topic Re: Zoom or Prime Lens in Gear Guide

Zoom or Prime Lens for family portraits, newborn photography, events

JessCone13 — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 14:30:30 GMT

Hey Canon Community,

New photographer here and I'm stuck between choosing a Prime or Zoom lens for my first lens. I'm between the RF 50mm 1.2 or the 24-70mm 2.8. My focus is family portraits, newborn photography, with the occasional events. I essentially wish I can have both but need some insight on what other beginners started with or any advice you might have.

Re: Zoom or Prime Lens

kvbarkley — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 22:06:06 GMT

What camera?

I suggest a zoom. If you have an RF-S camera, the RF-S 18-150 is an excellent all around lens.

Re: Zoom or Prime Lens

JessCone13 — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 22:07:15 GMT

I'm going to get the EOS R Mark II

Re: Zoom or Prime Lens

johnrmoyer — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 01:54:07 GMT

I do not have either of these lenses, but it seems to me that the RF24-70mm F2.8 L IS USM is better unless one is using a crop sensor.

https://personal.canon.jp/product/camera/rf/rf50-f12l/spec

https://personal.canon.jp/product/camera/rf/rf24-70-f28l/spec

Re: Zoom or Prime Lens

shadowsports — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 02:44:49 GMT

@JessCone,

There is no such camera as a EOS R mkII 😉. Maybe it's a typo.

In any event, get the zoom 🙂. The 24-70 f2.8 is a fantastic lens.

Re: Zoom or Prime Lens

JessCone13 — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 03:00:15 GMT

Whoops, yes typo! I've got my head so wrapped up on which RF lens that I forgot to add the 6 lol. Thanks for your opinion 😊