17/03/2026 6:40 am
Topic starter
Notifications
Clear all
RF Mount Camera & Lens Forum
5
Posts
6
Users
0
Reactions
49
Views
0
So I finally pulled the trigger on the Canon R50 because I want to start a travel vlog for my trip to Tokyo next month and I am super hyped but now I'm stuck on the lens situation. I was looking at the RF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-6.3 because it's so small and light which is perfect for walking around all day but then I read some reviews saying the aperture is really slow for low light and I'm worried it's gonna look grainy if I'm filming inside like a ramen shop or something at night.
So then my logic was maybe the 16mm f/2.8 prime would be better for that blurry background look and better in the dark? But then I saw someone mention that on the R50 it has a 1.6x crop so it becomes more like a 25mm and if I have digital stabilization turned on it gets even tighter so will my face just be like filling the whole frame lol? I dont want to be holding the camera a mile away from my face while I'm walking through Shibuya. I've got like $350 left in my budget after buying the body so I really need to make the right choice the first time. Does the stabilization on the 10-18mm make up for the slow aperture or should I just stick with a prime and hope for the best...
5 Answers
12
17/03/2026 6:41 am
Listen, be careful with the Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM. I have tried vlogging with a 24mm equivalent on APS-C before and it is honestly a nightmare if you dont have really long arms. Once you kick in the digital stabilization on the R50, it crops in so much that you will basically just be a floating head in the frame. You want people to see Tokyo, not just your forehead. I would suggest going with the Canon RF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM for a few reasons:
- That ultra-wide 10mm start is essential for showing the scale of the city.
- You really need that built-in optical stabilization for walking shots since the R50 lacks IBIS.
- While the aperture is slow, you can usually push the ISO to 3200 without it looking too messy for YouTube. Just make sure to watch your shutter speed in those dark shops. If it is still too dark, you might want to consider a tiny Ulanzi VL49 Rechargeable LED Video Light to fill in your face. Fits the budget too...
12
17/03/2026 6:55 am
Regarding what #1 said about "Listen, be careful with the Canon RF 16mm..." - theyre spot on. In my experience, that crop is a killer for vlogging. Ive tried many setups and the Canon RF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM is way better for Tokyo street shots.
- grab a Rode VideoMicro II
- trust the stabilization
- stay light Honestly, a bit of grain is better than a shaky, zoomed-in mess anyway.
2
17/03/2026 7:05 am
@Reply #2 - good point! Basically we've established that the 16mm is just too tight for vlogging on a crop sensor and the 10-18mm is the way to go. I went through the same dilemma last year and honestly I'm so glad I chose the wider view. Being able to see the city behind you is the whole point of a travel vlog right? To deal with the low light in places like ramen shops, I just use a SmallRig Vibe P96 LED Video Light and it works well without being bulky. It's a much safer bet for your budget than buying a prime lens that wont even fit your head in the shot. Quick tip: set your ISO to auto but cap it at 6400 so things dont get too grainy. It keeps the footage looking clean enough for YouTube.
2
28/03/2026 12:40 am
Following this thread
2
28/03/2026 7:41 pm
Like someone mentioned, the wide field of view is definitely essential for vlogging, but I am gonna have to disagree with the idea that the 10-18mm is your best bet for a trip like this. I have spent a lot of time shooting in tight, dimly lit spots like what you will find in Tokyo, and f/4.5 is honestly just asking for noisy footage. You might want to consider looking outside the native Canon ecosystem before you make a final decision. There are other manufacturers finally making glass for the RF mount that might suit your needs better.
- Be careful with relying on image stabilization to carry a slow lens. It helps with camera shake, but it wont do anything for the grain you get from high ISO in a dark restaurant.
- Make sure to look into third-party brands like Sigma or Tamron. They often offer much faster glass for the same price point as Canon's entry-level stuff.
- I would suggest getting a fast wide prime from Sigma instead. You can't go wrong with their optics, and the extra light you get is a lifesaver. Just stick with a reputable brand like Sigma for your wide-angle needs and you will probably find the low-light performance much more reliable than the standard Canon zooms.
