20/04/2026 5:30 am
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RF Mount Camera & Lens Forum
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I am so incredibly annoyed right now. I just got this Canon R50 for my vacation next month and the tiny 18-45mm kit lens it came with is honestly such a joke for anything that isnt right in my face. I tried taking some shots at my nephews soccer game yesterday and everyone looks like ants even when I cropped in. I spent most of my savings on the camera body and now I realize I desperately need a real zoom but I only have maybe 400 or 450 bucks left at most.
I have been looking at two specific options but I am totally torn between them.
- The RF-S 55-210mm f/5-7.1 which is super cheap and small but I worry the quality is gonna be mediocre
- The RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 which has way more reach but it looks giant compared to the R50 body and it might be too heavy for hiking
I also looked at adapting an old EF 75-300mm because they are dirt cheap on ebay but everyone says that lens is garbage so I dont want to waste my time. I need to buy something by next Friday so I can actually learn how to use it before I leave. Is the 100-400 actually worth the extra weight on such a small camera or should I just stick with the basic 55-210 for now...
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20/04/2026 5:31 am
Honestly, ive been in your shoes and that 18-45mm is basically just a placeholder. For what you're doing, I am super happy with my Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM. Yea, it looks a bit goofy and long on a tiny body like the R50, but its surprisingly light for what it is. I take mine hiking all the time and it really doesnt feel like a brick in the bag. The reach at 400mm is a total game changer compared to the Canon RF-S 55-210mm f/5-7.1 IS STM. While the 55-210 is okay and fits the budget easily, you'll probably just end up wanting more zoom again later. Definitely stay away from that old Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III, its genuinely bad glass and a total waste of money. If you can find a used or refurbished 100-400, jump on it. The autofocus is snappy and the shots look great... much better than the kit lens for sure.
