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06/05/2026 4:06 am
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Finally got the R50 and the kit lens is okay but I need something better for low light. Im trying to stay under $300 before my trip to Chicago next month and im basically torn between the RF 50mm 1.8 and that 28mm pancake lens. The 50mm is dirt cheap but im worried itll be way too zoomed in on a crop sensor for street shots.
Then again the 28mm is so tiny it makes the camera pocketable which is a huge plus for travel. I mostly want to do casual street stuff and some portraits of friends. Which one is the better value for a first prime lens...
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06/05/2026 4:06 am
Basically, you gotta account for that 1.6x crop factor on your R50. Here is the technical breakdown for your Chicago trip:
- Effective focal length: The Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM is basically an 80mm lens on your body. Its killer for portraits, but youll be backing into traffic trying to fit buildings into your frame.
- Versatility: The Canon RF 28mm f/2.8 STM gives a 45mm equivalent. Thats a standard focal length... basically the sweet spot for street photography and general travel.
- Light gathering: The 50mm lets in about 1.3 stops more light than the 28mm. That matters for night shots, tho the R50 sensor is decent at higher ISO anyway. I personally recommend the 28mm for street stuff. The 50mm is just too narrow for a general walk-around lens on an APS-C body, and that pancake size makes the camera way less intimidating for candid shots.
