Should I go with the RF 35mm f1.8 or just get the 50mm 1.8 for my R7 because I'm totally stuck right now. I've been shooting on a 5D Mark III for like ten years so I know my way around a full frame sensor but this 1.6x crop factor on the R7 is throwing me for a loop and I'm stressing out about the field of view.
I need something for a wedding in Seattle next month and I don't want to mess up the focal lengths for the reception. My budget is around $500 which is tight but doable for these STM lenses. Does the 35mm feel like a true 50mm on this body or is it still too tight for candid stuff? I'm worried the 50 will be like an 80mm and I'll just be backing into walls all night...
Unfortunately the Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM is far too narrow for reception work. The Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM is closer to your desired field but its performance disappointed me.
Just found this thread. My experience with these lenses on the R7 has been positive, especially regarding reliability and focus accuracy.
- Canon RF 35mm f1.8 Macro IS STM: This lens is quite safe for event work. The stabilization works well for low-light shots.
- Canon RF 50mm f1.8 STM: This is extremely tight indoors. It often requires backing up too much. Choosing the 35mm ensures enough room for candid shots.
Honestly, skip the 50mm for receptions on the R7. Youre gonna be way too cramped. I have been using the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM for a while now and honestly, it is the sweet spot for a crop sensor. It lands right around a 56mm equivalent, which feels super natural for candid portraits and group shots where you dont have much room to move. I am really satisfied with the image stabilization too. It works well when the lighting drops and you need to keep that shutter speed reasonable without cranking the ISO too high. Just lock your focus settings and trust the system. Itll definitely save you from backing into walls all night.
Re: "Just found this thread. My experience with these..."
- I agree with the previous post that the 50mm is basically a nightmare for reception work on an R7. I tried using the nifty fifty during a dark gala last year and honestly spent half the night tripping over chair legs because I had to stand so far back. It was pretty frustrating. That said, I have had issues with the autofocus hunting on the 35mm in really low light, especially when people are moving fast on the dance floor. It is definitely not as sharp as I expected compared to my old L-series glass, which is a bit of a letdown. Are you planning on using an external flash for these reception shots, or are you trying to rely solely on ambient light? Also, have you considered renting a better quality zoom instead of buying one of these primes for just the one wedding?