i really need to know which prime lens is best for street photography on my canon r8 because im honestly so confused by all the options out there. i just bought this camera and i have no idea what im doing and everyone keeps saying i need a prime lens but then they talk about 35mm vs 50mm and f stops and my head is spinning. im going to new york city in three weeks and i want to take cool pictures of people and buildings but i only have like $400 left to spend on a lens. i tried looking at the canon website but there are so many and they all look the same to me. should i get a small one or a big one?? sorry if this is a really basic thing but i just want to make sure i dont buy the wrong thing before my trip...
Jumping in with some specs. I spent a month tracking my metadata to see what worked best for city shots.
- Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM: 160g weight. 46 degree diagonal field of view. No stabilization.
- Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM: 305g weight. 63 degree diagonal field of view. 5 stops of optical stabilization. The 35mm is technically better since you dont have in-body stabilization, tho it might push your budget.
Building on the earlier suggestion, I've gotta say that I've been extremely satisfied with the lightweight setup on my R8 lately. When I first started, I was convinced I needed the most expensive glass to get pro results, but honestly, my best city shots came from a lens that cost me less than a fancy dinner in Manhattan. I remember walking through the West Village last summer with the Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM and being so happy with how discrete it was. Nobody even looked at me twice. Its super light and fits right in a jacket pocket which is huge for NYC. I actually did some digging on the weight-to-performance data because I'm a bit of a nerd about that stuff, and the 50mm is basically the king of value. Only thing is if you're worried about buildings tho, you might find it a bit tight for narrow streets. I eventually added the Canon RF 28mm f/2.8 STM to my kit and I have no complaints at all. It works well for those tall skyscrapers and barely sticks out from the camera body. Quick tips for your trip:
- Look at used gear sites like KEH or MPB to save an extra $50 or $100.
- Pick one lens and stick with it the whole trip so you actually learn how to see the frame without thinking. Honestly, you cant really go wrong with either of these for a first trip. They both punch way above their weight class and keep you well under that $400 limit.
Honestly, in my experience, you just want something reliable that wont fail you when you're halfway across the Brooklyn Bridge. I've tried many lenses over the years and the ones that can take a literal hit are the ones I keep in my bag for travel. You're gonna have a blast in NYC but watch out for the food prices. Last time I went, I spent more on street nuts and hot dogs than I did on my hotel room. I remember wandering into this tiny deli in Brooklyn at 2am.
- the pastrami was literally four inches thick
- i couldnt even finish half of it
- ended up giving the rest to a guy playing saxophone I actually think that sax player was more interesting than the Statue of Liberty. Anyway lol, sorry kinda went off topic there.
In my experience, you really want to stay as low-profile as possible in NYC. When I first started out, I made the mistake of bringing a setup that was way too bulky and it made me feel super self-conscious. I remember walking around the Lower East Side and Chinatown trying to blend in, but people kept staring at my gear. Eventually, I switched to the tiny prime I use now and it changed everything. People just think youre another tourist taking snapshots, which is exactly what you want for street photography. I learned pretty quickly that having a lens that focuses fast is way more important than having the most expensive glass. I missed a ton of cool moments near Union Square because I was fumbling with my settings. The one I got for my trip was cheap enough that I didnt have to stress about it getting bumped in a crowded subway car. Just go with the smaller, more affordable option. Itll save you money for all those $15 sandwiches and let you focus on actually enjoying the city instead of worrying about your gear.
Honestly, I totally get the paralysis by analysis thing. When I first started doing street stuff, I spent weeks obsessing over whether I needed a wide view or a tight one. I remember walking through Midtown with this giant zoom lens that felt like a bazooka, and I was so embarrassed to point it at anyone. People would literally turn away the moment they saw me. Eventually, I just swapped it for a tiny Canon prime and everything clicked. It made me feel more like a tourist just snapping memories and less like a pro... For a city like New York, you really want something that doesnt scream professional photographer. Since youre using the Canon EOS R8, sticking with any of the compact Canon RF primes is a decent option because they weigh basically nothing. You can walk for miles without your neck hurting, and people dont really notice you as much. Whether you go with a wider look to get the skyscrapers in or a tighter one for street portraits depends on your needs, but just make sure its one of those small ones. Most of them are well within that budget. The wider angle is cool because you get the context of the street, but the slightly longer ones are better for isolating people. If youre nervous about getting close to strangers, a bit more reach helps. Just pick any of the lightweight Canon RF primes and you will be fine for the trip. TL;DR: Just get any of the small, affordable Canon RF primes. They are light, discreet, and perfect for blending in while you are exploring the city.
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