So i finally picked up a Rebel T7 a few months ago and while the kit lens that came in the box is fine for basic stuff I’m starting to feel like I’m hitting a wall with it. I really want that professional look where the person is sharp but the background is all blurry but I can’t seem to get that with the f/3.5-5.6 setup I have now especially since I’m usually shooting my kids running around or trying to get some nice shots of my garden here in Ohio.
I have been doing some reading and everyone says to get the Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM because it is cheap and sharp but then I saw a few videos saying that on a crop sensor like the T7 it actually acts more like an 80mm lens? That sounds like it might be way too zoomed in if I’m trying to take photos indoors or in a tight space. I also looked at the 24mm f/2.8 pancake lens since it is super small and portable but I’m worried the f/2.8 wont give me that really nice bokeh I’m looking for. It is all getting a bit confusing because one person says one thing and another says the opposite lol.
Here is what I am looking for:
- Budget is pretty tight around $150 maybe $200 if I can find a good deal used
- Needs to be good for portraits but also some general walking around stuff
- I’m going on a trip to the Smokies in three weeks so I need to decide soon
- It has to be easy to use because I am still very much a beginner with all the manual settings
Should I just bite the bullet on the 50mm and deal with the zoom or is there something else I am missing for a T7 specifically? Maybe a Sigma or Tamron option if they even make them that cheap anymore... its hard to tell what is actually worth the money when you are just starting out and dont want to waste cash on the wrong gear.
TL;DR: Grab the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM used! Its a bokeh beast for under $100. You need that f/1.8 aperture! It lets in way more light than your kit lens. The 50mm gives you an 80mm effective focal length on that T7 crop sensor, which is the sweet spot for compression and portraits! I love the STM motor for fast focus too. Dont even look at other lenses yet, this is the best value per dollar!
Regarding what #2 said about "I'm satisfied with my gear, but honestly, the entry-level market is a scam," i totally understand the frustration with how confusing crop factors can be for newcomers! To keep things reliable and safe for your upcoming trip, sticking with official glass is definitely the best move to ensure that autofocus stays snappy and consistent.
- Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM is absolutely amazing for that blurry background look. Its the safest bet for portraits!
- Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM is a fantastic wider option if you find the 50mm too zoomed in for the garden. Since you are heading to the Smokies in three weeks, I would grab a used copy of the 50mm immediately. It is such a reliable performer and the results are honestly night and day compared to the kit lens. You dont want to be messing with third-party compatibility issues right before a big vacation... just stick to these two and you will have an amazing time!
I'm satisfied with my gear, but honestly, the entry-level market is a scam. It's ridiculous how manufacturers overcomplicate crop factors and equivalent focal lengths just to hike prices for basic plastic glass.
