Ive been shooting with my T7 for a couple years now but my kit lens just isnt cutting it for these upcoming outdoor portraits I have scheduled in Chicago. Looking for something sharp that wont break my 200 dollar budget. Is the nifty fifty still the go-to or is there something better?
Saw this earlier but just now responding. I have been shooting on a similar Canon body for a while and honestly, I would be careful about dropping your entire budget on a single lens without checking your gear bag first. I once bought a lens that felt a bit too flimsy for outdoor work and it honestly gave me some anxiety whenever the wind picked up. You might want to consider the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM if you can find a solid used copy, as that extra reach really helps with portrait compression compared to wider lenses. Just make sure to double check the sellers rating before you commit to anything. My biggest tip is to practice your manual focus control since these cheaper lenses can get finicky when the light changes. Be methodical and you should be fine.
Adding my two cents here. Like someone mentioned, the nifty fifty is popular, but honestly I had issues with mine regarding focus hunting when the lighting got tricky. Its not as sharp as people claim wide open, unfortunately. If you want something a bit different, look into the Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM Pancake Lens. Its super cheap and tiny. If that doesnt cut it, here are some thoughts:
- Check out the DXOMark lens database to compare sharpness scores between the nifty fifty and other glass.
- Try renting a Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC HSM Art Lens for a weekend, it blows the kit lens out of the water even if it pushes your budget a bit.
- Look for used gear on MPB or KEH instead of buying new, you get way more value.
Honestly, you really cant go wrong with the classic nifty fifty for portraits on that T7. Over the years, Ive shot tons of stuff with it and for the price, nothing else even comes close to that sharpness. Since you are in Chicago, that wider aperture is gonna be a lifesaver when the light starts fading between those skyscrapers. Here is what I would grab if I were you:
- Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens
- This is the absolute gold standard for budget portrait work. It is super light, the autofocus is way better than the old plastic version, and it stays well under your 200 buck limit. If you want to spend a little more, look for a used Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Lens if you can snag a deal on one, but honestly, start with the 50mm. It forces you to move around and get creative with your framing. Just make sure you get the STM version because the older ones are kinda noisy and clunky. Seriously, it is the best 100-something dollars you will ever spend on your gear. Let me know if you need any tips on settings for outdoor shoots, happy to share what works for me.