Picked up a Canon R6 recently and really need a prime lens for street photography here in Chicago. I see everyone hyping up the RF 50mm f/1.8 cause its cheap, but then read the 35mm is better for candid stuff. Im stuck on a 500 dollar budget and need something by next month. Which one is actually worth it?
Honestly for street shots in a place like Chicago, I would suggest being careful with a 50mm because it gets a bit tight. The Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM is super cheap and sharp, but imo you might want to consider the wider field of view for candid stuff. I personally prefer the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM since that extra width makes it way easier to capture busy sidewalks without backing into traffic. Just make sure to keep in mind the 35mm is slightly bulkier than the 50mm pancake lens. If your budget is strictly 500, the 35mm is definitely worth the extra cash for the stabilization and versatility. Just dont overthink it too much, both are solid picks.
Regarding what #1 said about street shots being tight on a 50mm, I actually think they are underselling how versatile a 50mm can be if you just move your feet. That said, if you really want that classic street look, you might want to consider these instead:
- Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM is definitely the better all-rounder for candid work. The image stabilization is a game changer when the sun goes down in the city and you're shooting handheld.
- Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM is just so small you can slip it in a jacket pocket, which is honestly its biggest selling point for street photography. Don't sleep on the 35mm tho. You can always crop in later, but you cant widen a shot that is already too tight. Just make sure to test which focal length feels more natural to your eye before you drop the cash.
Regarding what #3 said about Big if true - honestly, I think it misses the mark on how much glass performance actually matters for a reliable street setup. I spent years dragging gear all over the loop and honestly, while everyone is obsessed with aperture numbers, for me its all about the AF motor speed and reliability in low light. I am actually super satisfied with how the older RF glass holds up on the R6 body. Not sure but I feel like people get too caught up in the focal length debate when the real difference is how the lens tracks focus when someone is walking toward you. My personal experience has been that you really cant go wrong if the build quality is solid. I have never had a single complaint about consistency, even when the Chicago weather gets absolutely brutal during winter shoots.
Big if true
Building on the earlier suggestion, the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM is definitely the most practical choice for your budget. I use it on my R6 all the time and have zero complaints about the sharpness. If you want to save even more cash, the Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM is obviously a steal, but the lack of stabilization can be a pain during evening shoots.
- Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM: wider, great for street, super versatile macro capabilities
- Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM: tiny, cheap, decent optics but no IS I actually ended up getting a Peak Design Everyday Sling 6L to haul this setup around the city. Honestly, it fits the R6 and one prime perfectly, and it is way more comfortable than the stock strap canon gives you. I keep forgetting to clean my sensor though, which is a disaster in the city dust. Anyway, grab the 35mm and dont look back.
