Im getting super frustrated trying to pick a portrait lens for my EOS R. I keep seeing the RF 85mm f2 recommended but its way out of my 300 dollar budget. Some folks say get an EF adapter with a nifty fifty, but will that actually look like a portrait lens? I just need something for some family shoots next month...
TL;DR: Grab a used EF mount lens and the adapter, you wont regret it! Honestly, the RF 85mm is sweet but totally overkill if you are on a tight budget. Definitely go for the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM. It is super cheap and surprisingly sharp for portraits. You will need the Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R to make it work, but you can find those used for a steal all day long. Honestly, the 50mm on the EOS R looks fantastic and is plenty flattering for family shoots. Just keep your distance a bit so you dont distort faces, and you'll get that nice blurry background look you're hunting for. It is the best way to save your cash and still get pro-looking shots!
Regarding what #1 said about grabbing an EF lens, just be careful about which specific version you hunt down. If you go for the older Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II, the autofocus motor is super loud and sounds like a coffee grinder, which might scare the kids during your shoot. The newer Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM is definitely the way to go if you can find one used under your budget. Are you planning on shooting these family photos indoors in a cramped living room or outside in a park? That makes a massive difference because 85mm on a full frame body can feel really tight indoors, whereas 50mm is a bit more forgiving. If you have a little extra wiggle room, keep an eye on the used market for a Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG Macro if you want more reach, though the aperture is slower. Let me know the setting and I can give you a better idea of what might work best.
Regarding what #2 said about that loud motor, honestly just hunt for a used Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM. It is honestly magic for portraits and way faster than the nifty fifty!
