Hey everyone! I’ve been shooting with my Canon EOS 80D for a few months now using the standard 18-55mm kit lens, but I’m really itching to get that sharp, prime lens look. I’m mainly interested in street photography and portraits, so I’m looking for something with a wide aperture for better low-light performance and nice bokeh. Since I'm a student, my budget is pretty tight—ideally under $200 per lens. I’ve heard the 'Nifty Fifty' is a must-have, but I’m worried it might feel too zoomed-in on a crop sensor. Should I consider the 24mm pancake lens for a wider view instead? Which budget-friendly primes do you think offer the best value for an 80D user?
I would suggest the Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM for street; it's pretty versatile on crop. Just be careful, f/2.8 is technically slower than the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM for portraits...
Similar situation here—I found this combo worked best for my 80D: * Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM (street)
* Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM (portraits) The 24mm's 38mm equivalent FOV is way more versatile...
I have been shooting with EF mount bodies for over a decade and the 80D is an amazing piece of kit! If you want real performance on a budget, you should definitely check out these two options that often fly under the radar:
Seconding the recommendation above!
- Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM: wider for street.
- Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM: better bokeh.
Ngl, u reallyyy need both for that 80D kit!
Building on the earlier suggestion, I have found that navigating the budget prime market requires a bit of a methodical approach. In my experience, there are two specific lenses that often get ignored but provide exceptional value for an 80D user looking for that professional look.
Regarding what #4 said about Tbh, from a market research standpoint, you realy... it reminds me of when I was first building my kit. I actually tried out a Yongnuo 35mm f/2 for Canon EF to save a few bucks, but the autofocus was a bit of a nightmare. I ended up feeling way more satisfied once I swapped it for genuine Canon glass. If you want to stay under budget, my advice is to look at the used market. I've been shooting with these for years and you can usually find these two for a steal:
Tbh, from a market research standpoint, you realy have to weigh the risk vs. reward when lookin at third-party glass versus first-party options. I've seen way too many people get burned by AF inconsistencies or micro-jitter on some of the older third-party mounts when used on a body like the 80D. Canon is basicly the industry standard for a reason—their optics are designed specifically for the proprietary EF communication protocol, which is why their glass is so reliable for street work where you need that fast lock. If youre on a budget and need to ensure long-term stability, sticking with the main brand is almost always the safer bet for reliability and resale value. Some of the budget-friendly third-party stuff might look good on paper with wider apertures, but the quality control can be a bit hit or miss compared to the manufacturer's own standards. Honestly, just go with any of the first-party options designed for your sensor size to avoid any weird electronic glitches... it's just more stable in the long run and gives you better peace of mind regarding the autofocus accuracy.
Just catching up on this thread and honestly, it reminds me of how frustrated I felt when I first started with my Canon EOS 80D. I spent a chunk of my savings on a lens that everyone said was a budget miracle, but it was such a disappointment in practice.