Street Photography in London with the Canon 35mm f/1.8 RF

I have the Canon 35mm f/1.8 RF lens and I'm taking it out for some street photography in London.
Instagram: / brendanvanson
My Camera Gear: www.brendansad...
London is actually one of my favourite cities for photography. I've always wanted to do street photography in London. But, I've always kind of been in London for business or work. So, I've rarely had the chance to make pictures here.
Today on the photography vlog, I have an excuse to go do some street photography as I've bought the Canon 35mm f/1.8 rf lens which is for the Canon EOS R system. Of all the lenses that Canon announced with their EOS R system, it was the 35mm f/1.8 rf that I was the most excited about. I thought it would be an awesome street photography lens.
Today on the vlog, I put it to the test in London.
The Canon 35mm f/1.8 rf is a beautiful lens, and it handles really well. I did my London street photography for about 3 hours and I really didn't get bored. It was fun lens to work with, and I'm really happy with the results.
Twitter: / brendanvanson
Facebook: www. thet...
#streetphotography #photographyvlog

[@BrendanvanSon]

Yes, yes, I get it. I failed miserably on the music on this one. BUT, if you want to see more street photography - with better music - check out the street photography playlist: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipW7iKaMdtSEfrs

[@ropersix]

I liked the music. It reminded me of some kind of old European movie (but not being an expert on the cinema, I couldn't put my finger on exactly what genre of film).

[@JoeyZervoulakos]

naw i like the music =)

[@dychui]

I liked the the music !

[@ryanvacation7319]

The RP and this lens seems to be a great lightweight FF combo.

[@beny7160]

I have now watched 6 of your vids back to back now. I’m loving the shot style and the way you get information, both factual and opinion, across without the condescending hyperbole that quite a few you tubers tend to roll out. It’s a really refreshing channel with great stuff to see. Definitely subscribed and all that. Thanks for taking the time to share everything you do. I’m really enjoying it and learning a lot as an amateur as well.

[@richardharkins4929]

Brendan I think this video was great. I don't pay too much attention to the music, I like to live vicariously through you and Jodie. Keep up the good work!!!

[@des666]

Really cool vlog Brendan! Especially because I love London and shooting there is always a pleasure!

[@vincmasta]

3:03 omg is this moriarty on the right side ?!

[@T-Slider]

Get an Osmo Pocket for the blogging. You’ll love it. It is a great combo for the R.

[@CornishMotorcycleDiaries]

Well, I suppose it's RELATIVELY inconspicuous, but then you've got a bright orange right angle L bracket attached which rather spoils the stealth plan. My Fuji XT-2 fits the bill better with it's 23mm f2, tiny by comparison. Still, I do like the idea of dual function lenses so I am looking at the Zeiss Touit 50mm f2.8 Makro (their spelling) which can double as a portrait lens.

[@jacobnelson4457]

So I'm watching this video in September 2020 and just really enjoying seeing this video from a time before covid

[@BrendanvanSon]

Does it stress you out? When I see TV shows now, I'm like "keep your distance people! Why are you hugging!!"

[@jacobnelson4457]

@@BrendanvanSon not really I'm from the Central United States and the hysteria from social distancing and wearing a mask is getting out of hand and it's just kind of nice to see how the world was.

[@jacobnelson4457]

@@BrendanvanSon and also thank you for replying I liked this video and honestly didn't mind the music too much:-)

[@carlosvanvegas]

you nailed that street photography

[@RachaelChamberlin]

I agree

[@rvboondocker2559]

It’s all about the fun for sure and I’m glad you had fun. I agree completely that it was all soft to me particularly compared to your usual stuff. Thanks for the video!

[@elscotitojedpa]

I really liked your street phothography side! Keep it up! Cheers and have a nice year Brendan! Always support you.

[@andrewbaxter9395]

Cracking vlog, just bought a 35mm f1.8 for my Nikon today for the same reason, and I also compose a scene and wait for someone to walk in. Merry Christmas to you and happy trails!

[@BrendanvanSon]

Nice! Hope you get some nice images out of it!

[@BartRos1980]

Interesting lens. Seems very sharp indeed. The bokeh is not terrible. At 1.8 and as a macro lens you might expect just a little more, but not bad. - will you be using street images for editorial? Or stock? (Guessing no)

[@tvariuness]

do more street. having that skill actually helps with travel photography. gives you a different pov on what travel photography can be.

[@T-Slider]

I can’t wait for someone to offer a hot shoe mount for pocket! Imagine covering the shots you’re making with the pocket voicing as you go, but with a triple tap going seamlessly to vlogging and back to covering your next shot. The instructional super vlog!

