the UGLIEST Canon portrait lens EVER?!!
Hey there, fellow photography enthusiasts! Today, I want to talk about a lens that, at first glance, I never thought I'd even consider – the Canon RF 16mm 2.8 STM lens. I confess I dubbed it the "ugliest" Canon portrait lens ever. But guess what? It turned out to be a game-changer, and I can't seem to put it down. Join me on this journey as I unveil the surprising beauty of the Canon RF 16mm 2.8 STM lens.
Compact and Lightweight Marvel: Let's address the elephant in the room – the lens is fixed at 2.8, making it perfect for capturing ample light. Many assume it's solely for landscapes, but hold on! This little marvel has become my go-to for weddings and on-the-go jobs. While my trusty F5 to 35 L-series lens is undeniably gorgeous, the RF 16mm's lightweight design makes it a winner for travel. It has become my preferred companion, capturing breathtaking scenes without weighing me down.
Versatility Beyond Landscapes: Contrary to popular belief, the RF 16mm isn't limited to landscapes. I've incorporated it into portrait shoots, weddings, and even fashion shoots, where its wide-angle perspective adds a unique flair. The STM motor ensures fast and smooth focusing, allowing me to create funky and eye-catching shots without making a scene with noisy focusing.
Creative Expression with Distortion: One surprising aspect of this lens is the creative freedom it offers. On a full-frame camera, the 16mm widens the perspective, letting me play with proportions and accentuate specific features. Shooting on a cropped camera? No worries – it transforms into a versatile 25mm lens, making it easier for closer shots while maintaining its lightweight charm.
Environmental Consciousness: As someone who usually leans toward the 85mm focal length for close-ups, the 16mm lens forces me to be more aware of my surroundings. It encourages me to incorporate the environment into my shots, ultimately making me a more conscious and versatile photographer.
Budget-Friendly Brilliance: Now, let's talk numbers. This lens won't break the bank, priced at under 300 USD at the time of this recording. For the quality and versatility it brings to the table, it's a steal that won't leave your wallet weeping.
Image Enhancement with Evoto: Shooting with a 16mm lens means capturing everything, including background imperfections. That's where Evoto comes into play. I recently used it to polish off some images, cleaning up backgrounds, refining skin tones, and adding that extra touch to make my images stand out on social media.
In conclusion, the Canon RF 16mm 2.8 STM lens is a surprisingly beautiful addition to any photographer's toolkit. Don't judge it by its cover – embrace its quirks and let it unlock new dimensions in your photography. I'm Vanessa Joy, a proud Canon Explorer of Light, and I can't wait to see how this lens transforms your creative journey.
Until next time, happy shooting!
