Canon EF 50mm f/2.5 Compact Macro
The Canon EF 50mm f/2.5 Compact Macro is a manual-aperture-friendly autofocus standard macro for the Canon EF mount, introduced in the late 1980s alongside the early EOS system. Often referred to simply as the Compact Macro, it is a half-life-size (1:2) lens designed for close-up work, copy stand use and general standard-focal-length photography on full-frame and APS-C EF bodies.
UK auction activity for this lens is thin in our records, with a single recent hammer result of £60 in November 2025 at saleroom level — a wholesale figure rather than a dealer asking price. On that limited evidence the lens currently sells for around the £60 mark in the auction market in 2026, and a clean copy with caps and a working autofocus motor will tend to sit at the upper end of that range. Buyers researching what an EF 50mm f/2.5 Compact Macro is worth should treat this as an indicative price only until further results accumulate.
Sales History
Prices shown are realised prices — auction results and completed eBay sales, never asking prices. Most saleroom figures are hammer prices, before commission; some houses publish a premium-inclusive figure, and we do not adjust for condition. Dealer and retail asking prices are typically higher. How this figure is calculated.
Prices updated: August 2026
| Date | Price | Value GBP | Source | |
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| Aug 2026 | EUR 95 | £81 | 🇪🇺 eBay | |
Title: Canon EF 50mm F2.5 Compact Macro 1:1 for Canon DSLR (Read) #162275
Description:
Das Objektiv befindet sich in einem passablen Zustand. An der Außenseite sind sichtbare Gebrauchsspuren zu erkennen, wie beispielsweise verschiedene Flecken und Kratzer, sowie Verschmutzungen in den Rillen des Fokussierrings. Location: Grödersby, Germany |
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| Aug 2026 | £100 | £100 | 🇬🇧 eBay | |
Title: Canon 50mm F2.5 Compact-Macro EF Mount Lens
Description:
Up for sale is a Canon EF 50mm f/2.5 Compact-Macro lens. This is a fantastic, razor-sharp prime lens that pulls double duty: it serves as a lightweight everyday 50mm portrait lens, while also offering impressive close-up macro capabilities for shooting details, flowers, insects, or products. The lens is in good cosmetic condition. The outer barrel and focus ring show minimal wear. Features a clear distance scale window on the top. Please note that I am also selling a Canon EOS 550D camera body and a 70-300mm telephoto lens on separate listings. Take a look at my profile if you want to bundle items together! Location: Wallington, United Kingdom |
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| Aug 2026 | £90 | £90 | 🇬🇧 eBay | |
Title: Canon EF 50mm f/2.5 Compact Macro VGC
Description:
The Canon EF 50mm f/2.5 Compact Macro lens is a high-quality SLR lens designed for capturing stunning close-up shots with a maximum magnification of 1:1. With both auto and manual focus options, this lens offers versatility and precision for photographers looking to achieve sharp images. Built by Canon in Japan, this compact and lightweight lens is perfect for achieving a shallow depth of field and showcasing intricate details in your photography. Ideal for those working in a studio setting or outdoor environments, this lens is a must-have for any photographer wanting to explore the world of macro photography. Location: Christchurch, United Kingdom |
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| Jul 2026 | £23 | £23 | 🇬🇧 eBay | |
Title: Canon EF 50mm F2.5 Compact-Macro Lens
Description:
Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Canon EF Compact Macro 50-50mm f/2.5 EF Lens at the best online prices at eBay UK! Free delivery for many products! |
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| May 2026 | £60 | £60 | 🇬🇧 Special Auction Services | |
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Auction: Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 343) Title: A Canon EF Compact Macro 50mm f/2.5 Lens
Description:
A Canon EF Compact Macro 50mm f/2.5 Lens, serial no 298632, auto focus working, barrel G-VG, elements G-VG, with front and rear caps |
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| Nov 2025 | £60 | £60 | 🇬🇧 Special Auction Services | |
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Auction: Fine Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 272) Title: A Canon Compact Macro EF 50mm f/2.5 Lens
Description:
A Canon Compact Macro EF 50mm f/2.5 Lens, serial no 3742729, auto focusing working, barrel VG, elements VG, with front and rear caps |
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| Aug 2025 | £69 | £55 | 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Instruments (Lot 269) Title: A Canon EF f/2.5 50mm Compact Macro Lens
Description:
black, barrel G, optics G, with caps. |
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a Canon EF 50mm f/2.5 Compact Macro sell for today?
Based on the single UK auction hammer result we have on file from late 2025, the lens sold for £60, so current value at saleroom level is around that figure in 2026.
What is a Canon EF 50mm f/2.5 Compact Macro worth at UK auction?
Our records show one recent hammer price of £60, which is a wholesale auction figure before commission rather than a retail price.
Does it focus to 1:1 macro?
No — the Compact Macro is a half-life-size (1:2) lens; reaching 1:1 requires the dedicated Life Size Converter EF accessory.
What should I check before buying a used copy?
Look for fungus, haze, coating scratches, oil on the aperture blades, smooth focus travel and a healthy autofocus motor, as these are the common faults on older EF lenses.