TL;DR: Get the Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM to save money, but be ready to walk backward a lot. Since you want to stay under budget, the 50mm is the classic choice. Its dirt cheap and tiny. Just be careful because it can feel a bit tight on narrow city streets. You might find yourself struggling to fit whole buildings in the frame. If you want something wider and even smaller, look at the Canon RF 28mm f/2.8 STM. It makes your R8 feel almost like a toy, which is great for not looking like a pro photographer. I would suggest starting with the 50mm though. Its the best way to see if you actually like primes without wasting 500 bucks. Just make sure you realize that one lens for everything is a bit of a myth... you always end up compromising on something.

> Should I get a 35mm or a 50mm? I dont even know the difference really sorry if this is stupid but I just want one lens that works for everything. Honestly, its not stupid at all. Choosing glass is the hardest part. Unfortunately, Canon hasn't made it easy with the RF mount lately because most of the really high-quality glass is insanely overpriced. I was pretty disappointed with the edge sharpness on some of the kit lenses, so going prime is definitely the right move for your R8 if you want cleaner shots. If you want one lens for everything, you should probably grab the Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM. It usually sits right around $400 to $500, so it hits your budget perfectly. The 35mm focal length is way more versatile for city walks because you can actually fit buildings and streets in the frame. A 50mm often feels too cramped on a sidewalk, like you are constantly backing up into traffic just to get the shot. I had some issues with the autofocus motor being a bit noisy on the Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM, and it feels a bit plasticky and cheap tbh. The 35mm is technically superior in almost every spec category. It has built-in Image Stabilization (IS), which is huge for night photography since the R8 sensor isnt stabilized. Without IS, your night shots will likely come out blurry unless you have super steady hands. Just be aware that it has some noticeable barrel distortion that you will have to fix in post-processing or in-camera settings. Let me know if you need the specific MTF charts or more data on the low-light performance.

^ This. Also, I totally get the confusion! I remember my first time walking through downtown Chicago at night with my R8 and feeling so nervous about my gear being too obvious. I switched to primes and it was a total game changer for my confidence! You definitely want something small so you dont stand out... it just feels safer when you arent carrying a huge cannon around. Honestly, keeping a low profile is everything. I have used a few of these and here is what I found:

• Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM: This thing is amazing because it is so tiny and light! It is fantastic for portraits, but honestly it feels a bit zoomed in when youre on a narrow sidewalk. But for the price? Its a steal and stays super reliable. Use this if you want to stay further away from people.
• Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM: I love this lens! It is my go-to for low light because it captures more of the scene. It feels safer because you dont have to back up into the middle of the street just to get a shot of a building.
• Canon RF 28mm f/2.8 STM: If you want the ultimate not a tourist look, this pancake lens is incredible! It makes the R8 fit in a jacket pocket which is great for staying discreet. The 35mm is probably the safe bet for street stuff because it shows more of the background. Plus, having that f/1.8 aperture is huge for night shots! You get those dreamy lights and way less grain. Just watch out for the 50mm if you feel cramped... its a bit tight for urban crowds imo.