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Lens recommendations for nature shots: 14-30mm doesn't cut it

putrokasi
Apprentice

Recently purchased an R50 as my first camera. I hike a lot and wanted to start taking some nature shots. As a newbie I’ve realized the 14-30mm lens the camera comes with just doesn’t quite cut it for those longer distance shots.

I’m pretty overwhelmed with all the terminology and seemingly endless options and price ranges. So any and all advice on the right lens for longer distance shots, skylines in the distance, animals too far off for my current lens to capture clearly. and where to find an affordable one would be greatly appreciated.

2 REPLIES 2

Congratulations on entering digital photography and thanks for entrusting us to offer you some assistance!  I agree that the options and specifications are overwhelming.   It would be helpful if you had some budget in mind to share.  You mention skylines and animals at distances, so I will assume that you are not going to try to focus on capturing birds in flight.  Your R50 can certainly do that, but there is a big cost to get a lens that have the range and speed to do that with high reliability.  All lenses, unless you're willing to spend about $15,000 or so, offer some tradeoffs, so don't try to find the "perfect" lens solution. 

Since you are new, it's important to learn some basics.   For this, my advice is to learn to shoot with what you have. For this you will want to shoot your camera in manual mode.  Since your camera is mirrorless you can easily see what effects changing shutter speed, aperture and ISO make.  It will take some shooting to see depth of field  being changed by your aperture settings and how shutter speed also changes what you see.  Moving water looks very different at 1/15th of a second  than 1/100.  And using a tripod (definitely recommend getting one!) try taking moving water at even longer exposure times to see it move from single droplets to milky white smoothness.  The same will be true of people.  You can capture a bit of blur at 1/100th of a second that show "action" in your shots if you want, or freeze everything like crystal at 1/1000th.

This is the fun and advantage of the camera that you bought over the camera on your phone.  I encourage you to explore it.  The good news is that lens technology is only getting better and better so don't worry that you're going to miss out on the deal of a lifetime.  And, over time, if you like photography, you will likely change our your gear.

Your first lest step up might be adding the Canon RF-S55-210mm F5-7.1 IS S lens.  This will be a huge step in range.  Canon has them refurbished now for $327 now at https://www.usa.canon.com/shop/p/refurbished-rf-s55-210mm-f5-7-1-is-stm?color=Black&type=Refurbished   Canon refurbished is an excellent option for saving money.  Canon refurbishes offers a new warranty and might even be considered better than new as that lens will have been individually gone over to ensure it meets quality control.  There are good sources for used lenses too - all of them will be established companies and offer you as much as a one-year warranty.

Another choice might be the Canon RF-S 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 Lens in about that same price range.  That would be an all-purpose lens with longer reach than what you have now.  This one would offer an advantage of being just one lens to carry, although you can shoot a LOT in the 55-210mm range if you chose to just carry that lens.

None of these lenses are super bright (f2.8 and lower) which would allow you to shoot more in low-light at lower ISOs with less digital noise, but you can get a lot of GREAT shots with those lenses.  The trick will be learning to shoot within the limits of the lens and the camera that you have and using them to best advantage.   Then, as you grow into photography, maybe you will want to save up and get that brighter lens.

Another option is to buy the most beat up used great lens you can get - maybe an EF lens and adapter.  These lenses will automatically be 1.6x their specified zoom range due to the smaller sensor in the R50.

But be aware that no lens will make you a great photographer.  That requires work on your part, which should be fun work, but still the work of learning more, making mistakes and, occaisionally, making magic.

Reiterating, please do consider getting a tripod for your long shots. A lens might have image stabilization for shooting handheld but at range you're going to get a sharper image using a tripod.  

I expect that this will generate some more questions from you.  I encourage you to explore the Canon Learning Center.  And there are a myriad of other online resources.  They will be contradictory and confusing at times.  Focus on getting to know your camera and your gear, and NOT depending on the automatic button and pretty soon you'll be understanding more and more of the terminology and and what settings YOU want to use on your camera.

 


>> Owns/Owned both Canon EOS mirrorless full-frame and APS-C cameras and associated RF, RF-S and EF adapted lenses - inventory tends to change on short notice. Same for flashes, tripods, bags, straps, etc.
Plus>> Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 Printer
>>The opinions and assistance are my own. Please don't blame Canon for any mistakes on my part.

shadowsports
Legend
Legend

Greetings,

The R50 is not typically paired with the RF-S 14-30 PZ.  This power zoom lens is typically paired with the R50v.  

The R50 is typically paired with the RF-S 18-45 which is a standard non-power zoom lens.  

Check out the 2 Canon lenses my colleague SignIfDigits referenced. The 55-210 and the 18-150.

Another option might be the Sigma 16-300 contemporary.  The Sigma is licensed by Canon for Sigma.  

Shop Canon RF-S55-210mm F5-7.1 IS STM | Canon U.S.A, Inc. https://share.google/kbtGhJRTjYWxUAHW5

RF-S18-150mm F3.5-6.3 IS STM https://share.google/rLl6TMjfDLvpyTxgK

SIGMA 16-300mm F3.5-6.7 DC OS | Contemporary | SIGMA Corporation of America https://share.google/zqtV5qWG56kV7VIyZ

~Rick
Bay Area - CA


~R5 C (1.1.2.1), ~R50v (1.1.1) ~RF Trinity, ~RF 100 Macro, ~RF 100~400, ~RF 100~500, ~RF 200-800 +RF 1.4x TC, BG-R10, 430EX III-RT ~DxO PhotoLab Elite ~DaVinci Resolve Studio ~ImageClass MF644Cdw/MF656Cdw ~Pixel 10 ~CarePaks Are Worth It

EOS R6 V RF20-50mm F4 L IS USM PZ Lens Kit
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