It may have taken a minute, but all the major brands now have a respectable collection of mirrorless cameras and lenses to choose from.
Canon has even built out a decent set of lens options whether you are a professional getting the greatest gear or a beginner just looking to give a boost to your modest kit.
Now with the amount of affordable APS-C RF-mount cameras on the market, you’ll want to find some budget lenses to match.
FoxTailWhipz has been looking to build his own collection and has settled on four lenses that he finds pair perfectly with cameras like the R7 and R10.
1. Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM
You can’t go wrong with a nifty fifty. The Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM is one of the most budget-friendly lenses that Canon makes and it has a legacy of being the lens to get for beginners buying their first prime. It’s $199 cost and full-frame compatibility are big selling points.
On APS-C this is going to be about an 80mm equivalent. With that f/1.8 aperture this becomes a great portrait option with shallow depth of field. The minimum focus distance of 11.8” is very practical.
Image Credit: Canon
The price does result in a cheaper, plastic construction though the mount does stay metal. It is exceptionally lightweight because of that build.
It certainly isn’t going to fall apart, but it may not hold up to bumps over time and is not weather-sealed.
One downside is that the small size and cheap design means that it has a single control ring that you have to choose between either a function or focus.
Manual focus is then changed in the camera menu. It is also a little soft compared to more premium options.
2. 7artisans 60mm f/2.8 Macro Mark II
Next up is the 7artisans 60mm f/2.8 Macro Mark II. This is an APS-C only lens with a equivalent focal length of 96mm.
I think everyone should have a medium telephoto macro lens in their kit since they are so practical.
You can shoot portraits, products, actual macro, and plenty more with these lenses and they usually benefit from sharp optics.
Image Credit: 7artisans
It does have a more modest f/2.8 aperture, but that is par for the course with macro lenses. This one will focus as close as 6.9” for true 1:1 macro.
Price is very affordable at around $180. It also has a durable metal construction. Though, it is a completely manual lens.
3. Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM
Built in the same vein as the 50mm, the Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM is another affordable, lightweight option. This one will give you an ultra-wide perspective and on APS-C will become a 26mm equivalent.
It is basically identical is design as the 50mm, so you’ll have many of the same benefits and drawbacks.
Image Credit: Canon
Minimum focus of 5.1” is fun with ultra-wide lenses since you can get surprisingly close. Optical quality is solid and images are looking very sharp.
On crop cameras the wider perspective can make a huge difference. For vlogging and getting an even wider view than the kit lens the 16mm is great.
Cost is only $299 and you can find it on sale often. It is a good everyday lens.
4. Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM
Now for something completely different. The Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM is going to fill your telephoto needs – like all of them.
He believes this might be the most underrated lens in Canon’s lineup. It is massive compared to the other lenses on this list, but it covers a wide range and is full-frame compatible.
On APS-C this will become an even farther reaching 160-640mm equivalent.
Sometimes you just can’t get the shot without getting closer to your subject and that is where telephoto zooms are clutch. This is an extreme range and it’ll only run you around $650 which is a great deal for that focal length.
Image Credit: Canon
This is a fully-featured Canon lens with fast autofocus and image stabilization. You’ll need it for the longer focal lengths and it’ll help keep your photos sharp.
Probably the only serious weakness is the aperture range. It’s f/5.6-8 is very slow and it means that the lens will only perform well during bright, sunny days or other well-lit environments.
It isn’t a weather-sealed lens and is much larger, especially when you zoom out to 400mm.
[source: FoxTailWhipz]
Order Links:
- Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens (B&H, Amazon)
- 7artisans 60mm f/2.8 Macro Mark II Lens (B&H, Amazon)
- Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM Lens (B&H, Amazon)
- Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM Lens (B&H, Amazon)
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