SUMMARY
A comparison between Canon's RF 50mm f/1.8 and EF 50mm f/1.8 lenses highlights a substantial price difference, with the EF version being considerably cheaper, especially during sales. While the RF lens offers a slightly smaller footprint without an adapter and minor improvements in sharpness and autofocus speed, the EF lens performs flawlessly on mirrorless cameras with an official adapter. For most users, the cost savings of the EF lens outweigh the subtle performance benefits, making it the more practical choice unless a smaller physical size is a priority.
TAKEAWAYS
The EF 50mm f/1.8 DSLR lens is significantly cheaper than the RF 50mm f/1.8 mirrorless lens.
Both lenses offer similar image quality, with minimal noticeable differences in real-world use.
The EF lens performs well on mirrorless cameras when used with an official Canon adapter, though it adds length.
The RF lens features a customizable control ring, while the EF lens has a simpler AF/MF switch.