Canon FD 50mm f/1.4

Canon FD 50mm f/1.4 is Canon's fast standard prime in the FD lineup — the Canon counterpart to Nikon's 50mm f/1.4 AI-S and arguably the most-iconic FD lens. The 50mm/f/1.4 combination defined Canon's late-1970s/early-1980s "Canon look" — slightly warmer rendering than Nikon's equivalents with smooth bokeh.

Key features

• 50mm focal length on 35mm full-frame
• f/1.4 maximum aperture
• 52mm filter thread
• FD bayonet
• 7-element double-Gauss design
• Distinctive smooth bokeh — circular highlights, gradual transitions

Use case + rendering

• Standard prime for portraits, available-light, indoor/low-light
• Slight glow wide-open; sharp by f/2.8
• Many photographers consider this the finest FD-mount standard prime

Compatible bodies

• All Canon FD bodies: F-1, New F-1, AE-1, AE-1 Program, A-1, T90

Related lenses

• Canon FD 50mm f/1.8 — slower, smaller, cheaper alternative
• Canon FD 35mm f/2 — wider alternative
• Canon FD 85mm f/1.8 — short-tele portrait alternative