Criteria For Using A 35mm Lens vs 50mm

[Cantrell]

All,

I have a R10 with RF-s18-45mm, RF-s 18-150mm, RF100-400mm, and a Sigma 500mm ART lenses. Because the crop sensor in the R10 is 1.6X the 50mm lens shoots at 80mm. Have little experience with a prime lens so I have a  learning curve with 50mm. Using the 50mm to take pictures of my dogs and still objects. Used the manual, aperature priority, and FV modes.

Have an opportunity to buy a Sigma 35mm ART lens. With the crop sensor this lens would be shooting 56mm. When would you use a 35mm lens instead of a 50mm lens? Would that situation change if the camera was a full frame?

Thanks in advance for your responses. 

[shadowsports · Accepted solution]

Greetings,

Your choice, but I would not continue to invest in EF glass unless you had good reason.  You have a mirrorless body.  This doesn't mean you cannot use EF lenses, you can, but you might get some additional "mileage" buying RF or RF-S glass going forward. 

I used Sigma lenses for years.   The 35 and 50 Art lenses are known for their sharpness and clarity.  You need to have a reason (use case) though to need a equivalent FOV (56mm ) with f1.8 aperture performance.  Your RF-S 18-150mm and RF100-400mm are good matches for your R10 

Would this change if it were a full frame body?  Well, the FOV would change, but not the focal lengths of your lenses.  The RF-S lenses are designed to cover the smaller sensor in an APS-C body.  An RF lens is designed for a body with a full frame sensor.  Hence why the FOV is different.     

Using a RF-S lens on a full frame body would put the camera into crop mode.  So if the camera was 24MP, the lens would only allow you to capture 9.3MP images since the full size of the sensor could not be used.  Not ideal in most situations.  If you have other questions, just ask.       

[Cantrell]

The Initial post has an error. Should Sigma 50mm ART lens.

[shadowsports · Accepted solution]

Greetings,

Your choice, but I would not continue to invest in EF glass unless you had good reason.  You have a mirrorless body.  This doesn't mean you cannot use EF lenses, you can, but you might get some additional "mileage" buying RF or RF-S glass going forward. 

I used Sigma lenses for years.   The 35 and 50 Art lenses are known for their sharpness and clarity.  You need to have a reason (use case) though to need a equivalent FOV (56mm ) with f1.8 aperture performance.  Your RF-S 18-150mm and RF100-400mm are good matches for your R10 

Would this change if it were a full frame body?  Well, the FOV would change, but not the focal lengths of your lenses.  The RF-S lenses are designed to cover the smaller sensor in an APS-C body.  An RF lens is designed for a body with a full frame sensor.  Hence why the FOV is different.     

Using a RF-S lens on a full frame body would put the camera into crop mode.  So if the camera was 24MP, the lens would only allow you to capture 9.3MP images since the full size of the sensor could not be used.  Not ideal in most situations.  If you have other questions, just ask.       

[Cantrell]

Rick,

Thank you for your response. Is the Sigma 50 and 35mm ART lenses EF configuration? I have been away from the Canon brand of cameras for about 30+ years. Just got my R10 in July 2024. I want to stay with the RF or RF-s series of lenses.

How do you like your R5 C? Considering buying a full frame R series camera. Possibly a R6MII.

[shadowsports · Accepted solution]

Greetings,

I haven't looked recently to see what Sigma has available.  They were licensed by Canon recently to start making RF mount lenses.  The ones currently available for RF are all for APS-C cameras.  I'm sure they are fabulous.  

The the R6 mkiI is a high performing full frame body.  Do I like my R5 C... I love my R5 C 😍.

Don't buy what somebody else love's.  Do your research and buy what's going to be best for you.  Evaluate sensor performance,  still image capabilities, AF, subject tracking, frame rates, video performance, battery life, etc.  Of course budget as well.  🤑

You need to ask yourself what is your R10 not doing for you now?  What are your needs? What are your goals?

Answer these questions coupled with a budget and you'll be able to identify your next body.  Lenses are the real investment in photography. If done right, your bodies will come and go but your lenses will remain a staple.

[Cantrell]

Rick,

Thank you for your reply.

[Cantrell]

Rick,

Thank you for your comments regarding importance of investing in lenses. I get wrapped in researching the camera bodies and not the lenses. 

[Cantrell]

Rick,

I apologize for the stream of messages. What lens do you use for everyday shooting with your R5 C? I mentioned the R6MII in an earlier reply. What is your impression of the Canon RP camera and the 24-240mm lens? That combination is for sale in this area by an individual. 

Thank you for your input. I appreciate your opinion.

[shadowsports]

Good morning,

The lens I use depends on what I'm shooting. 

I now have coverage from 15 mm to 800 mm. A 24-70 or 24-105 are great for general purpose.  The 70-200 Is good for close range sports, indoor performances, portraits and waterfalls.  The 100-500 and 200-800 are good for wildlife, air shows and shots from long-range vantage points for close-ups.  The lenses you use really depend on the perspective you're trying to capture.  

The lenses I use most for still photography are the 15-35, 24-70 and 100-500.  For video, the 15-35 and 24-70.  

Used gear.  I would be super careful buying used.  I do purchase refurbished from Canon.  If I was going to buy used I would only buy from KEH, B&H or Adorama.  You want inspection, warranty and the right to return.  The RP was Canon's second mirrorless endeavor.  It's older now and lacks many of the AF and subject tracking features of a newer body.  I would buy an R8 before I bought an RP.  The 24-240 is a great lens.  It has a broad focal length and good optical clarity.  You might find it a little limiting indoors and in low light.  Generally, it's a solid lens and is good for shooting outdoors on hikes or vacation.  Shooting indoors. It will get you buy in a pinch, but you may have to bump your ISO up depending on available light.  Let's let others share their experiences as well.  

[Cantrell]

Rick,

Thank you very much for the wonderful response. You provided fantastic information. Thank you for mentioning the Canon's refurbished products. You and others have mentioned the quality of their refurbished products. It makes the purchasing decision less stressful. 

Sincerely,

Reese