[@mbismbismb]

dudeeeee it is 35mm, dont expect it to have buttery smooth bokeh, unless u use longer focal length lens like 85mm above, even 50mm has better smooth bokeh at 1.8

[@peepers4763]

What? You misses a few shots not trusting the R AF? I get it. I too found a learning curve going from my dslr AF to the R’s AF. Not a problem with the R, just differences. When I mentioned something about it, I got flack...

[@thenerfergeek325]

Peepers 47 I find it surprising that you had out of focus shots. My AF has been like American Sniper accurate and solid 99.9% of the time. I’ve had 1-3 shots miss focus out of the thousand I’ve taken in the beginning stages of owning my R.

[@daz.78]

Awesome video bud,you will have to go to Liverpool sometime,I went for the weekend just before Christmas and walked around with my camera.amazing city and so much fun.😀😀

[@TJIzzy]

3:03 that lady was so mad to be filmed haha. I have noticed while reviewing photos from NY, that people were looking at the camera and I had no idea at the time.

[@TaavP]

changing the apperture with that ring is so good. think in semi auto mode where the ISO can change, e simply focus on something and changing the apperture like that and making the background more/less oof. maybe in a 50mm should be a cooler effect

[@rickong79]

Hi Brendan, great video! if you have the time, please do a video on vlogging with EOS R with RF 35mm F1.8, will like to hear your thoughts on it

[@dkting]

Ricardo Ong I’m using it on my channel and it’s great for vlogging.😀

[@markturner7910]

Great video , born and bred in London and bought many things from camera world before moving up north, I've been shooting 35mm for a few years , but im starting to move toward 50mm as a Focal length these days , say safe in Portugal

[@SchalkSmit09]

Are you from South Africa?

[@stephenjuk3238]

First?!? And I can’t wait to see what you do with that lens in about 30 seconds....

[@BrendanvanSon]

I have no idea who was first, but here's 801293 points. haha :D

[@richardcoomber9909]

The only negative I noticed was the music wasn’t as good as with some of your other lenses 😂

[@BrendanvanSon]

Hahaha. Best anti-music comment ever. I was trying to do some urban music with the urban landscape but must have failed miserably. haha

[@twotone3070]

If he'd read the manual he'd have known there is a switch on the other side of the lens that gives you a range of playlists, it's one of the USPs.

[@Blackboarddiscover]

The b roll wasn't that great either. There was shake in the camera footages. Not one of best videos of BVS.

[@gewglesux]

I'll trade you.... One osmo for downbeat music.

[@mansoureh]

It is cool to watch this, since today and yesterday we have done some photography in the London's streets too

[@BrendanvanSon]

Nice! Where were you taking pictures?

[@mansoureh]

@@BrendanvanSon around convent Garden and south Bank

[@internex2933]

Sounds good! Any recommendations for places in London? Will visit the city next week and I'm still not sure where to go

[@gku2004]

35 rf vs 35 ef L iii? Why would you pick this lens over the ef other than cost?

[@paulcomptonpdphotography]

It sounds like the mkiv is going to get replaced haha

[@marksmith5668]

Nice video Brendan. I just got the R and also have a 6D. I am also taking a bit to used to the autofocus system as I’m used to one focus point. Can’t wait to do some Astrophotography with the R too.

[@Epicfail911]

Very informative vid! Helped a lot with my decision making process

[@Biscuit761YT]

What sort of reaction did you get on the tube with that big rig of yours ?

[@ryans_life]

You are here! Awesome. If you get some time off would you do a meet up? That Camera World store is awesome. Fantastic service.

[@webbiker100]

Nice video again man !!! I'm getting my RF 35 tomorrow i can't wait..

[@BrendanvanSon]

Thanks dude, enjoy the 35!

[@webbiker100]

I will man thanks.

[@regg82ooo]

I've been debating whether to get the RF 35 or RF 15-35 as a travel camera for the EOS R. I don't vlog but I do like to record selfie videos with me and my family when we're out. I currently have a RF 50 f1.2 and a Gopro 7 Black. But I hate having two systems. I like to have a dedicated lense which I can use to shoot photos with that's similar to the RF 50 f1.2. but I would like to incorporate video into our travel... and having IS is a must. Its soo hard to choose between the two.

[@floridahiker1503]

I like this video because every other camera and lense review channel is focused on video. I have the efs 35mm f2.8 IS Macro STM on a t7i and it's also great for street photography. Thanks for the video.

[@ReformationsGlassArt]

i think the sigma art 1.4 is better even though its an EF mount - what are your thoughts on this ?

