Close-Up Photography: Canon EOS 6D / 50mm Lens

Small Flowers - Woodbridge Island Cape Town

Canon EOS 6D and EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens for Close-Up Photography

The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens is Canon's latest budget 50mm 'nifty-fifty' standard telephoto lens. It's a fast autofocus lens now with a metal mount - and definitely a lens I should use more often. The quality of the background blur is very pleasing when shooting between f/1.8 and f/8. The lens also pairs very well with all the Canon crop sensor bodies i.e. Canon EOS 80D / Canon EOS 760D.

There are currently four Canon 50mm lenses on the market. All Canon 50mm lenses are compatible with Canon Full Frame and APS-C / Crop Sensor bodies. More information.

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Lens
Another very cost-effective Canon standard telephoto lens for consideration is the exceptionally sharp and versatile Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM lens.

Difference between Macro and Close-Up Photography

(Click to Enlarge)

Canon EOS 6D / EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens @ f1/8 / ISO 100

Canon EOS 6D / EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens @ f4 / ISO 100

Canon EOS 6D / EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens @ f1.8 / ISO 100

Canon EOS 6D / EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens @ f1.8 / ISO 100

Aperture Testing Canon EOS 70D / EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens View

Birds in Flight Photography with Canon EOS 6D View

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Lens For Hair Fashion Cape Town View

Canon EOS 6D: High ISO Noise Comparison View

Sold: Used Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens

 Used Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens For Sale, Cape Town R1 850-00

Used Canon EF 50mm /f/1.8 mm STM Lens (Image: Vernon Chalmers)

Pre-Owned Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens : Field-Tested by Vernon Chalmers

This Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens is For Sale currently in Milnerton (opposite Woodbridge Island), Cape Town. I am selling this lens on behalf of a private client. The lens is in flawless condition as it was never really used due to the client requiring different focal lengths most of the time. I have carried out my in-field pre-sales evaluation on a Canon EOS 6D (Full-Frame) body, but the lens will be just as comfortable and easy to focus on any crop-sensor Canon EOS body, i.e. 50D or 90D.

General Lens Description

The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens is often referred to internationally as the 'Nifty Fifty' due to it's cost-effective price and exceptional functionality. This lightweight lens is popular with various levels of Canon photographers using it for its impressive f/1.8 - f/22 Aperture Range.

Application and Creative Use
This lens is useful in a variety of close-up environments - i.e. flowers and portraiture. It offers exceptional background blur when used creatively. The 50mm focal length is useful in a variety of conditions and are often the first lens the developing photographer will acquire to learn general aperture and exposure values. I often train clients on the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens with the objective for the developing photographer for understanding the fundamentals of the Photography Exposure Triangle - especially the aperture values.

Lens Caps and Retail Box
The lens is sold with original lens caps and original retail packaging. All in immaculate condition 

 
 Images with Client Canon EF 50mm g/1.8 STM Lens

This Lens with Canon EOS 6D : f/5.6 / Auto-ISO 100 (Good Light)

This Lens With Canon 6D : f/4 and Auto-ISO 100 (Good Light)

Source: Canon EF 50mm f/1.8mm STM Lens @ Work Again >>

Image with Own Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens

My Lens (Same) With Canon 70D : f/1.8 / Auto-ISO (Overcast Light)

Source: Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens for Flower Photography >>

All Images Copyright Vernon Chalmers

Note: This lens is 100% compatible will all Canon EOS bodies, but will not work on the Canon EOS R System bodies.

Exposure / Focus Settings

• Autofocus On
• Aperture Priority (Av) Mode
• Apertures (f/1.8 - f/5.6.) 
• Auto-ISO 100 - 200
• Shutter Speeds (various)
• No Image Stabilisation (N/A)
• Handheld

Image Post-Processing

Lightroom Classic (Ver 13.5) - Minor Adjustments /  RAW to JPEG conversion

Impressions of the Lens and Performance

For two of the images here I paired the lens with the Canon EOS 6D. The lens performed well outside in early morning light conditions, it is quite sharp with nippy autofocus speed (without the required need for Image stabilisation). The third image is with my own copy of the lens paired with a Canon EOS 70D in low morning light / overcast conditions. 

