So I finally picked up a Canon R10 a couple of months back and honestly I love it, its super light for hiking and carrying around the city but Im still using the kit lens that came with it. I really want to start taking some decent portraits of my friends and maybe my dog, but the kit lens just isnt giving me that blurry background look I keep seeing on instagram. I dont have a huge budget, maybe around 300-400 bucks max since I just spent all my money on the body and a bag. I need something pretty soon because my sister is getting engaged next month and she basically volunteered me to take some shots of them at the park.
Im currently looking at a few options and feeling pretty stuck. First off there is the RF 50mm f/1.8 STM which is super cheap and I could probably afford it today, but I keep reading mixed things about how it handles on the crop sensor R10. Then I looked at the RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM, which is definitely more expensive but the reach seems like it would be better for portraits so I dont have to get right in their faces. Is it worth stretching my budget for the 85mm or should I just stick with the nifty fifty and save the extra cash for a different lens later? I keep going back and forth because I dont want to end up with something that feels cheap after a week, but my wallet is screaming at me to go for the 50mm. Has anyone used these on the R10 specifically? Is the autofocus snappy enough for a moving dog or are these mostly just for people standing perfectly still? Really just trying not to make a huge mistake before I buy something...
> I dont want to end up with something that feels cheap after a week, but my wallet is screaming at me to go for the 50mm. Honestly, the Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM feels a bit plasticky and I had issues with focus hunting on moving subjects. It is cheap, but unfortunately not as good as expected for a dog. Stretching for the Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM is definitely worth it for the build and distance.
@Reply #2 - good point! Honestly, the 85mm compression is unbeatable for portraits. Since you are using a crop sensor R10, that 85mm effectively gives you a field of view closer to 135mm on full frame, which is arguably the gold standard for flattering headshots anyway. I have used both, and here is the breakdown for your specific setup:
- Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM: It is small and cheap, but the autofocus motor is a bit sluggish for a dog in motion. On an R10, it acts like an 80mm lens. Great for static shots but you will notice the focus hunting if you try tracking a pup.
- Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM: The build quality is miles ahead of the nifty fifty. It has internal focusing and a solid aperture ring feel. The image stabilization is a lifesaver if you are shooting handheld in lower light at the park. If you can stretch the budget, get the 85mm. It is a professional-grade focal length that will last you way longer than the 50mm plastic toy. The dog tracking might still be tough since the lens focus speed isnt as fast as the L-series glass, but the R10s tracking algorithms compensate for a lot of that. Just keep your shutter speed high. Dont waste money on the 50mm if you are already worried about it feeling cheap; you will just end up buying the 85mm later anyway. Save yourself the double purchase.
Had a moment to think about your engagement shoot dilemma, and honestly, you might want to consider the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary for Canon RF mount if it fits your budget, or just grab a manual adapter with an older vintage prime lens. If you stick strictly to Canon glass, remember that the crop factor on the R10 turns a Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM into an 80mm equivalent, which is actually a classic portrait focal length. Be careful with relying solely on autofocus for active dogs anyway, as animal eye tracking can sometimes grab the nose instead of the eye. Make sure to test your gear thoroughly before the park session so you arent stressing over settings on the actual day.
Like someone mentioned, the build quality on the nifty fifty is definitely bargain-tier. In my experience, if you want something that feels more robust for your engagement shoot, you should look at the Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM. That extra compression at 85mm is night and day for portraits on a crop sensor compared to a 50mm. I used to struggle with framing on my crop bodies, but the 85mm gives you that pro look without needing to be right on top of your subjects. Quick tip: prioritize your shutter speed when shooting that dog. The R10 autofocus is decent, but you need to keep your speed up to combat the narrow depth of field at f/2. I've wasted so many shots with missed focus because I let the shutter drag too low. Don't worry about the cost, the glass longevity is worth the stretch.
Just catching up on this thread. I totally agree with the others about the 85mm being the better choice for portraits. Honestly, be careful with the Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM because while it is cheap, that focus motor is just too inconsistent for any kind of action shots. If you are shooting an engagement, you really cannot afford to miss focus on those crucial moments. I would suggest going for the Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM instead. It is definitely an investment, but the build quality is much more reliable and you get that stabilization which is a lifesaver when you are handholding in a park. Just make sure to practice with it before the shoot, since that longer focal length can take a second to get used to on an R10. It is better to stretch your budget now than to regret the shots later when you are editing. Just stay steady and you will be fine.
Any updates on this?