I keep seeing the RF 50mm f1.8 everywhere online, but people say it's like 80mm on my camera which seems kinda tight? My budget is strictly $200 since I'm just a student. Should I stick with that or maybe look at something else for my sister's grad pics next month?
Hey there. Yeah, you're right about the crop factor. Since the R50 uses an APS-C sensor, that Canon RF 50mm f1.8 STM does behave like an 80mm lens. It is a bit tight if you're working in a small room, but honestly, for graduation photos outdoors, that extra reach is actually a safety net. It gives you that nice blurry background (bokeh) that makes portraits look professional without having to get right in your sisters face. I've used it for a few events and it's reliable. At about 180 bucks new, it's basically the only prime lens that fits your budget perfectly. If you try to go wider, like the Canon RF 35mm f1.8 Macro IS STM, you're looking at way over your budget unless you find a really lucky used deal, which can be risky if you need it working 100% by next month. I usually suggest staying away from used gear for tight deadlines unless you really trust the seller. Stick with the 50mm for now. Just tell her to take a couple steps back when you're shooting. The glass is decent for the price and it wont let you down on the big day. Just make sure you practice with the eye-autofocus settings on your R50 before the ceremony because it can hunt a tiny bit in low light. Its a solid, safe bet for a student budget.
I'm super satisfied with the Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM. It’s been my budget workhorse for years and always works well for portraits, even on a crop sensor.
> I keep seeing the RF 50mm f1.8 everywhere online, but people say it's like 80mm on my camera which seems kinda tight? I would suggest being very cautious regarding the focal length before you spend that $200. While the Canon RF 50mm f1.8 STM is the standard choice, that 80mm equivalent reach is really tight on an R50 sensor. You might want to compare these two options:
- Canon RF 50mm f1.8 STM: The background blur is unbeatable for the price. Just be careful because you need a lot of room to fit a person in the frame. It works for headshots, but full body shots require you to stand way back.
- Canon RF 28mm f2.8 STM: This is much more versatile for environmental shots. It is closer to a normal view, though it might be slightly over budget unless you find a used one. You wont get nearly as much background separation tho. Make sure to check the space at the graduation ceremony venue. If you are stuck in a crowd or a small room, the 50mm is gonna be tough to use... honestly might be better to look for a wider prime if you cant move around freely. Just something to think about before the big day.
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