The autofocus, sharpness and bokeh = quality of deliberate background blur is impressive and definitely an improvement over the previous generation (Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Lens). I personally owned a copy of the previous generation as well.

Advantages over the previous generation EF 50mm f/1.8 II Lens

• This lens is fitted with a metal mount (older lens was plastic)
• Built quality is of higher quality
• Autofocus is whisper-quiet   

Recommendations for Consideration 
I would personally rate this Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens a 9 out of a possible 10. The lens was well maintained, stored in its original retail box (which will be available with purchase) as protection and above all this lens was not used very often.This lens will add excellent value to most developing / enthusiast Canon photographers looking for a high-quality 50mm lens for a variety of different subjects.

Personal and Professional Endorsement
This copy of the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens is in a excellent condition and and I have personally bought and sold various lenses and Canon EOS body from the same client. The lens focussed well, provided vibrant colours with pleasing bokeh (background blur) where applicable.

If I did not own the Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM lens I would have personally purchased this lens. I do own my own copy and it's a handy lens to have in my camera bag. Certainly a cost-effective lens for all - from beginner to professional.

Contact
Vernon Chalmers on WhatsApp 082 5596 083 (text only for first enquiries)

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens Key Specifications

"Specifications for the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM, also known as the "Nifty Fifty":

• Focal Length: 50mm
• Maximum Aperture: f/1.8
• Lens Mount: Canon EF (compatible with both full-frame and APS-C sensors)
• Minimum Focusing Distance: 0.35m (1.15 ft.)
• Maximum Magnification: 0.21x
• Filter Thread Size: 49mm
• Weight: 160g (5.6 oz.)
• Dimensions: 69.2mm (diameter) x 39.3mm (length)
• Diaphragm Blades: 7 (rounded for smoother bokeh)
• Lens Construction: 6 elements in 5 groups
• Focus Motor: STM (Stepping Motor, provides smooth and quiet autofocus, ideal for video and stills)
• Image Stabilization: No
• Build: Plastic body with a metal lens mount

This lens is a favorite for beginners and enthusiasts due to its affordability and versatility." (Source: ChatGPT 2024)

Close-Up Photography: Canon EOS 6D / EF 50mm  f/1.8 STM Lens >>

The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens >>

Canon Photography Training Milnerton Woodbridge Island | Kirstenbosch Cape Town | Intaka Island

Milnerton Lagoon / Woodbridge Island Photography, Cape Town

Night Photography: Light within Darkness

 Vernon Chalmers Night Photography / Long Exposure Photography

New Year's Eve Fireworks Cape Town : From Milnerton over Woodbridge Island 

"I am inherently drawn to the moody opportunity of any compelling exposure in the darkness of light. The solitude in fortuitous planning and anticipation is met with a profound sense of excitement as I trust that well-exposed light waves will find their way to my camera sensor." – Vernon Chalmers

I sincerely respect Landscape photography as an important (historic / fundamental) genre and have personally captured many portfolios of day landscape and street photography images. However, I am intrinsically motivated by capturing night events, natural night light (reflection) on water, moody architecture hours after dusk and and the special blue hours before sunrise.

All Images Copyright Vernon Chalmers Photography. Read More >>

Key Aspects Vernon Chalmers' Night Photography

"Vernon Chalmers' night photography is particularly renowned for capturing the interplay of light, composition, and atmosphere. Here are some key aspects of his approach to night photography:

Atmosphere and Mood

• Chalmers emphasizes creating evocative scenes that tell a story or elicit an emotional response. He often uses natural or urban light sources to create a sense of depth and mystery.
• The balance between darkness and illumination in his night shots enhances the emotional and existential layers of his work.
  
