So I finally saved up for a Canon EOS RP because I really want to get into photography but honestly I have no idea where to start with the lenses. Sorry if this is a super basic question but the lens that came in the box (the 24-105 one) doesnt give me that really blurry background look I see on instagram. My logic was maybe I just need to zoom in more? But it still doesnt look right. I'm looking for a portrait lens but I'm on a tight budget like $300 max since I just spent all my money on the actual camera lol.
I keep seeing people mention the 50mm 1.8 and then an 85mm one but I dont know what the difference really is for a beginner. Someone mentioned I could use older lenses with an adapter but that sounds like it might be too complicated for me? Im just trying to take nice photos of my dog and my niece during her birthday party next month. Is there a 'best' cheap one for someone who is still learning what all these numbers mean... I'm just worried about buying the wrong thing and it not fitting the camera.
@Reply #1 - good point! Unfortunately, environment wont fix narrow apertures. Tbh, physics dictates the blur.
- Get Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM Dont worry, we can figure this out!
Saw this thread earlier but just getting a chance to reply now. In my experience, the kit lens you have is basically a jack-of-all-trades but master of none, especially for portraits. The reason your 24-105 isnt giving you that blur is mainly the aperture... that f/number tells you how wide the lens opens. Your kit lens is probably f/7.1 when zoomed in, which is way too narrow to blur much. I've tried almost every focal length over the years and there are two main things that dictate that look you want:
- Aperture: You really want something at f/1.8 or f/2.0 to let in more light and thin out the focus.
- Compression: Longer lenses like an 85mm pull the background closer to the subject, making it look softer. If you want to stay under $300, the Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM is basically a mandatory purchase for an RP owner. It is night and day compared to your kit lens. Honestly tho, if you can find a deal on a Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R, you can pick up an old Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM for cheap. I used that combo for a long time and the background blur is much more professional looking than a 50mm. Its not complicated at all, the adapter just stays on the camera. But for a niece's birthday party where you might be in a smaller room, the 50mm is probably gonna be less frustrating since you wont have to back up into the wall to get her in the frame.
> My logic was maybe I just need to zoom in more? But it still doesnt look right. To add to the point above: I'm gonna go against the grain here. While everyone points to the 50mm, it can sometimes feel a bit plain. If you really want that "wow" blur for your dog and niece, an 85mm is usually much better for that specific look.
This is a killer budget pick. Since it is an 85mm focal length, it naturally compresses the background more than a 50mm does. It gives you that creamy look much easier. Most versions are manual focus, so you'll be doing a bit of DIY work with the focus ring, but the RP has focus peaking to help you out.
If you're really strapped for cash, this is like 70 bucks. Its tiny and fully manual. It wont give you more blur than the kit lens at 105mm, but it lets you shoot in way darker rooms which is great for birthday parties. Personally, I think the 85mm is worth the extra effort. It makes people (and dogs!) look better because it doesn't distort features as much. Just keep in mind you'll need to stand further back... might be a bit tight if the party is in a small living room tho!
> I'm just trying to take nice photos of my dog and my niece during her birthday party next month. In my experience, picking the right gear really depends on your environment. I've tried many setups over the years and found that blurry background look is easier to get if you have enough room to move. Are you planning to shoot these birthday photos indoors or outside? Also, how much physical space do you usually have to work with when chasing your dog around?
Solid advice 👍
No way, I literally just dealt with this yesterday. Small world.
