My sister asked me to take some senior photos for her next month and I am totally panicking because my kit lens just isnt cutting it. Im in Chicago and on a super tight budget. Sorry if this is a dumb question but what is the best portrait lens for a Canon 90D?
Adding my two cents here, if you are looking for serious portrait results on the 90D, you might want to consider the Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM. While people often jump to the 50mm, the 60mm offers a slightly tighter field of view which is very flattering for facial features. Make sure to watch your shutter speed though, because the 90D has such high resolution that any camera shake will show up immediately. I would suggest keeping it at least at 1/125s to avoid blur. Another solid option if you find yourself shooting in the cramped alleyways of Chicago is the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC HSM Art. Just be careful with the wide angle since it can distort faces if you get too close. You should definitely maintain a bit of distance from your subject to keep the perspective natural. Also, be mindful of your lighting. Since you are on a budget, look for shaded areas or soft light during golden hour rather than relying on gear alone. The 90D sensor is capable of producing professional-grade skin tones if you nail your white balance and exposure in-camera. Just take it slow and remember to check your focus in the viewfinder, as shooting wide open at f/1.4 or f/2.8 gives you a very thin plane of focus.
@Reply #1 - good point! That nifty fifty is an absolute legend, but since you are in Chicago, sometimes you need a little more reach to blur those busy city backgrounds. I honestly love the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM for that dreamy compression look.
- Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM for tight spaces
- Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM for gorgeous bokeh Honestly, the 85mm makes everyone look like a pro model. You got this!
> my kit lens just isnt cutting it. Get the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM. It is super cheap, sharp, and basically a total lifesaver for portraits.