Finally upgraded to the R5 and honestly, the body is a beast but my old EF glass just feels so clunky on the adapter. Im looking to get a dedicated prime for street stuff in Chicago. I really need something discrete because I hate looking like a tourist with a giant lens, especially when Im shooting around the Loop or near the riverwalk. My budget is around 800 bucks, maybe 900 if I find a good deal used.
So I was thinking about the RF 35mm f/1.8 because of the macro capability and the IS, but then I keep looking at the RF 50mm f/1.8 because its so tiny and cheap, though maybe 50 is a bit tight for street? My logic was that the 35 is more versatile, but the 50 is basically a pancake lens which would be awesome for not drawing attention to myself. I need to pull the trigger on something before a trip in three weeks so I dont have time to wait for a major sale. Has anyone used these specifically for candid street work? Is the AF on the 50 fast enough for quick shots or am I gonna miss focus constantly? What would you guys pick if you were in my shoes?
Honestly, grab a used Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM. It hits the sweet spot for street shots without breaking your budget.
- Sharp enough for the R5
- Image stabilization helps
- Versatile focal length
Had a moment to think on this. For the streets, the Canon RF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM is definitely the workhorse. You get that extra bit of width which is crucial for tight alleyways. If you really want tiny, the Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM is cheap and fun but the autofocus hunts a bit more than the 35 in low light. Stick with the 35, its worth the extra cash for the reliability.
Congrats on the R5! Honestly, skip the 50mm for street. The Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM is absolutely the way to go. It is way more versatile for the city, and the image stabilization is a total lifesaver when lighting gets tricky near the riverwalk. It stays pretty compact on the body too! You will love the sharpness, and it is definitely fast enough for candid shots. Go grab that one and enjoy Chicago!
No way, I literally just dealt with this yesterday. Small world.