I'm going to give you some advice on how to use the Canon 50mm F1.8 Lens today. This lens is probably the one that most people choose when they want to upgrade from their kit lens, therefore I'm sure that many of you have it.
When I first bought this lens a few years ago, people would always tell me how good it was for the price and how sharp my photographs would be. But they weren't; in fact, every single one appeared plain soft. The lens was thus forgotten about and stuffed back into my camera bag.
The Canon 50mm is a truly great lens, you simply have to know how to get the most out of it. But not one to give up on $125 lightly, I decided to take the time to figure it out. And I'm so glad I did.
Here are my suggestions for using the 50mm 1.8 to capture the awesome, sharp pictures of your kids and the environment that it is capable of. You can scroll to read them!
Don’t just use F1.8 because you can
The most important thing is that don’t go just all the way down to F1.8 because you can…
The Canon 50mm F1.8 lens is a popular choice because of its affordability and ability to create a background get blur nicely. It’s important to select the equipment as per the requirements of your photography or videography projects. Different lenses have different features and are suitable for different tasks. It’s important to choose the right tool for doing the project rather than using a specific lens just because it’s available.
Watch your depth of field
The Canon 50mm F1.8 lens, with its wide maximum aperture of F1.8, can create a very shallow depth of field. This means that while shooting at wide apertures (for e.g., F1.8), your subject will be in focus while the background will be blurred, giving it a good effect. It is great way of separating subjects and creating a good separation between the subject and the background.
Recommended to read: Top 10 Best Camera for nature photography 2023 Guide
Observe the minimum focusing distance
The minimum focusing distance of the Canon 50mm F1.8 lens is 1.15 feet approximately. Don’t get too close to the subject. This means that you need to be at least this far away from the subject to get sharp focus. If you try to get closer from the distance, then the lens won’t be able to focus properly. It is important to know this limitation when shooting close-ups with this lens.
Watch where you’re shooting
When using the Canon 50mm F1.8 lens, it’s important to know your surroundings and the position of your shots. It has a fixed lens so you have to zoom with your feet. If you are using a zoom lens it takes a little while to get used to putting yourself in the right position. Also, consider your shooting environment and make sure that it is safe and appropriate for your photography or videography.
Utilize a fast shutter speed
One of the benefits of being able to use a fast shutter speed in the Canon 50mm F1.8 lens. A fast shutter speed helps to control the amount of light entering the camera. It allows to freeze fast-moving subjects. It also reduces the risk of camera shake. Also keep in mind that a fast shutter speed may require higher ISO settings in low-light situations to get right exposure. It’s important to find the right balance between aperture, shutter speed, and ISO to get the desired results in your photography.
Focus (Toggle Your Focus Points): Learn About It
The Canon 50mm F1.8 lens can be used with different Canon camera bodies, and the ability to create a toggle or select the focus points can depend on the camera model.
Here are the ways to toggle or select focus points with the Canon 50mm F1.8 lens:
- Check your camera’s user manual: The main process for changing focus points may depend from one Canon camera model to another. Consult your camera’s user manual for detailed instructions.
- Locate the focus point selection button: In most Canon cameras, there is a button or control that allows you to toggle through and select different focus points.
- Use the camera’s LCD screen: Depending upon your camera, you can use the camera’s LCD screen to see and select focus points. Use the camera’s controls to move the focus point to your desired area.
- Half-press the shutter button: After selecting the focus point, half-press the shutter button to start autofocus. The camera will then focus on the chosen point.
Two stops down, the lens is crisper
Most lenses, including the (Canon 50mm F1.8) are slightly sharper when not used at their widest aperture. This can depend from lens to lens, but generally it will be sharper two stops down, so around F2.5 to F2.8 for the Canon 50mm F1.8, but first test your own lens to see what you think, and how your specific lens performs.
The person carrying the equipment is more important than the equipment itself!
The skill and creativity of the person using the equipment are more important than the equipment itself. The Canon 50mm F1.8 is a tool that can help you to achieve your creative vision.
A talented photographer can create stunning images with basic equipment. It’s important to understand the principles of photography, including composition, lighting, and subject, and to continuously practice and refine your skills.
Search for the Ideal Background
Here are some tips for selecting an ideal background:
- Blur Potential: Since the Canon 50mm F1.8 aperture can create a significant background blur, look for backgrounds with factors that will turn into soft, colourful, and modest shapes when blurred.
- Well Backgrounds: Choose backgrounds that are simple to avoid distractions.
- Colour Harmony: Select the colours in your background and how they contrast with the subject. A complementary colour scheme can make the subject pop.
- Context and Storytelling: Sometimes, a background that adds context or tells a story which can enhance the photograph.
- Lighting: A well background can highlight the subject, while a background in shade can disperse the light.
Look into Fast Shutter Speeds
It can be a benefit to use fast shutter speeds with the Canon 50mm F1.8 lens in various photography scenarios.
The reasons you might want to use fast shutter speeds with this lens:
- Freezing Motion
- Reducing Camera Shake
- Maintaining Proper Exposure
- Creative Effects
- Macro Photography
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Canon 50mm F1.8 lens is an excellent choice for photographers on a budget who want to experiment with a wide aperture and achieve the beautiful background blur. Its versatility and low-light performance make it a popular choice for a wide range of photography styles.
FAQs
Q: What is the minimum focus distance for Canon 50mm F1.8?
A: The minimum focus distance for Canon 50mm F1.8 is of 0.45m.
Q: What is Canon 50mm F1.8 lens used for?
A: The lens is used for high quality portraits and low light photos.