Is the RF 50mm f/1.8 actually worth it or should I just save up for the RF 35mm f/1.8 instead? Im shooting on an R8 and really want a solid walkaround lens for street photography but my budget is strictly under 500 bucks since I just moved to Chicago and rent is killing me. The 50mm is super cheap which is tempting but ive heard the focus can be a bit noisy and slow in low light. The 35mm has IS and is wider which I think I prefer for city stuff... just not sure if its worth the extra cash. Has anyone used both and noticed a massive difference in sharpness or is it basically the same?
Adding my two cents! Before I compare the Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM and Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM, do you prefer tight portraiture or wide architectural street shots?
Regarding what #1 said about the rent struggle, I feel that. Honestly, grabbing the Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM is fantastic for learning, but the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM is just a different beast for street work.
- The 35mm gives you stabilization for those dim Chicago evenings.
- Macro capabilities open up so many creative shots.
- That wider FOV is way more practical for architecture. Save for the 35mm, you wont regret it!
Honestly, I get the rent struggle, moving to Chicago is no joke. I used to shoot exclusively with the Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM when I first jumped to the R system, and honestly, for the price, it is a steal. Yeah, the autofocus motor is a bit audible if you are in a library, but for street work, the city noise drowns it out anyway. It's tiny, which is perfect for just throwing your R8 in a coat pocket when you're heading out for coffee. That said, I eventually picked up the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM and it has barely left my camera since. The 35mm focal length is just way more versatile for the city. It lets you get closer to architecture without needing to back up into traffic. Plus, having that stabilization is a game changer when the sun goes down and you're trying to keep your ISO manageable without a tripod. The macro capability is just a nice bonus for when you want to get creative with detail shots of signage or textures. If you can hunt down a used copy, you can probably snag one close to your budget. It really feels more like a professional prime than the 50mm does. Save the extra cash if you can manage it, you wont regret the wider view.
