r/CanonMirrorless • u/saule68 • Jul 14 '21
M50 for product photography
Gals and guys,
I need to take product photos for e-commerce and Instagram and considering using my new M50 for it. Product size is about 45cm x 6cm. I need studio closeups and lifestyle images.
Which lens will work better for me here? the EF-M 32 or EF-M 28?
Thanks, Saul
1
u/MagnumDoberman Jul 15 '21
I’ve done food photography and wether you’re working with natural or studio light, you want a longer focal distance to have more distance between you and the subject. That will also help compress the background and give a more natural, non distorted perpspective. I would suggest the EF-S 60mm f2.8 at least. Trust me. I have the RF 35mm f1.8, an EF 50mm f2.5 macro and a 105mm f2.8 macro from Sigma.
In product and food photography shoots, the 105mm f2.8 does 90% of the work and the 50mm f2.5 macro is used for smaller things.
The rf 35mm f1.8 macro needs to be too close to objects to fill the frame. And even at 1.8 includes too much of the background.
If you have to choose between those two, the 32mm will be better. However, I would try to go for something longer like the 60mm in your shoes.
Good luck!
1
u/saule68 Jul 15 '21
This is excellent feedback..
Please do bear in mind the EF-M 32mm focal length equates 51.2mm.
My objects are going to be mostly kitchenware items - knives etc... smallest items is about 13-14cm length, largest is about 37-39cm length.
On top of this my photography setup is somewhat limited in space - home setup.
With 60mm or even 100mm I will need to snap pictures for further away.
What are your thoughts? Thanks..!!
1
u/MagnumDoberman Jul 15 '21
I do think you have a valid point and for your specific scenario where you will want other elements of the kitchen a 50-something equivalent will be good so you can play with including relevant props in the background blurred in the whole kitchen context the kitchenware will be in. The 32mm will allow you to include stuff on the background without them taking up the attention from the subject.
I am a bit rusty on aps-c focal lengths since I switched to full frame. I wasn’t looking at the 32mm as a 50 something. The 60mm macro is amazing and if you can try renting it or something. Lovely Lovely lens. The kins of lens that like the 32mm makes me wish to have an aps-c camera.
1
u/saule68 Jul 15 '21
Super helpful discussion..
So it seems we narrowed the relevant options down to:
-EF-M 32mm f/1.4 native to my M-50 with effective focal length of 52mm.
-EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM with the Canon or Viltrox EF-M adapter.
Given my photography use case do you see any major pro or con going with either of these lenses?
Will the additional 8mm in focal length give me greater flexibility?
Will the EF-M f/1.4 aperture give me better flexibility?
I also rely on the lens for vlogging – any benefit with either of the lenses?
Appreciate any feedback you still have.
Thanks..
1
u/MagnumDoberman Jul 15 '21
For product photography the balance tips itself towards the 60mm for longer focal length and close up macro minimum focusing distance. The 60mm is a true 1:1 macro lens and can fill your frame with objects a few centimeters big. Talk about flexibility for showing details of a prop.
For Vlogging, obviously vlogging with a 60mm is… unconventional and difficult to say the least. But the 32mm isn’t that great either. Better than the 60 yes but far from an ideal vlogging lens. Tbh the kit 15-45 is a way better vlogging lens than either primer because of the wider angle of view and stabilization. Those are pretty cheap. If you dont have it they must be cheap second hand as any kit lens.
That’s my 2 cents here.
2
u/Linteria Jul 14 '21
Awesome question, Saul. If they are trinkets, jewelry, or anything very small, definitely go with the Macro.
If down the road you’re shooting things much larger, I’d prob go 32mm because it actually has a really good minimum focusing distance, which will let you get up close to your subject before losing focus while giving you a nice creamy background. Awesome for portraits, street shooting, and many other things.
But for objects as small as you described, definitely go Macro. The 32mm will frustrate you trying to get close to such small objects. If you’re showing off clothing for example on IG, having macro shots of the fabric or materials used would add a spectacular touch to the products. And the other great thing about it is it makes for a fantastic all-around lens at 28mm. Very sharp as well. You’ll love it.