Help! How to use a Canon 50mm lens: Canon Lens EF 50mm 1:1.8 Well that part was easy (it is on the front of the lens). But how do I use this lens? My son just said to put on my camera...

Dietxanadu

Canon Lens EF 50mm 1:1.8

Well that part was easy (it is on the front of the lens).
But how do I use this lens? My son just said to put on my camera (Canon Rebel) and have fun, but I know Im not using the lens right. So Help!

renomike Loc: Reno, Nevada

Dietxanadu wrote:

Canon Lens EF 50mm 1:1.8

Well that part was easy (it is on the front of the lens).
But how do I use this lens? My son just said to put on my camera (Canon Rebel) and have fun, but I know Im not using the lens right. So Help!

Just like you would any other lens. Focus, if set in complete auto press the shutter button. It just won't zoom in on anything, as it's not a zoom lens. Used a Canon F1.2 on my old FT cameras for years. Took everything from close ups to landscapes with it.

Mike

snowbear

It has a zoom feature: "Sneaker zoom!"

It is a general purpose lens. The 50mm was the mainstay on 35mm film for many years.

Dietxanadu

snowbear wrote:

It has a zoom feature: "Sneaker zoom!"

It is a general purpose lens. The 50mm was the mainstay on 35mm film for many years.

I got it in front of me, I sure don't see any "Sneaker Zoom". If you mean sneaker zoom, because you have to move in or out from the subject, then yes I guess it does.

sinatraman Loc: Vero Beach Florida, Earth,alpha quaudrant

yes he does mean that. a 50mm produces the same view as human eye site and was the lens that came with most film slrs for years. since it is a prime lens it does produce a sharper image. also the faster f stop lets you use faster shutter speeds, as well as shoot in lower light. many famous photographers like bryan peterson started off with a 50. when i feel like im getting in a rut with shooting zooms, I put on the ol nikkor 50mm d 1.8 and take a walk, not beiing able to zoom forces me to really consider composition more as well as zooming with my feet. I discover shots i wouldn't have seen shooting with my normal 70-210, or 90-300. Let the nifty fifty stimulate your creativity.

snowbear

Dietxanadu wrote:

I got it in front of me, I sure don't see any "Sneaker Zoom". If you mean sneaker zoom, because you have to move in or out from the subject, then yes I guess it does.

Yep - you don't see it on the lens - stand up, then look down. ;)

Dietxanadu

snowbear wrote:

Dietxanadu wrote:

I got it in front of me, I sure don't see any "Sneaker Zoom". If you mean sneaker zoom, because you have to move in or out from the subject, then yes I guess it does.

Yep - you don't see it on the lens - stand up, then look down. ;)

Yes I understand.

docrob Loc: Durango, Colorado

Dietxanadu wrote:

Canon Lens EF 50mm 1:1.8

Well that part was easy (it is on the front of the lens).
But how do I use this lens? My son just said to put on my camera (Canon Rebel) and have fun, but I know Im not using the lens right. So Help!

and lucky for you the answer is easy too - you just take your son's advice have fun - go play. If you are going to be needing permission to act like a kid again with a new toy (camera and lens) you have mine...but down the road you have to find that permission and sense of playfullness on your own.....or watch some kids.

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

snowbear wrote:

It has a zoom feature: "Sneaker zoom!"

It is a general purpose lens. The 50mm was the mainstay on 35mm film for many years.

...but on a Canon Digital Rebel it has the field of view of an 80mm on a 35mm camera (or FF sensor like the 5D). Great length for portraits.

Shutterbug_11 Loc: Yucaipa, CA

Hi there dietxanadu: I have the same lens that I use with my Canon EOS 60D primarily for portrait work, but also understand that it can be used for certain types of macro shots too. Haven't tried it yet with a macro shot, but maybe sometime soon when the weather permits. Try practicing some portrait shots of your family, with a solid background [plain wall, beige or tan maybe] and then look at them for a better look on your computer. I've used mine when taking some portraits of my oldest granddaughter to be used in place of the regular school portraits usually taken by the school. Here is one of the photos that I took with the lens. Let me know what you think.

Floressa - taken with my 50mm f/1.8 Lens

sirlensalot Loc: Arizona

Move feet. Press shutter. Best for head and or head and shoulder shots on a rebel. Have fun.

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

That's a great lens...it's weird not having the option to zoom at first but you'll soon fall in love with sneaker zoom!

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

Shutterbug_11 wrote:

Hi there dietxanadu: I have the same lens that I ... (show quote)

This is really nice. the "hair light" works...the pose works...the bokeh works...

It all works.

arphot Loc: Massachusetts

50mm lenses are quite popular and produce nice sharp images. Great for portraits!

George H Loc: Brooklyn, New York

Dietxanadu wrote:

Canon Lens EF 50mm 1:1.8

Well that part was easy (it is on the front of the lens).
But how do I use this lens? My son just said to put on my camera (Canon Rebel) and have fun, but I know Im not using the lens right. So Help!

Diet,
What are you hoping to accomplish, this is a fixed lens so you are doing all the focusing. You are now a major part of the photo process. I love this lens it creates amazingly sharp photos. The name of the game is to take photos and notes as to what the camera settings were, after a while you will have this down by wrote.

George