p.1 #1 · Best versatile portrait lens for APS-C: Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 or RF 35mm f/1.8
I'm a complete beginner to photography. Just got my R50 a few weeks ago. My main goal is family portraits (with really nice bokeh) or candid photos indoors around the house. I currently only have the RF 50mm 1.8 but it's way too tight indoors due to the crop. I'm looking for a wider more versatile lens that could potentially replace my 50mm (will try to keep, but budget constraints) but I'm unsure about what would better fit my needs.
The 24mm would give me an equiv. focal length of ~38mm which most people consider "versatile" and "ideal" on a full frame. But I'm not sure if that would get me the nice bokeh even on the widest end. 35mm on the other hand gives an equiv. focal length of ~56mm which would probably get me better bokeh due to compression but that might end up being too tight indoors as well.
I wanted to know if there would be a noticeable difference between these two lenses at f/1.8 when it comes to bokeh? I'm very tight on budget and I couldn't rent lenses to test this out. My budget for the new lens is around $350; I can find both the 24mm and 35mm at this price in used condition. I was hoping someone with some experience/knowledge could help me make a decision.
p.1 #2 · Best versatile portrait lens for APS-C: Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 or RF 35mm f/1.8
It's a personal opinion, but I prefer the look of something 50+ mm equivalent which would be the 35 in this case. At least for portraiture, it appears to me to be a more natural look. Now, environmental portraiture, where the scene is as important ( or more than ) as the subject, the wider lens would be more suitable. Candids in a pub or on the street lend themselves to the wider look.
Since you already have the 50 for more staged situations, perhaps the 24 would be the better choice.
I can't speak to the characteristics of either lens - just talking about focal length in general.
p.1 #3 · Best versatile portrait lens for APS-C: Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 or RF 35mm f/1.8
I was leaning towards the 24mm as well. I could just move closer to the subject if the scene isn't as important or move a little farther away if it is. I thought a wider focal length gives me the flexibility to do that, especially indoors. My only worry was its DOF when it comes to separation/blur. I was actually hoping to replace my 50mm with the new lens (apologies, will edit my post to include that.) - something flexible that would get me nice enough bokeh even if not as good as the 50mm.
I watched a video (linked below) after I made the post and it seems like the 24mm does not have as good of a separation as the 35mm on a full frame even at similar focal lengths and subject distance. Of course, there are other factors involved when it comes to getting a nice bokeh but when presented with the same situation, it's a bit disappointing that the 24mm does not perform as you would expect. I would've been fully convinced if it had the same bokeh effects as the 35mm in the video. Alas, I might just have to get the lens and see if it works well enough for my needs..
There's also some f/1.4 options which might give me the look I'm going for. One is the Sigma 23mm f/1.4 but it's too expensive. I can find the 24mm for a lot cheaper than that. There's the budget Yongnuo 23mm f/1.4 but it has LoCA issues. I don't edit my photos. I want good SOOC pictures so the LoCA would probably be a serious issue for me.
I appreciate you sharing your opinion, it's helpful, thank you
p.1 #4 · Best versatile portrait lens for APS-C: Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 or RF 35mm f/1.8
If you're going for the background blur, then unfortunately selecting a crop sensor camera makes your job harder. Yes, I know, limited budget, but physics of the light unfortunately doesn't give a damn...
And if you're also FL limited, then your only option is going for fast lenses, which are expensive.
Now you also have some RF lenses, so picking up a second hand 6D (DSLR) is not an option, because that would also require EF 50/1.8... Not sure what your options are, but maybe getting a second hand EOS RP would work, if you're so much into background blur? You'd be able to use your RF 50/1.8 (I assume you have RF and not EF + EF-RF convertor), with the fullframe you'd be also able to come closer, which also helps background blur...
p.1 #5 · Best versatile portrait lens for APS-C: Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 or RF 35mm f/1.8
I have both lenses that you are asking about and the Yongnuo 23 1.4 for use on an R7. For what you are doing, the yongnuo is perfect. Haven’t seen much fringing, and for the price it’s a no brainer. It’s sharp, feels well built and is quiet.
p.1 #6 · Best versatile portrait lens for APS-C: Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 or RF 35mm f/1.8
I would add Canon RF 24MM F1.8 MACRO IS STM to your R50 + RF 50 1.8.
It is a very good lens and IS helps with your R50 not having IBIS.
Yes, 24mm (38mm FF equivalent) has less separation than 35mm (56) and 35 less than 50mm (80) at the same f1.8 (f2.8 FF equivalent) aperture, but can capture more of a nice surrounding.
I also use the RF 16mm (26) f2.8 on the APS-C bodies.
A friend of mine bought the yongnuo 23mm, but sent it back. It was weak on the left side.
The Sigma can be a good option also, but only the Canon has the IS.
p.1 #7 · Best versatile portrait lens for APS-C: Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 or RF 35mm f/1.8
gwaww wrote:
I have both lenses that you are asking about and the Yongnuo 23 1.4 for use on an R7. For what you are doing, the yongnuo is perfect. Haven’t seen much fringing, and for the price it’s a no brainer. It’s sharp, feels well built and is quiet.
