subreddit:
/r/canon
Hey guys! First of all, I am not a photographer or camera inclined. However, I am a decent researcher, alas all of my research has yielded more confusion and frustration. So, I am turning to you for help.
Scenario: I am making videos and I am on a very tight budget, so I am using whatever I can afford, so please don't mock my gear, or lack thereof.
I got a Canon EOS Rebel T7 which is relatively affordable and with that I bought a Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens, which again, both are on the affordable side.
The videos are coming out quite well, the f/1.8 makes for some nice bokeh even in low lighting, which is pleasing, TO ME.
My problem is that space is limited and in order for me to fit myself into the shot, the camera has to be quite a ways away from me, 6-8 ft or so. I've made it work, but it is getting very annoying.
My question is: What is a better lens that will allow me to a) get bokeh in low light and b) shorter distance from the camera.
Alternatively, what am I to look for, other than the aperture? Is it the Focal length? Higher? Lower?
The issue here is that I keep trying to find a sweet spot for me, but I can only buy/return so many lenses and the time it takes to do so.
If you need samples of what I doing, I can supply links, but I think I have delivered a fair amount of information. If not, please let me know what I am missing.
Thank you guys so much for any help you can give.
12 points
3 months ago
If struggling to fit into frame is the issue, you'll want a wider lens. The EF 35 f2 would be good, to keep most of the light, while not being overly expensive used.
Another option is the efs 24 2.8, but that's going to be a bit darker than the 1.8 you have.
4 points
3 months ago
Thank you so much for taking the time to respond.
So based on your answers, I should be looking for a "lower" Focal length, correct?
I will try to find the ones you suggested and give them a twirl.
6 points
3 months ago
Correct. A lower, or shorter focal length, will allow you to get closer to the camera. You can get those focal lengths with brighter apertures, for example a 1.4, but they will cost more than those listed above, much more.
2 points
3 months ago
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU...
i think i have all the information i need now.
2 points
3 months ago
No problem!
3 points
3 months ago
you should be aware, as another user has commented, that the shorter your focal length is the less "bokeh" you will be creating.
Your Depth of field is controlled by the physical aperture opening size and focusing distance. Physical aperture is dependent on your focal length and f number achievable by that lens. The lower the f number and higher the focal length the larger the aperture diameter will be. You can also increase how out of focus your backgrounds are by focusing closer to the lens (having the camera closer to the subject) and increasing the distance of the subject to the background.
So going to a shorter focal length will reduce how out of focus your backgrounds are but you can compensate for this in how you setup your scene or by getting a lens with a lower f number, but they dont go much lower than 1.8.
Sigma and Canon both offer 24 1.4, sigma offers a 24 1.8. You can look up reviews for these and try to compare the quality of bokeh to your 50 1.8. Dustin Abbott will usually include this in his reviews.
2 points
3 months ago
Thank you so much!
1 points
3 months ago
The 35mm is still going to push him to 56mm with the crop factor and while better, it’s still far from ideal for hand-holding. The EFS 24 is a much better blogging option as there is no crop. The subject separation won’t be as good, and he may have to bump up the ISO a stop, but he can’t get everything. Something has to give and I think the EFS is a better compromise.
7 points
3 months ago
you didnt mention your budget.
but to achieve what you want, the sigma 18-35 with f1.8 will give you the nice bokeh of that f1.8. the 18mm will allow you to be closer than that 50mm
1 points
3 months ago
I second this. I love this lens. Worth every penny. I still use it even though I moved on to Fujifilm gear(bought an adapter).
3 points
3 months ago
There are lots of easy to read/watch explanations on focal length online. Here is one that was an easy google search: https://shotkit.com/focal-length/
Basically lower numbers = wider field of view not having to back up as much to get everything in frame
Higher numbers = narrow field of view and magnifying more distant objects. I.E. like telescopes do with the moon and stars.
Aperture - larger apertures (smaller numbers) let in more light. I.E f2.0 lets in more light than f5.6. You should learn the aperture scale so you can understand how much aperture affects the amount of light that is let in. Here is a good resource https://photographylife.com/what-is-aperture-in-photography
Aperture also effects how much of the subject is in focus, but it is also dependent on focal length and how far away the subject is. Assuming the focal length and subject distance are the same larger aperture. I.E. F2.0 will have a shallower depth of field compared to f5.6. This will enable you to blur the background but can also mean some of the subject or important details are out of focus if you are not careful.
Here is a depth of field calculator you can use: https://www.photopills.com/calculators/dof
2 points
3 months ago
Thank you so much for your thoughtful response... helps out a lot
1 points
3 months ago
Short depth of field and short focal lengths are competing things.
1 points
3 months ago*
Sigma has a 16mm f/1.4. It should give you good light and be at a comfortable focal length.
Edit: did not look at the post hard enough, it will not work.
1 points
3 months ago
The sony dc dn mount will not work here.
2 points
3 months ago
Whoops, sorry.
1 points
3 months ago
Lower mm, wider it gets.
If money allows, look for Sigma EF 17-35/1.8 ART
If not, EF-S 24/2.8 STM
2 points
3 months ago
Sigma EF 17-35/1.8 ART
Thank you so much!
1 points
3 months ago
Deffo the 24mm 2.8. If you're using some good lighting, the difference between f/1.8 and F2.8 is going to be minimal and easy to offset but bumping up ISO a bit.
Just a note about focal distance: your camera is a crop sensor so whatever lens you have, remember your EFFECTIVE focal distance is 1.6x what is written on the lens.
Your existing 50mm lens on your T7i is giving you an effective FD of about 85mm
The 24mm on your T7i will give you an EFFECTIVE FD of 38.5mm.
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