Canon EOS RP and EF 50mm f/1.8: A Budget Setup Review

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The quick verdict

The Canon EOS RP and EF 50mm f/1.8 make a compact, affordable full-frame setup that I like for photography and that can also produce decent video. The lens is bright and sharp, especially stopped down a little, but you'll need an EF-to-RF adapter. For video, the slower focusing I noticed and the lack of optical stabilization are the biggest tradeoffs.

This combination makes the most sense if you want a simple prime lens for portraits or already have EF glass. If smooth handheld video and a wider view are priorities, its limitations matter more.

Watch the full review and photo and video examples

What you need for the Canon EOS RP and EF 50mm f/1.8

The EOS RP has an RF mount, while the lens in this setup is an EF lens. You need an EF-to-EOS R mount adapter between them; the lens does not attach directly. This is a standard mount adapter, not a focal reducer. It adds length, and I actually found the extra space made the small lens more comfortable to hold and focus.

The video description links to the EOS RP body, the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM, and the Canon EF-EOS R adapter. Check the lens mount and adapter when comparing listings: an RF 50mm is a different, native-mount lens and does not need this EF adapter.

When I made the video in 2020, I paid about $800 for my used RP and roughly $200 for the lens and adapter combined, or about $1,000 for the setup. Those are historical prices, not current quotes. Compare today's body, lens and adapter costs separately, including used condition.

Why I like this combination for photos

The 50mm focal length gives a natural-looking perspective on the RP's full-frame sensor, and the f/1.8 aperture helps in lower light and makes it easier to separate a subject from the background. It's a fixed focal length, so you can't zoom to reframe; you have to move or change lenses.

I found the lens sharp, particularly around f/2 or f/2.8, and had no notable autofocus issues while taking photos in my use. For someone starting out or looking for a reasonably priced portrait lens, I think it's a strong match for the RP. Results and focus performance will still depend on the subject and light.

How it works for video

I filmed part of the review itself with this combination at f/2, then included photo and video examples later in the video. I found the video autofocus usable but slower and less responsive at tracking than I wanted. That was my experience with this setup, not a guarantee for every scene; manual focus is another option for a controlled shot.

The lens does not have optical image stabilization. The RP offers Movie Digital IS, an electronic video feature, but it is not sensor-shift in-body stabilization. In my test, digital stabilization helped with a stationary shot but looked jerky when moving. With it off, the light setup showed small handheld jitters. I would use a tripod or gimbal when smoother footage matters, and test both settings for the shot.

Canon also specifies contrast-detection autofocus for 4K movies on the RP, which can focus more slowly than Full HD. My video does not establish a controlled 4K-versus-1080p autofocus comparison, so check the mode and test for yourself.

Who should buy this setup?

I like it for an enthusiast who wants a small full-frame camera and a bright, straightforward prime for photos, especially if the body, EF lens or adapter is already in their bag. The combination can work for video too, but a fixed 50mm view, limited stabilization and the focusing behavior I saw make it less convenient for moving handheld work.

Check all three parts when comparing cost. If you don't already own EF lenses, compare the full adapter-and-lens price against native RF options rather than looking at the lens price alone. My separate Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 article covers the native lens; its examples are on different camera bodies, so it isn't a direct test against this RP setup.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use a Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 on the EOS RP?

Yes. The RP uses an RF mount, so you need a compatible EF-to-EOS R adapter to attach the EF lens.

Is this setup good for portraits?

I like it for portraits and general photography. The f/1.8 aperture provides a shallow-depth-of-field option, and I found it sharp when stopped down a little.

Does the EOS RP stabilize this lens?

The EF 50mm in my setup has no optical stabilization. The RP offers electronic Movie Digital IS for video, but it does not provide sensor-shift stabilization for still photos.

Is the EF 50mm the same as the RF 50mm f/1.8?

They are different lenses. The EF version needs an adapter on the RP, while the RF version mounts directly. Compare the complete cost and check the exact listing before buying.

My verdict

For a budget-minded photographer, the EOS RP and adapted EF 50mm f/1.8 are a fun, capable combination. I would choose it with the adapter cost in mind and plan extra support if smooth handheld video is important.

Keep reading

• Canon RF 50mm f/1.8: A First Lens for RF Cameras
• Best Beginner Lenses and Accessories for the Canon T7

Watch more camera reviews on FoxTailWhipz on YouTube.