Upgrading Your Canon EOS 1200D: The Benefits of the 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens
Introduction
Many photographers with a Canon EOS 1200D often wonder whether it makes sense to upgrade their kit lens from the 18-55mm kit lens to a 50mm f/1.8 STM lens. Let's explore the advantages and considerations of making this upgrade.
Advantages of the 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens
Improved Low-Light Performance
The primary advantage of the 50mm f/1.8 STM lens is its wide f/1.8 aperture. This large aperture allows more light to enter the lens, making it ideal for low-light situations. Whether you're shooting indoors during dusk or in dimly lit environments, a larger aperture enables you to achieve better results and potentially slower shutter speeds, which can be useful for capturing smooth motion blur in night landscapes.
Depth of Field Control
With a wider aperture, you can achieve a shallower depth of field. This allows you to create beautiful background blur (bokeh), which helps your subject stand out in the frame. Whether you're taking portraits or close-up shots, a shallow depth of field can add a professional touch to your photographs.
Image Quality
The 50mm f/1.8 lens generally delivers superior sharpness and overall image quality compared to the kit lens, especially when using a wider aperture. The lens's optical design ensures minimal distortion and aberrations, leading to clearer and more detailed images.
Lightweight and Compact Design
Besides its impressive performance, the 50mm f/1.8 STM lens is also small and lightweight. This makes it easy to carry around and perfect for everyday photography. Its compact design ensures that you can snap photos without worrying about the extra weight, which is particularly useful for long days out in the field.
Versatility for Portraits
At 50mm, the focal length is ideal for portrait photography. This focal length provides flattering results by compressing facial features and reducing nose size, making it a go-to lens for capturing natural and beautiful portraits.
Considerations
Focal Length Limitation
The 50mm f/1.8 lens has a fixed focal length, meaning you'll need to move physically to frame your subjects. This can be limiting for certain types of photography, such as landscapes or group shots, where a variable focal length might be more useful.
Crop Factor and Effective Focal Length
Since the EOS 1200D has an APS-C sensor, the effective focal length is approximately 80mm due to the crop factor. This makes the lens more suitable for portraits but less ideal for wide-angle shots, although it still performs admirably within its optimal range.
Conclusion
For those looking to enhance their photography, particularly in low-light and portrait situations, upgrading to the 50mm f/1.8 STM lens is a valuable investment. It complements your kit lens well and opens up new creative possibilities. Despite its limitations, the lens remains an affordable and effective choice for beginners and experienced photographers alike.