Agree on the yongnuo
I picked up both 23/1.4 and 33/1.4 before Christmas used off eBay for chump change
Both are mint boxed etc etc
Could not believe just how good they are.
Christopher Frost on YouTube tested both.
I think they are brilliant.
Cone with hoods too!!
Superb value for money.
I was at one point intending to buy the RF 24/2.8 IS but couldn’t bring myself to pay that much - the Yongnuo was a gamble that I’m so glad I took.
p.1 #8 · Best versatile portrait lens for APS-C: Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 or RF 35mm f/1.8
MintMar wrote:
If you're going for the background blur, then unfortunately selecting a crop sensor camera makes your job harder. Yes, I know, limited budget, but physics of the light unfortunately doesn't give a damn...
And there just aren't lenses that can make the job, well, 'equivalent'. Such as a ~35mm f/1.0 lens to get you closer to what a 50/1.2 can do on full-frame. And if one did exist, it would be as large and as expensive as the full-frame lens, and would likely be lower quality due to being a much faster optic.
Now on the other hand, if the exposure equivalency and noise equivalency isn't an issue, losing a bit of depth of field control isn't that big of a deal because generally people want their portraits to be in focus!
p.1 #9 · Best versatile portrait lens for APS-C: Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 or RF 35mm f/1.8
satwikphoto wrote:
I was leaning towards the 24mm as well. I could just move closer to the subject if the scene isn't as important or move a little farther away if it is. I thought a wider focal length gives me the flexibility to do that, especially indoors. My only worry was its DOF when it comes to separation/blur. I was actually hoping to replace my 50mm with the new lens (apologies, will edit my post to include that.) - something flexible that would get me nice enough bokeh even if not as good as the 50mm.
I watched a video (linked below) after I made the post and it seems like the 24mm does not have as good of a separation as the 35mm on a full frame even at similar focal lengths and subject distance. Of course, there are other factors involved when it comes to getting a nice bokeh but when presented with the same situation, it's a bit disappointing that the 24mm does not perform as you would expect. I would've been fully convinced if it had the same bokeh effects as the 35mm in the video. Alas, I might just have to get the lens and see if it works well enough for my needs..
There's also some f/1.4 options which might give me the look I'm going for. One is the Sigma 23mm f/1.4 but it's too expensive. I can find the 24mm for a lot cheaper than that. There's the budget Yongnuo 23mm f/1.4 but it has LoCA issues. I don't edit my photos. I want good SOOC pictures so the LoCA would probably be a serious issue for me.
I appreciate you sharing your opinion, it's helpful, thank you
p.1 #10 · Best versatile portrait lens for APS-C: Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 or RF 35mm f/1.8
johnctharp wrote:
And there just aren't lenses that can make the job, well, 'equivalent'. Such as a ~35mm f/1.0 lens to get you closer to what a 50/1.2 can do on full-frame. And if one did exist, it would be as large and as expensive as the full-frame lens, and would likely be lower quality due to being a much faster optic.
Now on the other hand, if the exposure equivalency and noise equivalency isn't an issue, losing a bit of depth of field control isn't that big of a deal because generally people want their portraits to be in focus!
You can always stop down if need be, but you cannot open more than the max aperture there is.
p.1 #11 · Best versatile portrait lens for APS-C: Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 or RF 35mm f/1.8
MintMar wrote:
You can always stop down if need be, but you cannot open more than the max aperture there is.
Yes, that's the depth of field control I was mentioning. The point being though, on crop you're not going to get more or even equivalent depth of field control to full-frame, fastest-lens to fastest-lens, with the further point that you may not need or even want it!
p.1 #12 · Best versatile portrait lens for APS-C: Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 or RF 35mm f/1.8
Keep in mind that the longer the focal length, the more subject separation you will get at the same max aperture. For portraiture, a 35mm-equivalent focal length of about 50mm or greater is usually best, as it minimizes distortion that can look unnatural when a subject is off-center. It's also easier to get more separation, a win-win.
So I would suggest looking at an inexpensive 35mm (56mm equivalent), but you may also want to look at inexpensive 50mm lenses (80mm equivalent). An f/1.8 lens at 50mm will give great separation and 50/1.8 lenses are available inexpensively and usually are optically pretty good.
p.1 #13 · Best versatile portrait lens for APS-C: Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 or RF 35mm f/1.8
Best versatile portrait lens for APS-C: Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 or RF 35mm f...
On APS-C, I would choose the 24mm for environmental portraits and the 50mm for classic head and shoulder portraits. 35mm is a good compromise if you can only carry one lens.
