Is the 50mm f/1.8 still the absolute best budget portrait choice for a crop sensor like the 80D, or should I really stretch my wallet for something like the 85mm f/1.8 instead? Im heading to a family reunion in upstate New York next month and need to upgrade my glass before then. Right now Im shooting mostly with the kit lens that came with the body and it just isnt cutting it for nice background blur. My max budget is around 350 bucks, maybe 400 if I really push it. Ive been going back and forth between the nifty fifty and the 85mm, but since the 80D has a 1.6 crop factor, Im kinda worried the 85mm is gonna feel way too tight when I try to take full body shots indoors or in smaller backyards. At the same time, Ive heard people say the 50mm distorts facial features a bit too much if you get close for tight headshots. Which one of these two would actually serve me better for outdoor family portraits and some casual indoor stuff...
Honestly on a crop sensor like the 80D, the Canon EF 50mm f 1.8 STM is gonna be way more versatile for family events, especially indoors. An 85mm on a 1.6 crop puts you at like 136mm equivalent which is super tight for a backyard or living room. Youll be backing up into walls trying to get group shots. That little 50mm is cheap, super sharp, and works great for both half-body and tighter portraits without breaking the bank. If you want a slightly better build and focal length for portraits specifically, look into the Canon EF 85mm f 1.8 USM if you shoot mostly outside, but for a family reunion with mixed indoor/outdoor stuff stick to the nifty fifty. No complaints with mine over the years.
Just catching up on this thread. Grab the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM for the price, it leaves you cash for a nice dinner in upstate NY.
Re: "Honestly on a crop sensor like the 80D,..." - tbh the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM is cheap but ive had issues with its autofocus missing indoors. Check out the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC HSM Art instead, way better for tight spaces imo.