Im honestly just at my wits end with my kit lens. I keep trying to get some decent portraits of my nieces for their birthdays next month and the results are just... flat. Everything looks so clinical and the background blur is basically non-existent. I spent all this money on the Canon R7 thinking it would be a huge upgrade from my old dslr but now im just super frustrated that my photos look like they were taken on a smartphone. Maybe its me? Idk. Im based in Chicago and I have like maybe 300 to 400 bucks max to spend before the family party. Ive been looking at the rf 50mm 1.8 because its cheap, but is that actually going to give me that creamy look I want or am I gonna be disappointed again? Does anyone have any actual experience with budget glass on the r7 sensor, or is there some hidden gem I should be looking at instead of just wasting more cash on things that dont deliver?
^ This. Also, honestly, the kit lens issue is just a rite of passage with the R7. It is a fantastic body but those kit lenses are real mood killers for portrait work. I have spent years shooting family events and I can tell you that gear matters, but light matters more. Regarding the Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM, it is a classic for a reason. On your crop sensor, it acts more like an 80mm, which is actually a flattering focal length for faces. It will definitely give you that background blur you are missing, but just be careful with the sharpness wide open. If you want something a bit sharper, look into the Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 RF Mount. It is usually right around your budget and gives that compressed look that makes portraits look pro. The autofocus is solid enough for kids, though it feels a bit heavier than the Canon plastic fantastic. My advice? Grab the Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM if you want to keep your spending low, but make sure you have enough distance between your nieces and the background. The further they are from the wall or tree behind them, the creamier that bokeh gets. Don't stress too much about the clinical look, just get some good soft light from a window and you will see a massive difference immediately. You don't need a thousand dollar lens to capture those memories.
Listen, I totally get where youre coming from. That kit lens is decent for travel but itll never give you the separation you want. I remember back when I first moved over to mirrorless, I felt the exact same way. I was shooting my kids and just kept thinking why does this look like a cheap point and shoot? Honestly, picking up the Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM is a massive jump in quality for the price. It feels kinda plasticky, sure, but the results speak for themselves. Youre gonna get way more of that blurry background effect, or bokeh, which is exactly what makes portraits pop. Because the R7 has that crop sensor, it actually acts like an 80mm lens, which is basically the gold standard for portraiture. If you want to look at something a bit different, check out the Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens for Canon RF-S. It is a bit pricier, but it is super sharp and the f/1.4 aperture really helps with low light during indoor parties. Check out reviews on sites like LensTip or DPReview to see the bokeh comparison between the two. Trust me, once you slap a prime lens on that body, you wont touch the kit lens again. Youll be much happier with those shots of your nieces.