If you don't intend to own a full frame camera, then you can buy bespoke APS-C lenses which are slightly closer matches for the classic 24mm, 35mm, 50mm, and 85mm full frame focal lengths. Look at the Sigma and Yongnuo RF-S primes, for reference.
p.1 #14 · Best versatile portrait lens for APS-C: Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 or RF 35mm f/1.8
Thank you. After reading your reply, I was confused about why a crop sensor is limited when it comes to blur. I spent some time reading more about the crop factor and realized that I fundamentally misunderstood how a crop sensor works - how it affects not just the focal length but also the DOF. Makes a lot more sense. Every review or tutorial I've watched to understand the basic concepts always only mentioned how the crop affects the focal length. No one really talked about the DOF and how a crop sensor can affect creamy backgrounds.
I was actually deciding between the RP and the R50 initially. I don't exactly remember but the comparison videos I've watched seem to have mentioned the RP having a really old sensor and relatively worse AF. Since I'm a beginner myself and others in my family (who will also use the camera) really need the AF to carry our pictures (especially with a toddler), I thought it would be better to go for the camera that has more modern features and algorithms. That, and I was able to score a refurbished R50 from Canon for like $300 during Black Friday. It was a no-brainer when it comes to price.
Looks like I'll have to settle with what I have until I can upgrade to a full frame in the far future. Maybe the f/1.4 lenses will make a noticeable difference. At least I was able to correct my false expectations. Thank you for your help
p.1 #15 · Best versatile portrait lens for APS-C: Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 or RF 35mm f/1.8
Thank you so much for input! I was very surprised by the Yongnuo's build quality and general performance for its price. But I watched a video (linked below) where I could clearly spot LoCA near the hair and collar. From normal viewing distance and not zoomed in. Even if LoCA isn't an actual issue in general use, I learned that the correction data (distortion, aberration, vignetting etc.) they provide can only be used in editing software and not in-camera. I don't edit my pictures for the most part and need them to be good SOOC. If the corrections cannot be applied in-body, then I fear I might be disappointed with the resulting JPEGs. What do you think about the JPEG quality from that lens?
p.1 #16 · Best versatile portrait lens for APS-C: Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 or RF 35mm f/1.8
I'm leaning towards the 24mm! The IS on 24mm does sound pretty sweet (if it actually works well). The Sigma is way over my budget and there are other issues with Yongnuo (that I mentioned in my previous reply) so I have to rule them out. I was also considering the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 which is in my budget and is at least a bit wider than the 35mm. But I heard that the 30mm from Sigma carries old components and isn't as good as their newer RF f/1.4 lenses. If you happen to have a real world idea about the 30mm, I'd love to know! Thank you for your input.
p.1 #17 · Best versatile portrait lens for APS-C: Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 or RF 35mm f/1.8
johnctharp wrote:
And there just aren't lenses that can make the job, well, 'equivalent'. Such as a ~35mm f/1.0 lens to get you closer to what a 50/1.2 can do on full-frame. And if one did exist, it would be as large and as expensive as the full-frame lens
Yeah, apologies for my nonsensical expectations earlier. I misunderstood the effects of crop sensors. I hadn't even considered exposure or noise equivalency. What you said got me reading, and it makes a lot more sense to me now, even if I still don't have it all 100% down. I'm obviously an amateur and this 'bokeh' effect might not even matter to me as much as I'm thinking it does. I genuinely appreciate your take. I'm learning a ton from this thread alone.
p.1 #18 · Best versatile portrait lens for APS-C: Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 or RF 35mm f/1.8
I watched the Christopher Frost comparison video of all the 23mm f/1.4 lenses recently and iirc, the Sigma came out above the Yongnuo in almost every aspect except for the build quality and controls. I remember him testing color fringing, sharpness, distortions, glare, etc. and the Sigma seemed to perform much better, at least in his tests. I was fine with Yongnuo's performance though because of its low price but I have other issues with Yongnuo like LoCA and no in-camera corrections. Let me know your thoughts on its JPEG results if you've ever taken them! Thanks for your input!
p.1 #19 · Best versatile portrait lens for APS-C: Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 or RF 35mm f/1.8
Yes, I understand that a longer focal length results in more separation and more compression (if I stand farther away from the subject). As mentioned in my original post, I own the 50mm f/1.8 and love the blur I get from it! But it's too tight indoors, which is precisely the reason for my post - I'm looking for a 'wider' lens that allows me to work in small spaces while still providing enough subject separation for a nice, creamy background. What do you think about a 30mm focal length for my use case? There's a Sigma 30mm f/1.4 option in my budget. If you have any knowledge of that lens, I'd love to know your opinion! And thank you for your inputs!
p.1 #20 · Best versatile portrait lens for APS-C: Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 or RF 35mm f/1.8
Thank you for your suggestions! I'm thinking I'll keep the 50 and go for the 24. But there's also a Sigma 30mm f/1.4 lens that I found to be in my budget. What do you think about that focal length? Would it be a better choice over the 35? (this won't have Macro and IS. Macro I don't care about but I'm not sure if the IS is worth it over the wider FOV and aperture. I know my body does not have IBIS). If you have any experience or knowledge about the Sigma 30mm, I'd love to know your thoughts!
