topic Re: Canon Rebel T3 Nifty Fifty Lens in EF & RF Lenses

Canon Rebel T3 Nifty Fifty Lens

Polly57 — Tue, 09 Jul 2019 13:28:56 GMT

Hi everyone,

Not a professional and have a Canon T3, which I have fully pleased with. I bought the David Molnar photo online classes and he talks a lot about the nifty fifty. I went online to purchase one and I am confused as to which one with fit my camera. I know it is an older version, but I am just playing around in my retirement. This is the one I am looking at and wondering if it would fit on my older camera:

I understand it fits the rebels but since mine is older not sure if they keep the lenses from year/model/upgrades useable. Thanks for any assistance.

Polly

[link removed per forum guidelines. Replaced with screenshot from linked page to facilitate discussion]

Re: Canon Rebel T3 Nifty Fifty Lens

Waddizzle — Sun, 07 Jul 2019 19:05:01 GMT

@Polly57 wrote:
Hi everyone,
Not a professional and have a Canon T3, which I have fully pleased with. I bought the David Molnar photo online classes and he talks a lot about the nifty fifty. I went online to purchase one and I am confused as to which one with fit my camera. I know it is an older version, but I am just playing around in my retirement. This is the one I am looking at and wondering if it would fit on my older camera:

I understand it fits the rebels but since mine is older not sure if they keep the lenses from year/model/upgrades useable. Thanks for any assistance.
Polly

You would want the newer “STM” version of the “Nifty Fifty, EF 50mm f/1.8 STM.

https://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/ef-50mm-f-18-stm-refurbished

The newer version has an all metal mount, while the older one has an all plastic mount. The newer lens also has faster, quieter focusing. It is more than worth the slight price difference.

Re: Canon Rebel T3 Nifty Fifty Lens

Polly57 — Sun, 07 Jul 2019 19:07:03 GMT

Thanks I will look into that. So confusing to an amateur.

Re: Canon Rebel T3 Nifty Fifty Lens

Waddizzle — Sun, 07 Jul 2019 19:12:48 GMT

@Polly57 wrote:
Thanks I will look into that. So confusing to an amateur.

The “mount” on a lens is the end part of the lens that attaches to the camera. A metal mount will last longer than a plastic one.

Re: Canon Rebel T3 Nifty Fifty Lens

RobertTheFat — Sun, 07 Jul 2019 20:18:57 GMT

@Polly57 wrote:
Thanks I will look into that. So confusing to an amateur.

Don't buy the nifty fifty unless you're sure you need the relatively wide (f/1.8) aperture. Otherwise stick with Canon's zoom lenses, which are much more flexible and not distinguishably inferior in image quality.

Re: Canon Rebel T3 Nifty Fifty Lens

Waddizzle — Sun, 07 Jul 2019 21:15:26 GMT

@RobertTheFat wrote:
@Polly57 wrote:
Thanks I will look into that. So confusing to an amateur.
Don't buy the nifty fifty unless you're sure you need the relatively wide (f/1.8) aperture. Otherwise stick with Canon's zoom lenses, which are much more flexible and not distinguishably inferior in image quality.

Why would you say that? For someone taking a photography class, having a wide aperture lens is almost a “must have” item. Besides, I would recommend the lens to anyone with a Rebel series camera. It will teach any owner a lot about photography.

Re: Canon Rebel T3 Nifty Fifty Lens

ebiggs1 — Sun, 07 Jul 2019 21:49:49 GMT

"Don't buy the nifty fifty unless you're sure you need the relatively wide (f/1.8) aperture. Otherwise stick with Canon's zoom lenses, which are much more flexible and not distinguishably inferior in image quality."

I also second this thought. The 50mm lens is a specialized focal length. Particularly so on a Rebel. The only thing it bring to the party is the very fast aperture beside very low cost. Stick with Canon zoom lenses. I am not really opposed to you buying the 50mil just be aware of its FL limitations because it is so cheap.. I have over two dozen lenses and I believe the 50mil is one of my least used lens. Make sure you get the STM model if you pursue this.

"...but I am just playing around in my retirement."

This does not and should not indicate you need less quality gear. The better your gear, camera and lenses, the better you will become and the more pleasurable this hobby is.

IMHO, don't use Amazon. Instead go to a real camera retailer even a local photography store. Too many bad things from Amazon in the photography gear marketplace.

