Ive been doing a ton of reading and my logic was originally to just grab the RF-S 18-150mm because it seems like such a great all-in-one option and people say the image quality is surprisingly sharp for a kit zoom. But then I saw some reviews for the RF 100-400mm and now I'm completely torn. Some people say the 100-400 is the best value lens Canon has ever made but others are warning that since its an f/8 at the long end it might be totally useless if the clouds come out or if I'm under some trees. I'm also worried that 100mm on the wide end might be way too tight on a crop sensor like the R10 so I'd be constantly switching lenses just to take a photo of my kids standing next to me.

Then there is the whole EF adapter route... I saw a few forum posts saying the old EF-S 55-250mm STM is basically a legend and you can find them for like 150 bucks used but I don't know if I want to deal with the bulk of an adapter on such a small camera body. My budget is pretty firm around 500 or 600 bucks max because I'm still paying off the camera itself haha. Is the 18-150mm enough reach for a zoo or should I just go for the big 100-400 and deal with the size? I just dont want to waste money on something that wont get the shots I'm dreaming of...

I saw everyone raving about the RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM. People say its the gold standard for portraits on a budget but then I saw some reviews saying the autofocus is kinda slow because of the macro motor? Im worried if my kids are running around Ill miss the shot. Then theres the RF 50mm f/1.8 which is super cheap and small but I dont know if it feels too normal and doesnt give that compression Im looking for. I also saw some people suggest the RF 35mm but that seems too wide for what I want to do.

Here is what I am looking for:

• Budget: I can really only swing about $600 maybe $700 if I stretch it but cheaper is better since I still need to buy extra batteries for this thing (the battery life on the R8 is... well you know).


• Use case: Mostly outdoor portraits in parks around Seattle so I have space to move back but it rains a lot so maybe something that doesn't feel like a toy.


• Style: I love that blurry background look but I also want it to be sharp enough to see eye detail.


• Timeline: I need to have this figured out by mid-September for a wedding rehearsal shoot Im helping with.

Should I just go with the 85mm and deal with the slower focus or is there a third option Im totally missing like adapting an older EF lens? Ive heard the EF 85mm 1.4 is a beast but that adapter adds a lot of bulk to a small camera like the R8 and it might be out of my price range anyway... what do you guys think for someone who wants the best bang for the buck on this specific body?

I keep looking at that RF 50mm f1.8 because its cheap and tiny but then I remember the 1.6x crop factor which makes it like an 80mm and that feels way too tight for narrow streets and crowded sidewalks where I usually hang out. Then there is the 28mm pancake which looks awesome for size but is it actually sharp enough for the 24mp sensor on the R50 or is it gonna be soft? Or should I just bite the bullet and get an EF adapter for my old glass even though it makes the whole rig way bulkier and defeats the point of a small camera? I really want to keep it pocketable if possible.

Budget is strictly under 300 bucks. What is the actual best budget prime for street stuff that wont make me regret switching to mirrorless?

I spent three hours last night looking at camera bags on Amazon and it is a total mess because half the reviews say the bags are too small for the T7 and the other half say they are huge and bulky. I really just want to be able to hike without the neck strap digging into my skin the whole time because that is what happened when I took it to the local park last weekend and it sucked so bad. I saw some people mentioning lens pens and extra batteries but then some guy on a forum said third-party batteries will fry the camera and now I am scared to buy anything that isnt Canon brand even though they are way more expensive.

Do I really need a UV filter to protect the lens or is that just a waste of money? I'm mostly gonna be doing landscape shots and some stuff in the city so what are the actual essentials that wont break the bank before I leave...

what are the best gimbals and microphones that actually work with this camera without being too complicated...

Ive been shooting on Canon bodies for a decade but the R7 dial placement around the joystick is totally throwing a wrench into my usual rigging setup. I bought a cheap generic cage last week but my thumb keeps hitting the metal edge when I try to adjust settings on the fly. Im filming a mountain biking event in Colorado next month and need something way more ergonomic.

Also looking for a shotgun mic that wont pick up too much wind noise but stays low profile. Budget is around 300 total for both. Just trying to get this rig sorted before I head out...

Is there something under $50 that works? I'm such a newbie at this stuff sorry...

For bags I was looking at the Lowepro Tahoe BP 150 but I cant tell if itll actually fit the body plus my extra 75-300mm lens. Budget is roughly $150 for both items combined. Should I just get a better tripod and a cheap sleeve instead of a full backpack? I'm just kinda stuck on what's actually essential vs just marketing...

I thought about the 24-70mm f/2.8 but then I feel like I might miss that extra reach for the ceremony, but then everyone says the 24-105mm f/4 is too dark when the sun goes down or when we move inside for the reception. I dont want to spend another five grand but I have about $2800 saved up specifically for a do everything glass. Honestly im just fed up with the weight and the constant swapping and I just want one lens that can stay on the body like 90% of the time without making me regret my life choices by hour six of a shoot.

Is the 24-105 f/2.8 Z actually worth the insane price tag and the size or should I just stick to the standard 24-70? Or is there something else I havent even looked at yet that wont break my back? Im really struggling to find that perfect middle ground where I dont lose the sharpness this sensor is capable of but also dont need a chiropractor after every weekend. What is actually the best all-around zoom for this thing if I just want to stop carrying a suitcase of glass?...