[@BrendanvanSon]

Images are nice from it. I have it as well. But, it's heavy!!

[@neklamp2431]

The 35mm suits you!!! You had fun and that was visible in the photos.

[@BrendanvanSon]

Thanks, I really enjoyed the 35. Felt like it gave me a nice frame to play with.

[@f_r_e_d]

Not bad, idk why I was expecting more. It def hits a sweet spot with price and speed. However, the colors look bland, a bit greyed out/neutral. My pancake 24 has this same look, versus my L's beautiful vibrant renderings which look incredible on screen or print.

[@adss70]

That was an interesting insight about you. To date I saw you more of a landscape, architecture and wildlife travel photographer. Perhaps your modesty about Product and Street photography tricked me. I absolutely loved your street photos... they had a slight surreal feel about them; almost like I was a ghost moving through London. One of my favourite sets of photos that you have taken to date. Thank you.

[@debbieb9815]

The lens seems to produce really sharp images with great color. Impressive!

[@BrendanvanSon]

I'm very pleased!

[@JimBailey]

Thank you Brendan

[@BrendanvanSon]

Thanks Jim!

[@arseniy1368]

I'll buy this setup, thank, the one and only truly good video, good luck

[@aldeen1982]

Descent photos! Good lens!

[@JohnDrummondPhoto]

That bright orange L-bracket might spoil the stealth aspect of street shooting a bit. Re vlogging with the EOS-R: what specs for the slow-mo? 1080 @ 60?

[@jcax44]

I got the same Christmas present for myself. :-) I sold my 35mm 1.4 L (mark i) to replace it with the rf 35mm 1.8 stm. I did a quick comparison and I found the rf 35mm to be sharper; bokeh-wise I did not necessarily find the 1.4 L to be more creamy. The 35mm 1.4L is quite a dated lens now. I believe the mark ii version is the one to beat though. The rf 35 mm will be fantastic for travel because of its size and performs really well. Looking forward to more photos and videos in your travels. Cheers.

[@bilbo8338]

why is the 35mm L so expensive though ?

[@bratwurststormtrooper2576]

What is this orange grip you are using?

[@rikifps]

If you're going to the Philippines, intramuros is a great place to do some street photography.

[@ofthewayministries]

Great video. What’s the orange bracket that you’re using for the body? Thanks.

[@desertoo23]

Great images! I loved them all.

[@chikeungcheung9329]

excellent video with this lens I am going to buy one

[@edgarruiz8862]

Hey great video. Question. What was that Orange grip you had on camera. ?

[@arrivalmedia3317]

Hello,! Technical question for you, my RF 35mm F1.8 seems to have a rattling sound/feel from within the lens while even lightly shaking/handling lens, is this normal in your experience??? Bought new from Adorama. Thanks in advance for your time!!!

[@gewglesux]

I was just there a week ago..... you got better shots than i did Thumbs up on the "No friends" but i managed to meet a few new ones along the way in Europe. When in London I like to go to "Grays" camera shop... i missed the chance this past trip.

[@saku996]

いつかロンドンに行きたいです！ （I would like to go to London someday!）

[@BrendanvanSon]

I hope you get the chance!

[@slannne]

Awesome as usual man. 👌

[@traveladdicts]

sorry to ask but i am curious about how many photos you took to the number you like ratio, just asking cuz we shot a lot of street . i know you make photos not shot them.but sometimes u just have to get lucky lol . i thank you for the tips on long exposure they have helped me more than you will ever know

[@alexandersmith6165]

Great to hear you're going back to the Philippines Brendan. I'll be second 'home sick' seeing you there- but back there later in the year I guess for my fourth time :p Love it & now a steady Fiipina gf :) So perhaps I'll ditch ol'blighty for good. I'll defiantly be bringing along my Mavic 2 pro. and a nice selection of gear. (y)

[@Seanog1231]

The sharpness is way better that the EF 35mm f1.4 at wide apertures. But the boke is not great.

[@tomburke5311]

Nice video - I enjoyed it, especially as I’m reasonably familiar with those locations. Not sure about 35mm as a street photography focal length, but that’s just me. I don’t really do much of it either, but when I do it’s with a 24-105, and I tend to spend my time at either end of that zoom range and ignore the focal lengths in between. But as I say, that’s just me.... I do have a 50mm prime, and that’s neither here nor there for street work. (But it can be good for landscape work, however.)

[@tiinasoderholm]

I'm going to Phillippines in 3 weeks to El Nido and Coron. You have been there and inspired actually me to go. Where on Phillippines do you head this time? If you are there same time would be nice and fun to meet :D

[@andriusa.6444]

Congrats on the new lens! But what are your plans for the Sigma 50mm? I remember you’ve used it as a street photography lens as well.