  

Technical Precision

• Exposure Control: Mastery over long exposure techniques allows him to highlight intricate light trails, reflections, and textures that are otherwise hidden in low light.
• Sharpness and Clarity: Chalmers uses high-quality gear and careful focusing techniques to maintain detail, even in challenging night conditions.
• Low Noise Levels: His careful selection of ISO settings ensures minimal noise, resulting in clean and professional images.
  
  

Creative Use of Light

• He skillfully uses available light sources such as streetlights, moonlight, or vehicle headlights to define his subjects and create dramatic contrasts.
• Light reflections, particularly off water surfaces, are a recurring element, adding dynamic textures to his night compositions.
  
  

Composition and Framing

• Chalmers’ night photography often demonstrates a keen sense of balance and symmetry, whether he's capturing urban skylines, waterfronts, or serene natural landscapes.
• He incorporates leading lines, foreground elements, and a play of shadows to guide the viewer’s eye across the image.
  
  

Themes and Storytelling

• His night photography often reflects on themes of solitude, time, and the passage of life, aligning with his existential motivations.
• These photographs provide a meditative quality, inviting viewers to contemplate the interplay between human-made and natural elements.
  
  

Post-Processing Techniques

• Post-processing plays a vital role in refining the color tones and enhancing details. He emphasizes maintaining a natural feel while accentuating the inherent beauty of the scene.
• His processing approach ensures that the final image is vibrant but not overly artificial, focusing on subtle adjustments to light, shadow, and color.
  
  

Connection to Location

• Many of Chalmers' night photographs are captured in Cape Town and its surroundings, showcasing the unique beauty of the area. He often blends the iconic Table Mountain, cityscapes, and coastal lines with night skies.

By combining technical expertise with a reflective and artistic perspective, Vernon Chalmers creates night photography that resonates deeply, often serving as a metaphorical exploration of light within darkness." (Source: ChatGPT 2024)

Blue Hour Bridge Long Before Dawn : Woodridge Island

Vernon Chalmers Night Photography

"Vernon Chalmers is well-known for his expertise in night photography, among other genres 1. He often emphasizes the importance of intuition and spontaneity in capturing stunning night shots. Here are some tips he might suggest for night photography:

• Use a Tripod: Stability is crucial for long-exposure shots, so a sturdy tripod is essential.

• Adjust Your ISO: Keep your ISO as low as possible to reduce noise, but high enough to capture enough light.

• Experiment with Shutter Speed: Longer shutter speeds can capture more light and create beautiful effects with moving objects, like stars or city lights.

• Shoot in Manual Mode: This gives you full control over your camera settings, allowing you to fine-tune your exposure.

• Use a Remote Shutter Release: This helps prevent camera shake when you press the shutter button.

• Find Interesting Subjects: Look for interesting compositions, such as cityscapes, landscapes, or celestial events.

Vernon Chalmers, known for his expertise in photography, focuses primarily on bird and landscape photography in and around Cape Town. While his primary work often involves daylight photography, he has a serious interest in night photography, creating serene and moody images that capture the essence of the night." (Source: Microsoft Copilot)

Milnerton Night Architecture over the Diep River : From Woodbridge Island

All Vernon Chalmers Images Created with Canon EOS 6D and EF lenses 

Canon Long Exposure | Night Photography Setup & Tips >>

Canon Photography Training Milnerton Woodbridge Island | Kirstenbosch Cape Town | Intaka Island

Milnerton Lagoon / Woodbridge Island Photography, Cape Town

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens for Flower Photography

Garden Flowers with Canon EOS 70D / EF 50mm f/1.8 STM  Lens - Constantia Cape Town

Small Flower with Canon EOS 70D / EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens (Aperture: f/1.8) : Constantia, Cape Town

Close-Up Flower Photography Constantia, Cape Town with Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens

Had a great time doing some private client training this morning.

