Canon EOS R50 18-45 What a PLEASURE!

[Wolfzone99]

I live in California and very recently purchased my Canon EOS R50 18-45 through Beach Camera, and it's such a pleasure to use. I'm coming from a Sony A6400 and also Pentax and Holga cameras. I primarily take dog/pet photos and portraits. Beach also send a bucketload of accessories - a few were helpful and several not. I have much to learn but am quite impressed with it especially in regards to portraiture. Makes my subjects "come alive". I would like to buy a portrait lens, and also a solar filter. Recommendations appreciated. I assume I need Canon brand, yes? Thanks all. Look forward to reading others postings - and continued learning.

[stevet1]

Wolfzone99,

You don't necessarily "need" Canon lenses, but if you buy a third party lens, just make sure it' compatible with your camera.

Popular portrait lenses are 35mm, 50mm, 85mm and 135mm.

Wider lenses like 35 will show  your subject in the context of their surroundings.

Narower lenses like the 85 and 135 will isolate your subject more. For instance, 85 is popular for 3/4 body shots and 135 is popular for headshots.

As you get tighter and tighter on your subject, you can blur out the  background and make them stand out.

Not sure what  "solar" filter is. Do you mean a UV filter?

Feel free to ask questions, as you get better and better, maybe you'll be able to help out others who are just starting out.

Steve Thomas

[Wolfzone99]

Mr. Thomas:

Thank you very much. Hopefully, I'll eventually have "hot tips" for others. Yes, I meant a UV filter - I had one on my Sony and it was very helpful.

[shadowsports]

Congratulations on the new camera.  Please note that if you want to get a filter for your lens, just buy a plain clear glass filter.  Your sensor has UV and IR blocking filters built in.  B&W and Hoya are excellent choices.  There are less expensive options as well.  When choosing a filter you can look at its percentage of light transmission.  Look for something that is >98 or 99%.  If Beach doesn't have listings for this try B&H photo they do.

Beach Camera also known as Beach trading Inc is a Canon authorized dealer.  I used to buy from them about 20 years ago.  

As far as lenses go Canon and Sigma have the best aps-c offerings.  All of Sigma's RF lenses are licensed by Canon for Sigma.  You can also save a little money buying Canon refurbished or used . 😉