Canon R50 RF-S18-150 on R50

[SwampGrizz]

Just got the 18-150 lens today for my R50, and will be trying it out soon. Any tips, tricks, suggestions? Anything I need to look out for? All ideas will be greatly appreciated.

 

[ShipleyNW]

I wanted a little urban prowl kit so I got an R10 (same form factor as the R50) and anchored it with a Sigma 18-50/2.8. But then my wife and daughter kind of appropriated that camera. But the Sigma doesn't have much of a zoom range and neither the camera nor the lens has image stabilization, so it's not really the best lens for novices.

So I bought the RF-S 18-150 for my girls. Much easier to use. It's got a great zoom range, it's got IS, and is plenty sharp for knocking-around pictures, and it's tiny. It's kinda slow so we mainly use it outdoors. Even when I get to use that camera, it's still the lens I choose. I also picked up an RF-S 10-18. That makes for a great small system. Body and 2 lenses fit in a little, light shoulder bag. I love it.

I'm not sure what kind of tips or suggestions you're looking for. My advice: get out there and use it. Get a good feel for it. It's easy enough and that's what I would suggest. Come back here with some results and concerns and I'm sure you'd find advice and encouragement.

Maybe look on Amazon for a cheap lens hood. As you've found by now, Canon doesn't supply one with that lens.

 

[SwampGrizz]

Shipley,
Thanks for the response! This is the kind of feedback I’m looking for. Given that it is “kinda slow”, and I agree, at what point do you find that you need to switch to a faster lens? For example, I like to shoot at golden/blue hour, and is that enough light? I realize this is a subjective question that probably doesn’t have a hard answer, but I just want to get a feel for what I can get away with before I put on my fast prime. I’m glad to hear you use it as a knock around lens. That’s exactly what I bought it for. Also, I have a lens hood from a previous lens, so I’m good there. My plan is use it a lot, and I’m sure I’ll have more questions.

Thanks for your help and patience with a newbie.
Dale

 

[SwampGrizz]

Shipley,
Just went to your website. Wow. I humble myself before the master.

 

[ShipleyNW]

Given that it is “kinda slow”, and I agree, at what point do you find that you need to switch to a faster lens? For example, I like to shoot at golden/blue hour, and is that enough light?

I haven't really played with this lens too much in fringe lighting, so I don't have much insight on that specifically. In general, though, I shoot everything in raw and noise-reduction software has come a long way in the last 5 years or so. It's made me a little cavalier with shooting at higher ISOs. That helps solve slow-lens problems.

 

[SwampGrizz]

Ok, so I’ve had the RF 18-150 for a few weeks now, and I’m kind of underwhelmed. Maybe my expectations were too high, and it’s a decent lens, but I just don’t feel excited by it. I will be the first to admit that it may be pilot error, but I’m not excited by it like I am my 35mm F1.8 prime. Apples and oranges, I know, but I wanted something sharper. It’s not bad for what it is, but still….Im not sure I can find something sharp in an affordable mid range zoom, but I thought I would ask.
I have been looking at an RF 24-105 F4-7.1, and an EF 28-135 IS USM with an adapter. I also need something with IS, because the R50 does not have IBIS. Anything else I should consider? Many thanks for all help.

 

[MSH411]

Have you looked at the Sigma 16-300mm F3.5-6.7 DC OS {$770)? I shot with the Sigma EF 18-300mm Macro for a long time and recently gifted it to my daughter.

 

[SwampGrizz]

Thanks, I’ll take a look at them.

 

[SwampGrizz]

For what it’s worth, here’s an update.

Traded the 18-150 in on a 24-105 f4-7.1, and I’m much happier. I know I’ve lost range on both ends, but I’m okay with that. 24-105 suits what I do just fine. For a non-L lens, it’s pretty sharp. I like to shoot my outside stuff at f8/f9/f10 anyway, so it works out. It struggles a little with lower light, but I usually can work around that. Overall, I’m happy with it. For a kit lens, it ain’t bad.

 

[Archibald]

For what it’s worth, here’s an update.

Traded the 18-150 in on a 24-105 f4-7.1, and I’m much happier. I know I’ve lost range on both ends, but I’m okay with that. 24-105 suits what I do just fine. For a non-L lens, it’s pretty sharp. I like to shoot my outside stuff at f8/f9/f10 anyway, so it works out. It struggles a little with lower light, but I usually can work around that. Overall, I’m happy with it. For a kit lens, it ain’t bad.

It's great that you have found a lens that you like, but I'm mystified by your experience with the 18-150mm lens. I have that lens and find it works just fine. Here are some examples.

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