How to pick the best Canon M lenses for your camera

TL;DR

The best Canon M lenses cover kit options, a compact prime, a wide angle, and useful adapters. Start with the 15-45 kit for budget setups, then add the 22mm F2 for sharp video, and the 11-22 for wide vlogging. An EF-M adapter unlocks older Canon glass, and a 50mm F1.8 gives strong low light and portraits.

Transcript

• So what are the best lenses for Canon Mirrorless Cameras? We've been using the M100, the M6 and now the Canon M50 so in this video I'm going to be covering my favorite lenses for every budget plus, some cool accessories. Coming up. (upbeat music) (camera shutter sound) Hey what's up? Sean here with think media. Bring you the best tips and tools f... Read More

Key Insights

• The 15-45 kit lens is the recommended starting option for Canon M shooters, especially for selfie modes.
• The 22mm F2 is a compact prime that offers fast aperture and smooth autofocus, making it ideal for YouTube videos.
• The 11-22mm is a wide angle lens that is favored for vlogging and Casey Neistat style shots.
• An EF-M to EOS adapter unlocks compatibility with Canon DSLR lenses, expanding the available options.
• The Canon EF-M 50mm F1.8 STM is a value option that, with an adapter, provides strong low light performance and portrait capability.
• ND filters like the ProMaster 52mm help maintain shallow depth of field in bright conditions.
• Using step-up rings allows one ND filter to work with multiple lenses, increasing travel convenience.
• The video encourages looking for used or refurbished lenses to maximize value and budget.

Questions & Answers

Q: How to choose a Canon M lens for YouTube beginners

For beginners, start with the Canon EF-M 15-45 kit lens as it is affordable and commonly included with the camera. It offers a useful 15-45 focal range, supports image stabilization, and pairs well with the M50 for both photos and video. This lens is often available new or used around accessible prices, making it a practical starting point.

Q: What is a good second lens after the kit for YouTube videos

A strong second lens is the Canon EF-M 22mm F2, a compact prime with fast aperture, excellent for low light and producing a shallow depth of field. It has STM for smooth autofocus and is praised for its sharp video performance and minimal distortion, making it a popular choice for face shots on camera.

Q: Which lens is best for wide angle vlog shots on Canon M

The Canon EF-M 11-22mm is recommended for vloggers who want a wide field of view. It remains versatile for walkaround footage, allowing you to zoom to 22mm for tighter framing. The main tradeoff is a slower maximum aperture, which affects low light performance, but it remains a favorite for open space shots.

Q: How can I use older Canon lenses with a Canon M camera

Using the Canon EF to EOS M adapter lets you mount older Canon DSLR lenses on the M series bodies. The adapter is described as around 200 dollars, with used options sometimes around 100 dollars. This expands your kit dramatically, letting you leverage existing glass for new video and photo capabilities.

Q: What are affordable portrait and low light options for Canon M

The Canon EF-M 50mm f/1.8 STM is an affordable portrait and low light option once paired with the appropriate adapter. It is valued for its f/1.8 aperture that yields pleasing bokeh and strong subject isolation, and when used with an adapter, it complements the M series cameras for stills and video.

Q: Why would I consider a ProMaster ND filter for Canon M lenses

A variable ND filter like the ProMaster 52mm helps you shoot video outdoors by reducing light intake, enabling a wider aperture like f/2.0 while maintaining proper shutter speed. This is especially useful when you want cinematic background blur in bright environments and keep the footage consistent across different lighting conditions.

Q: What travel-friendly lens setup does Think Media recommend

Think Media suggests packing a small, versatile kit including the 15-45 kit lens, the 22mm F2 for quality video, and the 11-22mm for wide shots. They also recommend an adapter for flexibility, an ND filter for bright days, and optionally the 50mm F1.8 for portraits, enabling a compact, capable travel setup.

Q: Where can I find deals on Canon M lenses and used options

Deals and used options are often found in the video description and in links provided by Think Media. They suggest checking Amazon used sections, B&H refurbished options, and other resellers where you can find items like the 15-45 kit, the 22mm F2, the 11-22, and the adapter at reduced prices, helping you maximize value.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The video highlights the Canon M kit lens options and explains pricing and where to find used options, helping you start with a budget setup. It then introduces a fast prime and a wide angle for versatile shooting. An adapter is recommended to expand lens options and a nifty fifty adds portrait capability.

• A focus on vlogging is evident with the wide angle 11-22 and the adapter to use DSLR glass, enabling more creative freedom. The presenter emphasizes image stabilization and STM for smooth autofocusing, important for YouTube creators on the go.

• Finally, the guide extends beyond lenses to accessories like a variable ND filter to control exposure in bright light, and practical tips about finding deals and considering used or refurbished gear to stretch a budget.