BTW, what lens(s) do you have now? The Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens (I know ...expensive) would be the lens to get. Also fast constant aperture and it zooms. It will be there for you when you decide to upgrade your T3!

Re: Canon Rebel T3 Nifty Fifty Lens

RobertTheFat — Mon, 08 Jul 2019 03:58:47 GMT

@Waddizzle wrote:
@RobertTheFat wrote:
@Polly57 wrote:
Thanks I will look into that. So confusing to an amateur.
Don't buy the nifty fifty unless you're sure you need the relatively wide (f/1.8) aperture. Otherwise stick with Canon's zoom lenses, which are much more flexible and not distinguishably inferior in image quality.
Why would you say that? For someone taking a photography class, having a wide aperture lens is almost a “must have” item. Besides, I would recommend the lens to anyone with a Rebel series camera. It will teach any owner a lot about photography.

Where is your point of disagreement? I suggested the OP not buy the lens unless she really needs it. You said shouldn't she buy it if she needs it for a class. To which, of course, my answer is yes. I guess I don't see why she necessarily would need it for a class, but I'll take your word for that.

Re: Canon Rebel T3 Nifty Fifty Lens

Waddizzle — Mon, 08 Jul 2019 08:38:26 GMT

@RobertTheFat wrote:
@Waddizzle wrote:
@RobertTheFat wrote:
@Polly57 wrote:
Thanks I will look into that. So confusing to an amateur.
Don't buy the nifty fifty unless you're sure you need the relatively wide (f/1.8) aperture. Otherwise stick with Canon's zoom lenses, which are much more flexible and not distinguishably inferior in image quality.
Why would you say that? For someone taking a photography class, having a wide aperture lens is almost a “must have” item. Besides, I would recommend the lens to anyone with a Rebel series camera. It will teach any owner a lot about photography.
Where is your point of disagreement? I suggested the OP not buy the lens unless she really needs it. You said shouldn't she buy it if she needs it for a class. To which, of course, my answer is yes. I guess I don't see why she necessarily would need it for a class, but I'll take your word for that.

Bob, this is from the original post.

“Not a professional and have a Canon T3, which I have fully pleased with. I bought the David Molnar photo online classes and he talks a lot about the nifty fifty. I went online to purchase one and I am confused as to which one with fit my camera. I know it is an older version, but I am just playing around in my retirement.”

The “nifty fifty” lens is what is being discussed in the course. It appears Polly57 wishes to follow along with the discussion.

BTW, the EF-S 18-55mm lenses in the T3 camera kits have inferior image quality compared to either the “fantastic plastic” or the newer “nifty fifty” 50mm lenses. It would be a good portrait lens on a Rebel body.

Re: Canon Rebel T3 Nifty Fifty Lens

Polly57 — Mon, 08 Jul 2019 14:07:12 GMT

I was just asking about purchasing a nifty fifty because the class I took and am donewith recommended I purchase one. I do not need it for the class. He said, "Starting out using manual mode the nifty fifty is a low cost easy to use lens to learn on" He did explain all the others, but said it would give me the ability to learn how to take low light shots. As a professional he says he still uses it although he had tons of other lenses that had high costs to them that he recommended as well. I do not plan on being a professional, just a hobby in my retirement. I am going to purchase thenifity fifty as right now that is cost effective for me to learn on. If I ever do want more I will purchase good telephoto lenses. I understand it's limitations I just wanted the specialized focal length. Thanks everyone! I got this.

Re: Canon Rebel T3 Nifty Fifty Lens

Polly57 — Mon, 08 Jul 2019 14:08:31 GMT

Thanks for the recommendations!

Re: Canon Rebel T3 Nifty Fifty Lens

ebiggs1 — Mon, 08 Jul 2019 14:21:24 GMT

" I understand it's limitations I just wanted the specialized focal length."

Chances are David Molnar doesn not use a Rebel T3. A 50mm is more friendly on a FF. Again I have no real objections to anyone buying the excellent 50mil, mostly because it is so fast and so cheap. It doesn't matter if it sits in your bag for long periods of time. If it happens to be only the second lens you have(?), you will use it more simply because you don't have other choices!

Re: Canon Rebel T3 Nifty Fifty Lens

Polly57 — Tue, 09 Jul 2019 03:18:46 GMT

I have three other lenses that came in the bundle.Polly

Re: Canon Rebel T3 Nifty Fifty Lens

ebiggs1 — Tue, 09 Jul 2019 05:57:16 GMT

"I have three other lenses that came in the bundle...." and they are?

