Im honestly so over this kit lens that came with my R10. Like seriously why even sell the 18-45mm if it cant handle a single shadow without looking like grainy soup?? I bought this camera three months ago thinking I was finally getting into real photography but every time I try to take a photo of my dog inside or just a candid shot at dinner it looks worse than my old iPhone. Its so frustrating because the R10 itself is fast and the autofocus is cool but the glass is just holding me back so much and now im in a total panic because my sisters graduation is literally next Thursday and I promised I would be the official family photographer.
My budget is super tight right now, probably $300 max because I spent way too much on the body and a bag and some extra batteries. So I was thinking about just getting that cheap RF 50mm f/1.8 everyone talks about but then I started doing the math on the crop factor and realized it is gonna be like 80mm on my sensor which seems way too zoomed in for a crowded graduation hall right? My logic was that I need something fast for the low light indoors but if I have to stand 20 feet back just to fit her in the frame its not gonna work. Then I looked at the RF 28mm pancake but thats pushing my budget and I dont even know if f2.8 is prime enough to actually give me that blurry background look I want.
I even thought about buying an adapter to use old EF lenses but the good ones are still pricey and the adapter itself is like another hundred bucks which eats into my lens money. Im just stuck. I need something that works for portraits but isnt so tight I cant use it in a normal room. Is the 50mm actually usable on the R10 or am I gonna regret it the second I try to take a group photo? I need to order something by tomorrow morning if its gonna get here in time for the ceremony...
I've been in your shoes more times than I'd like to admit. Over the years, I've learned that the nifty fifty is kind of a trap for APS-C shooters unless you're strictly doing headshots. I once tried to shoot a housewarming party with a 50mm on a crop body and I basically spent the whole night standing in the hallway just to see into the living room. It was awkward as hell. On your R10, that 50mm is gonna be way too tight for a crowded graduation hall where you cant always pick your spot. If you can find a way to swing it or maybe find a used copy, the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM is the lens you actually want. I've used this for countless indoor family events. It gives you about a 56mm equivalent view, which is the sweet spot for being normal—not too wide, not too zoomed. The real kicker is the built-in Image Stabilization. Since the R10 doesn't have IBIS, having stabilization in the lens is a lifesaver for those dim halls when your hands start shaking from the pressure of being the official photographer. If that's totally out of reach, the Canon RF 28mm f/2.8 STM is still miles better than that kit lens soup you're dealing with. Don't worry about f/2.8 not being pro enough... the jump from the f/6.3 you're probably hitting on your zoom to a prime f/2.8 is massive. You'll definitely see that blurry background look you're after. Forget the adapter for now, it's just extra weight and money you don't need to waste right now.
I would suggest being careful with the Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM because that 80mm crop is super tight for a crowded hall.
- 50mm: Great for portraits but risky for group shots.
- Canon RF 28mm f/2.8 STM: Much safer focal length tho f/2.8 isnt as fast. Imo the 28mm is the safe bet. Just make sure to order tonight so you dont miss the graduation!
