1 ACCEPTED SOLUTION
I would take a bit of a different approach since this location is somewhat specialized and you mentioned two very different styles of photography. Since you didn't mention you owned a lens I threw some thoughts out there for consideration thinking you went body only when you purchased the R50. If you did get the kit lens with the R50, it really isn't practical for the environment or location you described especially once you get into the villages.
- You are going to want to be subtle in the villages. I would even go so far as to suggest that you ask to make sure that the residents are comfortable with being photographed. Even @ 45mm the lens will not allow you much subtlety.
- Environment, you are going to photographing in a location that is about as bad as it comes regarding dirt and dust. Attempting to keep a lenses mounted will help ensure that the sensor is protected to the best of your ability if paramount. If you have to do lens swaps try to find a protected area.
- While the RF18-45 lens was decent it just didn't have much range. I opted for the RF24-240 and it was a vast improvement. Don't let the people that haven't shot with or own one attempt to tell you this is a budget lens, it's budget in price only. The focus speed, IQ and sharpness are pretty incredible for a lens at this price point.
- On the R50 you will be giving up the 24mm on the RF24-240 as the FOV ends up at 38mm on the crop sensor. On the far side you will have great reach to be subtle in the villages and capture candid images at a distance, something that would be difficult to achieve with the RF18-45, your FOV will be 384mm. Portraiture is also easy obtained with a simple twist and zoom. Distance and the extra range will give you the ability to grab candid shots which are always the finest.
- You will have the opportunity to quickly grab images at a much greater range right at your fingertips. You can be shooting a landscape and have a critter or villager walk into frame and quickly rack the lens to capture a tighter image. You would not have to change lenses and again if the RF18-45mm is mounted you loose that ability because it lacks range.
And while you lose some range the RF-S18-150mm F3.5-6.3 IS STM would offer many of the same benefits with some loss of range but overall still a better option overall for the location and environment.
It's just my opinion, and you know what they say about opinions. Where you are going, the styles you are attempting to photograph and the environment need a more deliberate approach. Having one central lens, something with range and that you can mount and carry for the majority of the trip I believe would be beneficial. Maybe just keep the RF18-45 as a backup but it really isn't the right lens for the styles you described.
These are images were taken on the RF24-240, be aware that each had to be significantly reduced for publication here, the IQ is even better full size.
I would take a bit of a different approach since this location is somewhat specialized and you mentioned two very different styles of photography. Since you didn't mention you owned a lens I threw some thoughts out there for consideration thinking you went body only when you purchased the R50. If you did get the kit lens with the R50, it really isn't practical for the environment or location you described especially once you get into the villages.
- You are going to want to be subtle in the villages. I would even go so far as to suggest that you ask to make sure that the residents are comfortable with being photographed. Even @ 45mm the lens will not allow you much subtlety.
- Environment, you are going to photographing in a location that is about as bad as it comes regarding dirt and dust. Attempting to keep a lenses mounted will help ensure that the sensor is protected to the best of your ability if paramount. If you have to do lens swaps try to find a protected area.
- While the RF18-45 lens was decent it just didn't have much range. I opted for the RF24-240 and it was a vast improvement. Don't let the people that haven't shot with or own one attempt to tell you this is a budget lens, it's budget in price only. The focus speed, IQ and sharpness are pretty incredible for a lens at this price point.
- On the R50 you will be giving up the 24mm on the RF24-240 as the FOV ends up at 38mm on the crop sensor. On the far side you will have great reach to be subtle in the villages and capture candid images at a distance, something that would be difficult to achieve with the RF18-45, your FOV will be 384mm. Portraiture is also easy obtained with a simple twist and zoom. Distance and the extra range will give you the ability to grab candid shots which are always the finest.
- You will have the opportunity to quickly grab images at a much greater range right at your fingertips. You can be shooting a landscape and have a critter or villager walk into frame and quickly rack the lens to capture a tighter image. You would not have to change lenses and again if the RF18-45mm is mounted you loose that ability because it lacks range.
And while you lose some range the RF-S18-150mm F3.5-6.3 IS STM would offer many of the same benefits with some loss of range but overall still a better option overall for the location and environment.
It's just my opinion, and you know what they say about opinions. Where you are going, the styles you are attempting to photograph and the environment need a more deliberate approach. Having one central lens, something with range and that you can mount and carry for the majority of the trip I believe would be beneficial. Maybe just keep the RF18-45 as a backup but it really isn't the right lens for the styles you described.
These are images were taken on the RF24-240, be aware that each had to be significantly reduced for publication here, the IQ is even better full size.
