So I just bought this Canon EOS R8 because a guy at the store told me it was great for travel but I honestly have no idea what I am doing and I have a trip to New York City in literally six days and I want to take those cool blurry background shots of people on the street and big buildings but I only have the lens that came in the box and someone told me I need a prime lens for that kind of stuff but I dont even really know what a prime lens even means or why I need one over the one I have now and my head is spinning trying to look at all these numbers on the website like 35mm and 50mm and f1.8 and I just want something that isnt too big to carry around all day because I am gonna be walking a ton and I dont want to look like a total tourist with a giant setup.
- My budget is about $500 tops
- I need it by Thursday so I can practice a little bit before my flight
Sorry if this is a really stupid question but I'm just so overwhelmed with all the options and I dont want to waste money on the wrong thing especially since this camera was already so expensive and I am stressed about the trip so what is the absolute best prime lens for a beginner like me who just wants nice looking street photos without it being too complicated?
Hey! Ngl I was in your exact shoes last year. I felt so overwhelmed by the numbers but honestly once you start shooting it clicks. A prime lens just means it has a fixed view (no zooming), but they usually have a wider aperture (the f/1.8 number) which is what gives you that blurry background you're looking for. I have two favorites that I've been really satisfied with on my R8:
- Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM
- This is the absolute classic. It is tiny, light, and very cheap. If you want those shots where the person is sharp and the city background is all blurry, this works well every single time. I've been super happy with mine and it stays on my camera most of the time.
- Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM
- This one is a bit wider, so it is actually better for big buildings like you mentioned. It costs more but still fits your $500 budget. I am really satisfied with this one because it has image stabilization which helps when you're walking around taking quick snaps without a tripod. Personally, I'd go with the 50mm since it's so small and leaves you with extra cash for your trip. It makes the R8 feel like a tiny point-and-shoot camera tho because it is so light. Just grab it from a place with fast shipping so you have a few days to play with it before the flight! You'll be fine, the R8 is a great little camera once you get the hang of it...
