So I finally bit the bullet and grabbed the Canon R8 a few weeks ago since my old DSLR was basically falling apart at the seams. Honestly the kit lens is fine for walking around town but I really want to start doing some proper portraits of my girlfriend and maybe some friends for their Instagram stuff. I dont have a ton of cash left after buying the body, maybe 300 to 500 bucks max, and I really need something before a trip to Chicago in mid-October.
Im currently looking at three different options and its driving me crazy trying to decide. First is the RF 50mm f/1.8 because obviously its super cheap and tiny, but I worry it might be a bit too tight on full frame for indoor shots in small apartments. Then theres the RF 85mm f/2 Macro, which is a bit more than I wanted to spend but the compression looks amazing in the samples Ive seen online. Or, I could just hunt down a used EF 85mm f/1.8 with the adapter, which I already have sitting in my bag from my old camera. My main concern is just getting that creamy background blur without spending a fortune, plus I need something that actually autofocuses reliably since I keep missing focus on my current setup. Is the 85mm f/2 worth stretching the budget for, or should I just stick with the nifty fifty and call it a day? Im just worried I'll regret not having that extra reach for headshots if I go with the 50mm. Has anyone actually used these on the R8 specifically and noticed if the adapter adds too much bulk?
> The Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM is super cheap and tiny, but yeah, it feels tight indoors. @Reply #1 - good point! Honestly, are you planning on mostly doing headshots or full-body portraits? The Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM is stellar for compression, but if you're cramped in an apartment, you might hate it. Are you shooting in really tight spaces, or is there at least a little room to move?
Honestly, skip the adapter drama and just go for the Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM. I took mine on a trip recently and the shots were absolutely stunning! It might be a bit tight indoors, but the image quality is so worth the extra cash.
- Sharpness is insane
- Background blur is dreamy
- Stabilization helps a ton You wont regret the investment for those Chicago shots, it makes everything look pro instantly!
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Honestly skip the adapter if you can. The Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM is super cheap and tiny, but yeah, it feels tight indoors. If you really want that creamy look, save up for the Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM. It hits that sweet spot for portraits on the R8 without the extra bulk of the mount adapter. The image stabilization is pretty solid for handheld shots too.
Just saw this thread and honestly, if you are really worried about the budget, you can definitely save some cash by hunting for a used Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM on sites like MPB or KEH. They usually have them in like-new condition for way less than retail. Like someone mentioned, skipping the adapter is the way to go since the R8 is so small and light. Having that extra bulk from an EF adapter kinda defeats the purpose of buying a newer mirrorless body in my opinion. If you do go for the Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM, check out the website DPreview or even Flickr groups for the R8 specifically; seeing real-world samples really helps you decide if the focal length is gonna work for your apartment shots. Personally, I am super satisfied with the 85mm for portraits. It just makes everything look professional without you having to stress about the background mess. Whatever you pick, have an awesome time in Chicago!