What is the best budget lens for a new EOS R50 owner?

Question

So I finally picked up an R50 last week for walking around the city. I've been stuck with the kit lens but I really want that blurry background look. I saw the RF 50mm f1.8 is the go-to budget choice but then I read about the 1.6x crop factor on APS-C.

My logic was that a 50mm would be great for everything but if it actually acts like an 80mm then maybe it's way too tight for street photography? I also saw the 28mm pancake lens but it's more expensive and I only have like $200 left in my budget for now. Is the 50mm actually usable for daily shots on this camera or am I gonna be constantly backing into walls...

Christopher · Accepted Answer

So looking at everything said so far... basically it comes down to field of view vs. that creamy bokeh. I've been super satisfied with my Canon RF 50mm f1.8 STM on an APS-C body. No complaints here because for under $200, you're getting a lens that punches way above its weight class. Technical side of things, remember that depth of field is a function of both aperture and focal length. Even though the Canon RF 28mm f2.8 STM is wider, you won't get nearly as much subject separation as you do with the 50mm at f/1.8. The math just works out better for the 50mm for that blurry look. To get similar blur on a 28mm, you'd need a much faster (and way more expensive) lens. The optics in the 50mm are a classic 6 elements in 5 groups design, which is why it stays so cheap and light while maintaining solid sharpness. ^ This. Also, if you really feel limited by the 80mm equivalent, you can always learn the brenizer method or just take a couple steps back. Honestly, for a walk-around lens, the constraints of a prime lens actually make you a better photographer because you have to think about composition more. It works well for street stuff if you focus on details rather than the whole building. Plus, the 50mm is so small it doesn't scream professional when you're out in public, which is a big plus for me. Just grab it and dont look back, it's the best value for money in the Canon lineup right now.

GatewayGuru · Answer

The crop factor is definitely a hurdle but the Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM is still the absolute king of budget lenses for the R50! I have spent a ton of time shooting with this specific combo. While the 80mm equivalent field of view is tight, it is actually amazing for street photography if you enjoy focusing on people or architectural details. You wont be getting wide cityscapes with it, but the subject separation you get at f/1.8 is just fantastic compared to your kit lens. If we look at your $200 budget methodically, this 50mm is basically the only high-quality option that delivers that creamy blurry look you want. The Canon RF 28mm f/2.8 STM is a wonderful pancake lens and much wider, but it usually hits around $300 and the f/2.8 aperture wont give you nearly as much background blur as the 50mm can.

Cost: Most affordable way to get pro-level bokeh.

Low light: The f/1.8 aperture is a lifesaver when the sun goes down.

Size: Keeps your R50 setup very discrete for walking around the city. You will definitely be backing into walls occasionally if you try to use it inside a small room... thats just the reality of the 1.6x crop factor. But for outdoor street shots, it is a total game changer and fits your budget perfectly! I say go for it and just keep the kit lens in your bag for when you absolutely need a wider field of view. Its honestly the best way to spend that remaining cash.