The weather was not that great while we were outside experimenting with (wider) apertures using consumer lenses in the low light conditions (but, this is sometimes the best learning environment for the new and developing photographer).

Couple of Autofocus / handheld small flower snapshots.

Canon Camera / Lens used:

• Canon EOS 70D
• Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens
• Av Mode (Aperture Priority) f/1.8 - f/4
• Auto-ISO 100
• Shutter Speed: (Various)
• No Lens IS / Handheld

Post-Processing
Lightroom Classic Version 12 (minor corrections / cropping)

All images © Vernon Chalmers (Constantia, Cape Town)

Small Flower with Canon EOS 70D / EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens (Aperture f/1.8) : Constantia, Cape Town

Small Flower with Canon EOS 70D / EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens (Aperture: f/4) : Constantia, Cape Town

Small Flower with Canon EOS 70D / EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens (Aperture: f/5) : Constantia, Cape Town


Canon EOS / Canon EOS R / Canon PowerShot Photography Training Milnerton Woodbridge Island | Kirstenbosch Cape Town | Across  the Cape Peninsula

All Images Copyright / Intellectual Property of Vernon Chalmers More Information >>

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8mm STM Lens @ Work Again

With Canon EOS 6D / EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens 'Nifty Fifty' Lens

Canon EOS 6D / EF f1.8 STM Lens : Rose Flower, Milnerton, Cape Town

These record images were be part of a bigger flower project initiation (with different Canon EOS cameras and EF lenses).

I spent some time getting myself acquainted with a new flower project I will be working on over the next few months. Primarily flower arrangements will predominantly be captured with wider lenses, but I couldn’t resist putting the nimble ‘nifty fifty’ through its paces (for some impromptu fine art).

The 50mm is such a creative lens on both Canon Full-Frame and / or Crop camera bodies. Most of the other lenses I use with Canon Speedlite flash, but with the EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens the photography challenges are just so intuitive – any I was unchallenged by natural light. All images captured in Av Mode.

Copyright: Vernon Chalmers Photography

Vernon Chalmers Photography Copyright | Intellectual Property

Apertures Used:

• Image 1: f/5.6
• Image 2: f/4
• Image 3: f/11
• Image: 4: f/4

Copyright: Vernon Chalmers Photography

Camera / Lens for Flower Photography Milnerton

• Canon EOS 6D (Full-Frame)
• Canon EF 50mm STM lens

Exposure / Focus Settings

• Autofocus On
• Aperture Priority (Av) Mode
• Apertures (f/4 - 11) 
• Auto-ISO (100 -640)
• Shutter Speeds (various)
• No IS
• Handheld

Image Post-Processing

Lightroom Classic (Ver 13.5) - minor adjustments /  RAW to JPEG conversion

With Permission: Linda May / Owner of Flowers Atlantic (Milnerton) https://flowersatlantic.co.za/About-Us

 Canon EOS 6D / EF f1.8 STM Lens : Wild Flowers, Milnerton, Cape Town

 Canon EOS 6D / EF f1.8 STM Lens : Sunflower, Milnerton. Cape Town

 Canon EOS 6D / EF f1.8 STM Lens : Jewelry, Milnerton. Cape Town

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens for Wild Flower Photography

Flower Photography with the Canon EF f/1.8STM Lens

The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens, known for its sharpness and affordability, can be a great choice for flower photography. Here are some tips and features of the lens that can help you capture stunning flower shots:

Key Benefits of the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens for Flower Photography

• Wide Aperture for Soft Backgrounds: With an f/1.8 aperture, this lens allows for a shallow depth of field, which creates a soft, blurred background. This effect, known as "bokeh," helps isolate the flower from its surroundings, making it stand out.

• Sharpness and Clarity: The lens is known for its sharpness, especially when stopped down to around f/2.8 or f/4. This can bring out fine details in flower petals, textures, and colors, especially when shooting close-ups.

