So I finally bit the bullet and bought a Canon EOS R6 Mark II because a friend said it was good for beginners who want to grow, but man, I am totally overwhelmed. It came with that kit lens but I really want that blurry background look everyone has on Instagram. I have no idea what a prime lens even does honestly, just that people say they are sharper? I am super anxious about wasting money since I already dropped a ton on the camera body and I am trying to keep the lens purchase under 500 dollars or so if that is even possible.
I really want to take photos of my golden retriever in the backyard and maybe some travel shots when I go to Japan in November. There are so many numbers like 35mm or 50mm and I dont know which one is better for someone like me who just wants to point and shoot but have it look professional. Is there one specific lens that wont break the bank but makes my pictures look way better than the kit lens? Sorry if this is a totally dumb question but I am just really lost and dont want to buy the wrong thing...
Jumping in here because I totally get the anxiety about buying glass. Over the years, I have seen so many people overspend on gear they dont actually need. If you want that pro look without blowing your budget, the Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM is basically the gold standard for your situation. Its super affordable and tiny, which is a huge plus for your upcoming trip to Japan where you really dont want to be lugging around a heavy bag. In my experience, 50mm is perfect for portraits of your golden retriever since it gives a really natural perspective. Just keep in mind that since its a prime lens, you cant zoom with your fingers so you have to move your feet to frame the shot. Honestly, dont overthink the technical stuff. Just grab that lens and practice, it makes a massive difference compared to any kit lens.
Coming back to this after reading the other replies. @Reply #1 - good point! honestly though, dont rush into buying the cheapest thing you see. I had issues with some of the cheaper third-party glass feeling kinda flimsy, and the auto-focus was not as good as expected when trying to track a moving golden retriever. You want something reliable for Japan. Before you pull the trigger on a cheap lens, are you mostly shooting wide landscapes or are you focused on portraits of your dog? If you need something versatile, maybe check out the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM instead. It is a bit over your budget, but you can usually find them used for a steal. Let me know what you think, happy to help you dig through some listings.
Congrats on the new camera! Honestly, dont sweat it, we all started exactly where you are. That blurry background you want is called bokeh, and a prime lens is the easiest way to get it because they have wider apertures that let in way more light than your kit zoom. For a golden retriever and travel, you want something versatile that wont break the bank. You should definitely check out these:
- Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM
- This is basically the gold standard for beginners. Its super cheap, tiny, and creates a really nice separation from the background.
- Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM
- A bit wider, so it works well for travel street shots when things are tight. Start with the 50mm, its cheap enough that if you decide you want something else later you wont feel like you wasted a fortune. Have fun in Japan!
