What is the cheapest lens I can buy to get those blurry backgrounds in portraits with my new Canon R50? Im totally new to this and kinda overwhelmed by all the options. I only have about 200 bucks to spend right now and really want to start taking photos of my dog this weekend...
If you want that blurry background look on a budget, you really have to pick up the Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM. It is basically the only lens under 200 bucks that is worth your time. Just be careful though, because since you are using an R50, which has a crop sensor, this lens is going to act more like an 80mm. It makes shooting in small rooms a bit tight, so make sure you have enough space to back up from your dog. Also, since it is a prime lens, you have to physically move your feet to zoom, so watch your step if you are chasing a pup around. It is a fantastic starter piece but just handle it with care because it feels a bit plasticky compared to the pro glass.
Honestly, grab a Viltrox 56mm f/1.4 STM AF if you can find a deal. It is absolutely amazing for portraits on the R50! The extra reach helps isolate your dog so much better than standard kit lenses. Just make sure you keep your shutter speed up since dogs move fast! You will love the results, it is a fantastic piece of glass for the price.
Coming back to this, I totally get where you are coming from. When I first started out with my dog, I spent way too much money on gear I didnt actually need. Honestly, if you want that creamy background bokeh, you dont need to break the bank. I used to lug around a huge, expensive zoom lens for years, but eventually I picked up the Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM and honestly, it completely changed my setup. It is so small, you can just throw it in your bag and go to the park without feeling like you are carrying a gym weight. Since you are using an R50, that 50mm will actually act more like an 80mm lens because of the crop sensor. This is actually a blessing for portraits of pets since you can stand a bit further back, which keeps the dog from getting distracted by the camera lens. Here are a few quick tips from my experience:
- Set your camera to Aperture Priority mode and keep that f/1.8 wide open.
- Focus right on the eyes, otherwise the dog will look blurry too.
- If the light is too bright, you might need a cheap Tiffen 43mm UV Protection Filter to protect the glass. Dont stress about the technical stuff too much yet. Just get out there, sit on the grass, and have fun with your pup. The best shots are always the ones where you are just messing around and waiting for a candid moment.
