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The BEST Budget Photography Lenses from Canon

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Canon Best Lens

Are you an aspiring photographer looking to step up your photography game? If you've been using the kit lens that came with your Canon camera, it might be time to upgrade to a more versatile and high-quality lens. In this blog post, wedding and portrait photographer Vanessa Joy shares her top recommendations for budget-friendly lenses from Canon. Whether you have a crop sensor camera or a full-frame mirrorless camera, there's a perfect lens for you. Let's dive in and find the ideal lens to take your photography to the next level!

  1. Canon M50 Mark II - EF-M 22mm F/2 Lens: For those with a Canon M50 Mark II, Vanessa recommends the EF-M 22mm F/2 lens. This lens boasts a maximum aperture of F/2, making it excellent for low-light conditions and capturing stunning portraits, family photos, landscapes, and street photography. With fast focusing and a reasonable price point (around $199 refurbished or $250 brand new), this lens is a must-have upgrade from the kit lens.

  2. Canon Rebel T7 - EF 50mm 1.8 Lens: If you own a Canon Rebel T7 or a similar DSLR camera, the EF 50mm 1.8 lens, often referred to as the "nifty 50," is a fantastic choice. While it may be older technology, it still delivers exceptional results, especially for portraits and outdoor shots. The 50mm focal length provides a beautiful range of view, offering that desirable blurry background effect. This lens comes in at an affordable price, making it an excellent investment for any aspiring photographer.

  3. Canon R10 (or R7) - RF 16mm F/2.8 Lens: For those with a Canon R10 or R7 mirrorless camera with a cropped APSC sensor, Vanessa suggests the RF 16mm F/2.8 lens. Acting as a 32mm lens due to the crop sensor, this lens is perfect for environmental portraits, group shots, landscapes, and street photography. Its RF technology and additional perks, such as a control ring, justify its slightly higher price of around $299. The versatility and image quality make this lens a valuable addition to your gear.

  4. Full Frame Mirrorless Camera - RF 50mm 1.8 Lens: If you're a proud owner of a full-frame mirrorless camera, Vanessa highly recommends the RF 50mm 1.8 lens. With a wide aperture of 1.8, this lens allows for excellent depth of field and captivating portraits with a beautiful background blur. It's also priced incredibly reasonably at just $179, making it an attractive option for those on a budget. With a 50mm focal length, you'll be able to capture a variety of subjects with stunning clarity and detail.

Upgrading from the kit lens to a prime lens is a game-changer for any photographer. The fixed focal lengths and wide apertures of these budget-friendly Canon lenses provide incredible versatility and image quality without breaking the bank. Whether you're using a crop sensor or a full-frame mirrorless camera, Vanessa Joy's recommendations will undoubtedly enhance your photography experience. Invest in one of these lenses and watch your creativity soar as you capture unforgettable moments with precision and style.

Remember, as you embark on your photography journey, joining Vanessa's Photo Insiders community can provide invaluable education, tips, and support to elevate your craft further. So, equip yourself with the best budget photography lens from Canon and start capturing breathtaking images today! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments below. Happy shooting!

 
 

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Meet Vanessa

Photography education that gives your art an edge

Vanessa has been photographing weddings, events, portraits and lifestyle for over 20 years.

She's a Canon Explorer of Light, an honor given to only 5 photographers in the United States, and her work has been published by Yahoo! News, Grace Ormonde, Style Me Pretty, Rangefinder and more.

With her practical and open-book style of teaching, she shares everything she knows with hundreds of thousands of photographers as an educator and influential sparker.

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