[@BrendanvanSon]

I love the Sigma 50mm, still. I'll still use it.

[@MikeChesworthPhotography]

Great video. Some nice street photos.

[@andrewbristoe1833]

used long telephoto for landscapes very happy with results sig 150 600 as what was at hand love the idea of using lenses not usually used bending the rules the caveat was it was good light and a good space between the foreground and landscape( mountains)also think teles are underrated for macro with speedbooster my ef 70 300 now a 2.8 to 4 think 30 70 and 300 to 600 favorite focal lengths tempted to try 150 600 for street Rebel ha ha

[@mylifebehindbars]

You said South Africa. Subscribed!

[@BrendanvanSon]

Awww now I miss South Africa... 😥

[@adama4791]

How do you like the 3 legged thing L grip when hand-holding the camera?

[@sunroameroverland]

So i have to ask, if you all ready had the 16-35 in a 2.8, would you still have gone with this lens? getting ready to pick up a 16-35 unsure on the 2.8 or F4

[@BrendanvanSon]

Honestly, yes. The f/2.8 version of the 16-35mm is great for star photography. But, it's not really fast enough for really good low DOF. Also, this lens is so small and light that for street photography it's brilliant. I think it might be over-kill for most people to have the 16-35mm f/2.8 AND the RF 35mm f/1.8

[@domboyle2968]

Sorry if you have answered this already but what is that grip?

[@DavidinEssexUK]

I can never justify the high cost of the permit to photograph/film on the tube. Also I prefer a slightly longer lens in London to avoid confrontation.

[@BrendanvanSon]

I can't remember who said it, but some photographer once said something like "to photograph people, you need to have a confrontation".

[@kikezurek34]

We’re can I buy that orange grip that you have on your camera

[@Ravencroft81]

Now I'm hesitating between this and a tamron 45mm at the same price.

[@hugogregorio9139]

hey Brendan, did you ever go to college for photography or take any classes at all? for photography or videography? i been doing photography as a hobby for about 2 years now and i want to get more serious with it, i feel like i have learned alot in the past 2 years but i been thinking about going to school and getting an associates in photography/videography. what do you think?

[@BrendanvanSon]

Nope. No school. My thought: take the money you'd spend on photography school and invest in time to learn on your own. Read books, watch tutorials, and get out and take pictures as often as you can. I learned in 6 months in the field what they teach you in 2 years in photography school.

[@headbang3r519]

3:03 That woman and guy were starring right at you in the train .. Don't you ever get freaked out that you might upset someone for recording them? lol

[@unknowncaller4739]

That lens is really solid he just needs more practice

[@gjmob]

Yep. I'm new to photography, and if I took photo's and video that bad, I'd be pissed off.

[@pawelkot5824]

Nice shots! I think the bokeh looks quite good to my eyes, personal preference I suppose...

[@BrendanvanSon]

Yeah, as I said at the end, I think I was hard on it. Looks better than I thought

[@klaushuxley3342]

@@BrendanvanSon I shoot with a Canon 35mm f2 IS, Fuji 23mm f2, and a Minolta 35mm f1.8 - The new lens looks great to me. Keep in mind it doesn't say 'f/1.4L' on it!

[@PHILGOODOK1]

Hello and thank you for this great video and testing. I have for two years this Canon 35mm f2 is usm. I just bought a Canon RP as a replacement for my old 6D. I am using the 35 f2 is usm on the RP with an RF-EF adapter ring. In your opinion: Will the new RF 35mm f1.8 Macro stm perform better than the EF 35mm f2 is usm? The difference in image rendering if there is any, can it justify that I buy this new RF 35 to replace my EF 35? In advance thank you for your response. (Note that the RF Macro option will not be an important point in my decision ...) Sincerely, Philgood ...

[@BrendanvanSon]

It's hard to say as I never used the 35 f2. Is it possible to rent it somewhere near you and test it before buying?

[@PHILGOODOK1]

@@BrendanvanSon Thank you for your reply. I have the EF 35 f2 but not the RF 35 f1.8. Yes I have to go to the store to take some comparative photos ...

[@ltune79]

35mm rocks 🤓

[@Vatsek]

Brendan, who paid for the tall fence?

[@pauldlove]

Good one - enjoyed it 😁👍

[@Vijawan]

In a past video, I think you talked about a website where people can upload picture that reference where they were taken. So other can find local photo spots. I am thinking of doing photowalks in St Petersburg Florida. Trying to remember the name of the websIte. I checked it out and it was pretty cool. Now that I can use it I can't remember the name. Anybody have a clue?

