What is the best cheap lens for taking portraits on a Canon 90D?
I'm totally new to this and honestly i have no idea where to even start with all the different types of glass out there. I'm trying to get ready for my best friends graduation in June so i have some time to learn but my budget is strictly under $200. Is there something that makes the background look all soft and blurry? People keep saying something about a nifty fifty but i dont know if that works on my specific camera or if i need an adapter or something... sorry if this is a really basic thing to ask i just dont want to waste my money on the wrong part.
Been thinking about this. The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM fits your 90D natively so no adapter is needed. I found the 1.6x crop factor confusing at first, but it makes the lens act like an 80mm, which is ideal for tight portraits. Quick tip: keep your subject far from the background to maximize blur. If you need a wider shot, Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM is a decent option tho it blurs way less.
Omg you are going to love the 90D! It is such a beast for portraits because of that 32.5 megapixel sensor. When I first started out, I was frustrated because my kit lens couldnt get that blurry background. Grabbing the nifty fifty changed everything! For under 200 bucks, you cannot beat this glass. It fits your 90D perfectly since it has the native EF mount.
- The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM has a massive f/1.8 aperture for that shallow depth of field you want.
- It uses a 7-blade circular aperture so the background highlights look smooth and round.
- The 1.6x crop factor on your camera gives you an 80mm effective focal length. Perfect for compressing facial features! My sisters graduation photos were shot on this and everyone thought I used a pro rig. Just dial it to 1.8 and watch it work. Youll be amazed...
Honestly for under 200 bucks you really only have one reliable choice that delivers professional results. You want the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM. It works natively on your 90D so you dont need any weird adapters, just twist it on and start shooting. Here is why it works for portraits:
- The f/1.8 aperture lets in a ton of light which is what creates that blurry background you are looking for.
- On your 90D the sensor makes this lens look like an 80mm lens which is basically the sweet spot for faces so they dont look distorted or wide.
- The STM motor is way more reliable than the older versions and stays quiet and fast when focusing. Just make sure you are standing a few feet back from your friend during the graduation photos. If you get too close the lens wont be able to focus, but at the right distance the background will melt away. Its the most cost effective way to get that pro look without spending a thousand dollars.
Works great for me
