My R50 is great but the kit lens is killing me for portraits. I really want that blurry background look but Im on a tight college budget, like 300 bucks max. I saw people suggesting the RF 50mm f/1.8 everywhere, but then I read a thread saying the crop factor on the R50 makes it feel way too zoomed in for indoor shots? Honestly that has me spiraling because I dont want to be backed against a wall to take a simple headshot. Should I just save up for the Sigma 18-50mm or is there something else I should be looking at for just faces?
The Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM is honestly way too tight for indoors. Unfortunately, you'll be hitting walls constantly. Try the Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM instead for tighter spaces.
Been thinking about your setup since I saw this earlier! If you want pro-level portraits on that sensor, you really need to look at the math. The 1.6x crop factor on your R50 makes that 50mm lens act like an 80mm full-frame equivalent, which is tight for indoors but actually legendary for compression on faces.
- The Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM is cheap and super sharp, but yeah, you need space. The f/1.8 aperture is killer for bokeh though, and the optical design is just crisp for the price.
- If you really want versatility, the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary is a total game changer. You get that constant f/2.8 which is way better than your kit lens, plus you can go wide for group shots or zoom in to 50mm for portraits. It is a bit pricier, but you're getting sharpness that competes with prime lenses.
- If you can find a used Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM, that is the sweet spot. It gives you a 56mm equivalent field of view, which is the perfect middle ground for indoor portraits without backing into a corner. Plus, the macro capability is an amazing bonus for detail shots. Honestly, dont stress the wall thing too much. If you really want that buttery background, skip the zooms and grab the 50mm, but if you need an all-rounder, save for that Sigma lens!
Just catching up on this thread now. @Reply #2 - good point! Honestly, I was in your shoes last semester and made the mistake of rushing into gear. Be careful with that budget, because buying the wrong focal length is a total headache. If you are stuck in small dorms or apartments, you might want to consider how much space you have before pulling the trigger. I once bought a fixed prime and couldnt even fit my friend in the frame during a shoot, which was super awkward. Make sure to double check the math on that crop factor so you dont regret the purchase. If I were you, I would suggest looking at the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary if you can stretch the funds, as it is way more reliable for tight spaces than a fixed prime. TL;DR: Check your room dimensions first, because a tight prime can be a nightmare in small dorms.
