's so easy to get good macro shots of coins, stamps etc. auto focus, image stabilization, 35mm (56mm 35mm equivalent) and ability to get to 1:1! Saw one review that implied the LED's weren't strong enough - I disagree, they're fine.

This lens is an update to the popular and inexpensive standard 50mm f/1.8 EF lens , replacing the standard focusing motor with Canon's new stepping motor technology, which promises smoother, quieter autofocus performance, which is especially suited to recording video.

Very good sharpness in the centre at maximum aperture; Excellent sharpness when stopped down; Lightweight; Silent focusing; Good build quality

Sluggish focus speeds; Sharpness could be better towards the edges at fast apertures

Just received my EFS 35mm Macro Lens I am so impressed. I currently use a 5:1 lens which I love however it's heavy. This is a breeze the built in light is the bomb. Thank you Canon I'll be using this when I go to Tassie in Sept. you've just made that trip even more exciting two thumbs up!

Canon SLR owners in search of a low-cost macro lens are in for a treat. The EF-S 35mm f/2.8 Macro IS STM ($349.99), compatible with APS-C sensor cameras, focuses close enough to capture images at full life-size, and includes a built-in light so the shadow your camera casts when putting the lens right up to your subject is brightened. It does show a bit of barrel distortion, which is something you don't see in premium macro lenses. But as a budget option, it's a fine performer, even if it falls shy of being called Editors' Choice. Our favorite macro lens for Canon cameras is the Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 VC USD ($649), and our favorite low-cost prime lens is the Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM ($149.99). Design The EF-S 35mm is small and light. It measures 2.2 by 2.7 inches (HD), weighs 6.7 ounces, and supports 49mm front filters. The lens is finished in black, with a polycarbonate barrel, but it does sport a metal mount, which is not always the case with light, budget-friendly m...

The Canon EF-S 35mm f/2.8 Macro IS STM is an affordable, compact macro lens with stabilization and a built-in light. It shows some barrel distortion, but is otherwise an excellent performer.

Compact; 1:1 magnification; Image stabilization; Quite sharp; Integrated LED light; Smooth, silent focus; Inexpensive

Shows some barrel distortion; Dimmed corners at wide apertures; Manual focus-by-wire design takes some getting used to

The Canon EF-S 35mm f/2.8 Macro IS STM lens is the first of its kind in the EF-S range. For use with Canon's APS-C sensor cameras, the lens features a unique built-in Macro Lite technology to illuminate close-up subjects.