Just picked up my first Canon R8 and Im super stoked but totally lost with the lens thing. Sorry if this is a dumb question but theres just so many options out there! I mostly just want to take photos of my golden retriever at the park and maybe some travel shots when I go to Italy next summer. My budget is like 800 bucks max. My logic was to get one lens that does everything so I dont have to carry a bag full of glass, but everyone says something different. Is there one that is basically the best for someone like me? Im just really confused by all the numbers...
Quick reply while I have a sec, but honestly, I totally get the confusion. I started out with the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM and unfortunately, the low light performance in the evenings was just not as good as expected when I was traveling. It is super light, but the variable aperture really annoyed me once the sun went down. If you want something that performs better for your dog running around at the park, maybe look into the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM. It is way sharper and that f/1.8 aperture makes a massive difference for isolating your dog against a blurred background. It is a prime lens so you lose the zoom, but the quality jump is worth it imo. My own experience was mixed with the kit lenses, so definitely check that prime out.
^ This. Also, honestly, ignore the haters who say you need a thousand dollar glass. If you want a killer prime for those golden retriever action shots, you gotta look at the Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM. It is super cheap and that f/1.8 aperture is a total game changer for the R8 when you want that creamy background blur. Since you are heading to Italy, just grab that and maybe a used Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM. Seriously, look on the used market sites for a refurbished copy. You can save so much cash that way! You will have plenty left over for gelato. TL;DR: Get the cheap zoom for travel and the 50mm prime for those pup photos. You will be set!
Honestly, the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM is the most logical choice for you, but it is not as good as expected for low light. I had issues with its variable aperture when shooting in Italy.
- It covers your zoom needs for travel.
- It fits your budget perfectly.
- Don't expect professional bokeh for those dog photos, unfortunately. It just lacks that extra punch.
Re: "^ This. Also, honestly, ignore the haters who..." - yeah, totally agree with that. Honestly, I started with the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM and it was fine for daytime travel, but I had issues with sharpness when I tried to use it for anything fast-moving. It was definitely not as good as expected for action, and I ended up missing a ton of shots of my pup. If you have 800 bucks, you are actually in a good spot if you buy used. I ended up picking up a used Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM because the aperture is way more reliable in low light compared to that kit lens. It is super sharp and the stabilization is a lifesaver. Unfortunately, you lose the zoom, but for travel, a prime is way more manageable than lugging a massive lens around. Check the refurbished section on the Canon site too, they have some solid deals that fit right in your budget.