Canon EF-S 55-250mm vs Canon EF 50mm

rexiep

Hi! I take a lot of close up food shots but like the zoom capability in the
Canon EF-S 55-250mm. Does it accomplish the same thing as the Canon EF 50mm? I am just wondering if there is any reason I should get both lenses. Thanks!

PBked

Hi,
The 55-250mm is a much underrated lens. It is fairly light and covers a useful focal range, so it's handy as a travel lens. However, it's minimum focus distance is 1 meter. This is fine for some close-ups, but not for food shots. For these you need a prime or a smaller ranged zoom with 'macro' capability.
The EF 50mm f/1.8 (the nifty fifty) has a minimum focus distance of about 45cm, but even this may not be close enough for your needs and you need to remember that the crop factor of 1.6 on your camera means that it gives results similar to an 80mm.
I'm afraid that it would take too long to list all the excellent lenses for close up work which range from reasonable price to wow price, so you need to do a little research. Don't restrict yourself to Canon, as Sigma and Tamron are contenders.
PBked