• Low-Light Performance: The f/1.8 aperture also enables more light to enter the lens, which is useful in low-light conditions, like early morning or late afternoon, times often ideal for flower photography due to softer, more diffuse light.

• Compact and Lightweight: The 50mm f/1.8 STM is lightweight and compact, which makes it easy to carry around, especially for outdoor flower photography where you may need to move around a lot to find the best angles.
  
  

Tips for Flower Photography with the 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens

• Get Close (But Mind the Minimum Focus Distance): The Canon 50mm f/1.8 has a minimum focusing distance of about 35 cm (1.15 feet). For closer shots, consider using extension tubes to reduce the focus distance and capture finer details.

• Control Your Depth of Field: Although f/1.8 is tempting, it can sometimes result in very thin focus when close to the subject. Experiment with f/2.8 or f/4 for better sharpness while still keeping a nicely blurred background.

• Use Natural Light: Early morning or late afternoon sunlight is softer and can add a gentle glow to your flower shots. Avoid harsh midday light, which can wash out colors and create strong shadows.

• Use Manual Focus: For precise control, especially when focusing on delicate details, switch to manual focus. This allows you to lock in on a specific part of the flower, such as the stamen or petal edge.

• Experiment with Angles: Try different angles, including shooting from below, to capture the flower's shape and details in unique ways." (Source: ChatGPT 2024)

Advantages of the Canon EF f/1.8STM Lens

"The Canon EF "Nifty-Fifty" lens typically refers to Canon's 50mm f/1.8 lens, which has become a popular choice among photographers for several reasons:

• Affordability: It's one of Canon's most affordable lenses, making it a go-to option for beginners and professionals alike who want high-quality optics without a high price tag.
  
  
• Versatile Focal Length: The 50mm focal length is versatile, offering a "normal" field of view similar to what the human eye sees. It's suitable for portraits, street photography, and even some types of landscapes.
  
  
• Wide Aperture (f/1.8): The f/1.8 aperture allows for excellent low-light performance and creates beautiful, soft backgrounds with a shallow depth of field. This feature makes it great for portraits, where you want to isolate the subject.
  
  
• Compact and Lightweight: The lens is small and lightweight, making it easy to carry around and an ideal travel companion.
  
  
• Sharpness and Image Quality: Despite its low price, the lens produces sharp images with good color and contrast, particularly when stopped down to f/2.8 or f/4.

There are also variants like the Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 and the more premium Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L, but the f/1.8 "Nifty-Fifty" remains popular for its blend of affordability and performance. It’s a lens many photographers, including enthusiasts like Vernon Chalmers, would recommend as a staple in any Canon kit." (Source: ChatGPT 2024)

Canon Photography Training Milnerton Woodbridge Island | Kirstenbosch Cape Town | Intaka Island

Milnerton Lagoon / Woodbridge Island Photography, Cape Town

Canon EOS 90D for Action Photography

 Canon EOS 90D for Fast Action Photography

Canon EOS 90D - Image Credit: Canon USA

"The Canon EOS 90D is a solid choice for action photography.

Here are some key features that make it suitable for capturing fast-moving subjects:

1. High Resolution: It boasts a 32.5MP APS-C CMOS sensor, providing detailed images 1.
   
   
2. Fast Continuous Shooting: The camera can shoot at up to 10 frames per second (fps), which is great for capturing rapid sequences 2.
   
   
3. Advanced Autofocus: It has 45 cross-type AF points and Dual Pixel CMOS AF, ensuring quick and accurate focus on moving subjects 2.
   
   
4. Good Build Quality: The 90D has a robust body with weather and dust resistance, making it durable for various shooting conditions 2.
   
   
5. 4K Video: It can record uncropped 4K video, which is useful if you also want to capture high-quality videos of action scenes 2.
   

Overall, the Canon EOS 90D offers a combination of speed, accuracy, and image quality that makes it well-suited for action photography 3. (Source: Microsoft Copilot)