So I just got this Canon Rebel T7 like a month ago and it came with the 18-55mm lens which is fine I guess but I keep seeing these photos with the really blurry backgrounds and my camera just isnt doing that. I was trying to research it and everyone says get a prime lens but I dont even really know what that means lol. I think it means it doesnt zoom? Which sounds kind of annoying but if the pictures look better maybe its worth it. I have about $150 saved up from my part time job and I really want to get something before my sisters graduation in June because I want to take some nice portraits of her in the park. I was looking at the Canon 50mm f/1.8 because its cheap but then I saw a 24mm one too and now im just stuck. My logic was that the 50mm seems popular but then I read somewhere that on my specific camera it actually acts like a bigger lens? If I get the 50mm is it gonna be like way too zoomed in for indoors? I live in a pretty small apartment so I dont want to be backing into a wall just to fit her face in the frame. I honestly have no clue if these even fit the T7 or if I need an adapter thing. Sorry if this is a really basic question I am just super overwhelmed with all the numbers and letters on these websites...
To add to the point above: the 50mm is definitely your best bet for those blurry backgrounds, but I would suggest being very cautious about your apartment size. On your T7, the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM is going to feel much tighter than your current kit lens. You might find yourself backed up against the front door just to get a waist-up shot of your sister indoors. Make sure you look for the STM version specifically, as the older versions are louder and slower. Both the 50mm and the Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM will fit your camera perfectly without any adapters, so dont worry about that part. If you really need to shoot in small rooms, the 24mm is easier to use, but it just wont produce that same professional-looking bokeh you want for the graduation. TL;DR: Grab the 50mm for the graduation portraits. It fits your budget and your camera, just be ready to step back a few feet to get the whole shot.
Been looking at the specs for you. Your T7 has a 1.6x crop factor which changes the effective focal length. I have used both these lenses and been very satisfied with how they handle.
- Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM: Acts like 80mm. Best for bokeh but tight indoors.
- Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM: Acts like 38mm. Better for small rooms. No adapters needed since both work well with the EF-S mount on your camera.
Honestly, that kit lens you're using is pretty disappointing for what you want. I had issues with mine for years trying to get those blurry backgrounds and it just never looked right. You definitely need a prime lens, which basically just means it doesn't zoom at all.
- Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM: This is the one for portraits. The background blur is awesome, but unfortunately, it is super zoomed in on your T7. In a small apartment, you're gonna be hitting the walls trying to fit her face in.
- Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM: This fits more in the frame, but the blur is honestly not as good as expected for portraits. It is kinda "meh" for what you want. Id go with the 50mm and just deal with the space issue. Both fit your camera perfectly without any adapters... just gotta move your feet instead of turning a ring!
Just saw this thread and wanted to share my experience since I started with a T7 too. I have been super satisfied with how both these lenses perform. They are incredibly reliable and just work every time I pull them out of my bag. The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM is my absolute favorite for portraits. I used it for my cousins graduation and the background blur was just perfect. It definitely feels tight in a small room tho. I basically had to stand in the hallway to get full body shots sometimes. If you want that pro look with the blurry background, this is the one that really delivers. I also keep the Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM around for when I am in tight spots. It works well for group shots or if youre in a tiny apartment, but you wont get that same creamy blur as the 50mm. I am happy with how sharp it is for the price, but it lacks that portrait magic. Honestly, for your sisters graduation, the 50mm is gonna give you the results you want. It is a solid piece of gear that has never let me down.
