EOS R50 lens recommendations for church photography

[kingkirby_268]

I’ve searched the forum to see if I could find an answer for my question but wasn’t able to find one. I just bought my R50, upgrading from phone. The kit lens is 18mm - 45mm. Normally I would take pictures of family members at home, on vacation, you know regular life. That guy that will always pull out his phone to capture the moment. I’ve become the de facto church photographer and I wanted to upgrade my equipment and skill set. The church is approximately 160ft x 80ft with a balcony around 3 of the walls. The balcony is approximately 12ft high. I want to be able to take photos at church without getting in persons way. I want to be like a fly on the wall. Not needing to be right next to the person to get their emotions in the photo. I’ve taken sample photos with the kit lens and I don’t think it allows me to achieve my objectives. My budget is $250.00. Can I get some recommendations please?

[ebiggs1]

There is no problem legally but the church itself may have a photography policy.

[kingkirby_268]

We have a photography policy and a data protection policy as well. 

[ebiggs1]

People mostly don't understand the law about photographing people. Basically people that have no expectation of privacy and can be photographed freely. However any business or church in this case or whatever can have a photography policy. If t you violate that posted policy you will be asked to stop or asked to leave. Then it becomes a trespass issue still not a photography issue.