So Ive been shooting on my 90D for like three years now and usually Im fine with my 18-135mm kit lens for general stuff, but man, Im trying to do some actual portrait work lately and the bokeh is just... non-existent. I borrowed my buddys 50mm f/1.8 STM which everyone raves about as the nifty fifty but Im actually super annoyed with it. The autofocus on my copy at least is hunting like crazy in anything that isnt direct sunlight and it feels kinda soft when Im wide open. Plus on the crop sensor it feels a bit tight for indoor stuff but then too wide for tight headshots? I dont know maybe Im just overthinking it.
I have my sisters engagement party coming up in like two weeks here in Chicago and I really need something that wont break the bank but actually performs better than this plastic toy. Im tired of missing focus on the eyes.
Here is what I am looking for:
- Budget: absolute max $400, ideally less since Im broke right now
- Fast aperture: need at least f/2.0 or better for that background blur
- Sharpness: I need eyes to be tack sharp even at lower apertures
- Build quality: something that doesnt feel like its gonna snap if I breathe on it wrong
Is the 85mm f/1.8 too long for a 90D? Im worried about the 136mm equivalent focal length being way too much for a small venue. Should I look at Sigma or just stick with Canon glass? This whole situation is just stressing me out because I want these photos to look professional for her...
Honestly, I totally get why that 50mm STM is driving you nuts. Its a great starter lens for a hundred bucks, but the motor is definitely hunt-y and the housing feels like a yogurt container. Since you are on a 90D, you have that 1.6x crop factor to deal with, which makes everything feel way longer than it is. In my experience shooting indoor events in Chicago, an 85mm is basically a telescope on your camera. You would spend the whole engagement party pinned against the far wall trying to fit more than a single person in the frame. Over the years, I have found that the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC HSM Art is the absolute sweet spot for the 90D. It gives you roughly a 48mm equivalent field of view, which is way more manageable for indoor venues. The Art series build quality is miles ahead of Canons budget primes... it is heavy, mostly metal and glass, and feels like a real professional tool. Plus, that f/1.4 aperture is gonna give you way more subject separation and bokeh than your kit lens could ever dream of. If you are really worried about sharpness wide open, maybe look for a used Tamron SP 45mm f/1.8 Di VC USD. It has vibration compensation which is a lifesaver for low light at a party when the shutter speeds get risky. Just stay away from the 85mm for a small venue unless you only want tight headshots. The 30mm is gonna be your workhorse for the night, honestly.
