Just picked up a Canon R8 because I wanted to get into photography but I have zero clue about lenses. Everything is so expensive! I really want to shoot landscapes mostly when I go hiking up in the mountains this summer but I dont really know what I need.
- Budget is like 400 bucks max
- Needs to be lightweight since I hike a lot
- Dont care about zoom just want sharp photos
Is there anything decent in that price range or am I dreaming? I keep seeing stuff about adapters but that sounds complicated and I just want to start shooting already. Does anyone have a cheap recommendation for a beginner like me...
Honestly, skip the adapter drama for now and grab the Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM. It is basically tiny, super cheap, and honestly perfect for landscapes since it is so wide. I have used it on hikes and it barely weighs anything in your pack. For the price, it is sharp enough to impress anyone just starting out. You really cant beat that combo for the R8.
Late to the party but definitely look at the Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM. People always say you need something super wide for landscapes, but honestly, some of my favorite mountain shots were taken with a nifty fifty. It forces you to compose your shots a bit more carefully instead of just fitting the whole world into the frame. Since you are hiking, here is why this works well for your R8:
- Weight: It is so light you will forget it is even in your bag.
- Sharpness: For the price, the clarity is honestly insane. It is way sharper than the kit lens usually included with these bodies.
- Cost: You will have plenty of money left over for other gear or snacks for the trail. Since you are new, just remember that landscape photography isn't always about zooming out. Try taking a few shots of just a specific mountain peak or a cluster of trees. It looks way more professional and creates a nice sense of scale. Just keep your aperture around f/8 for the best results and you will be super happy with the photos you get. It is a solid, no-nonsense piece of glass that just works. Good luck with the hiking this summer, feel free to ping me if you need any more tips once you start shooting!
