Just picked up the R8 and im gonna be heading to Chicago next month for a weekend trip so I really want a solid prime for street shots. I've been doing some reading and everyone says the RF 35mm 1.8 is the way to go but then I see some folks saying it's too wide and that the 50mm is better for candid stuff.
I'm worried the 50 might be too tight in busy areas but the 35 might force me to get too close to people and I'm a bit shy lol. Budget is around 500 bucks max so I can only get one... which one would you guys grab for a full frame setup like this?
Saw this earlier and it reminded me of my first trip to NYC with a fresh kit. I spent years toggling between these exact focal lengths. Honestly, the 50mm trap is real for beginners because it feels safe, but once you get into the thick of a city like Chicago, youll feel cramped. I remember trying to shoot some architecture and street life on Michigan Ave with a 50 and I kept backing into traffic just to fit the scene in. Not ideal. In my experience, the 35mm is the sweet spot for a full frame body like the R8. It gives you context. Street photography isnt just about the person; its about the environment they are in. Over the years, I have learned that the extra breathing room makes the story much clearer.
- 35mm feels more natural because its close to what the human eye sees peripherally.
- You can crop a 35mm shot down if youre too far, but you cant widen a 50mm shot if your back is against a wall.
- The macro feature on the 35 is actually a lifesaver for detail shots of food or textures. If you are really worried about the budget, the Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM is dirt cheap and tiny, but for a one-lens trip, the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM is definitely the way to go. Its got stabilization which helps a ton when the sun goes down. Another sleeper hit is the Canon RF 28mm f/2.8 STM... its a total pancake lens and makes the R8 fit in a jacket pocket. Trust me, the 35mm forces you to be part of the scene, and that actually makes the photos better than sniping from far away with a longer lens.
Saw this today and figured id weigh in on the cost side. If youre feeling a bit shy, definitely go with the Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM. Its super cheap, usually under 200 bucks, which leaves you a ton of cash for the trip. The 50mm focal length gives you enough breathing room so you arent standing right on top of people, which helps when you are starting out with street stuff. Another practical move is grabbing the Canon RF 28mm f/2.8 STM pancake lens too. Since your budget is 500, you could actually buy both the 50mm and the 28mm and still have money left over. The 28mm is tiny and makes the R8 look like a point-and-shoot, which is way less intimidating for candid shots around the Loop or the Riverwalk. Having both covers all your bases for Chicago without breaking the bank. Just makes more sense than blowing the whole budget on one lens imo.