Re: Canon Rebel T3 Nifty Fifty Lens

RobertTheFat — Tue, 09 Jul 2019 15:06:13 GMT

@Polly57 wrote:
I was just asking about purchasing a nifty fifty because the class I took and am donewith recommended I purchase one. I do not need it for the class. He said, "Starting out using manual mode the nifty fifty is a low cost easy to use lens to learn on" He did explain all the others, but said it would give me the ability to learn how to take low light shots. As a professional he says he still uses it although he had tons of other lenses that had high costs to them that he recommended as well. I do not plan on being a professional, just a hobby in my retirement. I am going to purchase thenifity fifty as right now that is cost effective for me to learn on. If I ever do want more I will purchase good telephoto lenses. I understand it's limitations I just wanted the specialized focal length. Thanks everyone! I got this.

At the risk of wandering a bit off-topic, I'll mention that I don't at all subscribe to the notion that a beginning photographer with access to a modern camera should start out by using manual mode. I realize that many consider it a vital part of the learning process, but I just don't buy it. It reminds me of the attitude, once also fairly common, that a beginning driver should first learn on a car with a manual transmission. Yes, the ability to use a camera manually is a useful skill, but to a beginner it's less important than learning about lighting, composition, choice of subject, etc.

Re: Canon Rebel T3 Nifty Fifty Lens

Polly57 — Tue, 09 Jul 2019 19:23:00 GMT

I have had my camera for over 8 years, hence the T3. I ordered this online class about a year or so ago??? I Had been playing around with my camera and want to learn more. The class encourages using manuel. I have been playing around with it, but do revert to auto if the picture is one that is important I get right or I do not have the time to fuss with buttons ans settings. I agree though knowing how to use a camera setttings, composition, lighting etc is important. I am a little beyond that right now and looking to increase my knowledge with the manuel mode. Thanks for the advice. I think the nifty fifity will start me on a good road. Do not know if I will ever go beyond that though. I have a 500mm telephoto lens, but it is manuel as well so even with my camera on auto using this lens is a challange.

Re: Canon Rebel T3 Nifty Fifty Lens

matonanjin — Tue, 09 Jul 2019 23:31:18 GMT

Polly, judging by your comment, "Thanks everyone. I got this!", I assume that you are going to go ahead and get the "nifty 50". I hope so. There is a reason your course instructor recommended this. It is a handy, cheap little lens and there will be times you need it. And it will teach you a lot.

As mentioned above zoom lenses are hugely flexible and, prior to retiremnet I used them a lot in my practice. But if you haven't learned in your course yet, they are slow. This means they aren't suitable for low light. This is where fixed focus length lenses, like the nifty 50, become so valuable. About the fastest zoom lens there is has a maximum apeture of F/2.8. Your 50 mm is more than a "full stop" faster. You will learn what this means. for now just know it will serve you better in lower light situations such as indoors when you can't, or don't want, to use flash. I also have the nifty 50 but just about my all time favorite lens is another fixed length, my 100mm F2. It used to be on one of my camera bodies almost all the time.

Another nice benefit of the faster maximum aperture is it will blur the background more (at wide open compared to F/2.8). In addition, the 50 mm on a Rebel some consider "ideal" focal length for portraiture, meaning you will minimize perspective distortion. So this combination of blurring the background and ideal length will be great for you if you pursue portraiture.

Good luck to you. If you haven't learned yet these forums can be a great sorurce of help but you can and will also get a lot of misinformation. You'll just have to learn to sort it out.

Have fun with the new lens.

Re: Canon Rebel T3 Nifty Fifty Lens

Lumigraphics — Wed, 31 Jul 2019 20:24:58 GMT

First of all, ignore the naysayers. The 50mm is a good portrait lens on your camera. Its small, light, cheap, and has good image quality, and having a spare is never a bad thing.

There have been three versions of the 50mm f/1.8 autofocus. First and third have metal lensmounts, the third has the STM drive motor which is optimized for newer Canon bodies and video.

If you want a bit more general-purpose lens, look into the 24mm EF-S lens or one of the 35mm offerings. Canon also sells a 40mm STM that is even smaller.

Finally, forget the "kit" with all the added filters and accessories. Those are usually just junk. All you need is the lens itself.

Re: Canon Rebel T3 Nifty Fifty Lens

Polly57 — Thu, 01 Aug 2019 01:21:55 GMT

Thanks for the info!