[@BrendanvanSon]

It's air bnb experiences. Airbnb.com

[@canturgan]

I watched this with the sound off, it's about the pictures after all.

[@frederikvanreusel]

Same lol

[@KevnTVo]

Is that the same 3leggedthing L Frame that you use for your 5dmk4 ?

[@BrendanvanSon]

It is, but there's a different one for mirror less. And an even newer universal one called Elly

[@ChristopheLanglois]

Hey Brendan, great video! What camera rig do you use for vlogging?

[@BrendanvanSon]

Today I just had the 5d mark iv and the 16-35mm. But, I usually use a ronin-s as well. All my set up is on my website.

[@ChristopheLanglois]

@@BrendanvanSon 👍 thank you Brendan!

[@ChristopheLanglois]

@@BrendanvanSon I have never understood how vloggers could bear such an overall weight for so long! 💪 I wouldn't be surprised if a "gimbal elbow" or "KZbin elbow" became an official medical condition within the next few years! 😉

[@jensvielmann7662]

Didn’t you just post that you lol take a vacation till Sunday? I am also not a street photographer. I do it every once in a while. But I couldn’t do it with a 35. I prefer a long lense. The 100-400 works well for me. And not (only) because I am a chicken but because I can get much better separation much easier.

[@BrendanvanSon]

I get that, about wanting to be farther away. But, with street photography I feel like your really kind of have to get up in people's faces. haha

[@Lifeof5]

Great video 😊 Nice footage 👍🏻 have a Nice day

[@swenpaylay]

Can someone tell me if this lens focuses internally or externally? I can’t find this info anywhere. Does the barrel poke out when you focus or does it stay stationary and move the elements around internally? Thanks.

[@BrendanvanSon]

Hey Tom, it focuses externally.

[@swenpaylay]

Brendan van Son thanks for the quick response!

[@adamcogan8171]

What L Bracket are you using.. just got EOS R and looking for a bracket that fits?

[@webbiker100]

I think it a 3 legged thing L bracket , i own one too

[@DoomCro1]

SmallRig has an awesome L-Bracket for eos R

[@RTReview.]

Link for the orange Grip? :)

[@ryanevans4721]

3:04 HAH!

[@EYEupP]

Wrote a comment on music and what I would love to see more... Went down saw your comment and you said the same thing I did, so I just deleted my comment. 😁 Yes, please, more street...

[@xxxx4915]

Were you editing your photos in this video?

[@BrendanvanSon]

Lightroom

[@bikecommuter24]

I'm laughing because on the Canon UK site they list the RF 35mm 1.8 as an enthusiast level lens maybe you are not enthusiastic enough ? (J/K) I also see you can finance it from £25.39 per month. Can't wait I think I'm going to the UK around May-June waiting on the client . 😆 Cheers

[@BrendanvanSon]

haha, I hate lens designations. Here's my designation: if you like it, use it.

[@bikecommuter24]

@@BrendanvanSon That is so true, my favorite lens at times is the 24mm 2.8 pancake lens I use it on my SL2 and on my bigger cameras, and you really want a good laugh, I even like the EF-S 10-18mm both are not expensive but I like them. I like it when someone tells me a certain lens or camera is not good for a certain task.

[@T-Slider]

The IQ jumped by 10pts instantly when you used the 35mm. You’re entire image is smoother with R.

[@charlymauer]

You said wicked, just so you know. 🤗

[@BrendanvanSon]

Wicked comment, Carlitos.

[@charlymauer]

@@BrendanvanSon I know, I'm THAT wicked 😎

[@Blackboarddiscover]

Brendan please collaborate with Joe Allam. He is a London based photographer and videographer. Check out his KZbin channel. He is kind of amazing. Would like to see both of you together in one video series.

[@BrendanvanSon]

Coming in March, I think

[@Blackboarddiscover]

@@BrendanvanSon that would be great. Can't wait to see you two together. ♥️😍🙏

[@FriedFx]

Should have kept digital IS off... ugh.

[@Blackboarddiscover]

Watch the video of a legendary Indian photographer. His name is Kounteya Sinha. A talk show on photography by him captured by us: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mojHpoV8bdR4pNU

[@theresarice7289]

New toy - hooray!

[@BrendanvanSon]

Always fun, isn't it?

[@zleepyjan]

cool review, i subscribed :)

[@atroche1978]

My favorite shot was @ 4:25

[@BrendanvanSon]

Thanks. Glad you liked that one!