> I've heard mixed things about the EF 85mm f/1.8 vs the newer glass... Saw this earlier but finally sitting down to reply. Honestly, after using the old EF 85mm for years, I finally grabbed the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art and the difference is wild. Yeah, it is way heavier and costs a bit more, but the sharpness is just in another league compared to that older Canon glass. I also spent some time with the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM which is technically a macro lens, but for portraits? It is butter. The image stabilization actually helps a ton if you are handheld shooting. It is a bit pricier, but if you look for a used copy, you can definitely snag one under 600 quid. You will be super happy with the clarity, trust me.

Building on the earlier suggestion, I gotta be real with you about the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM. I bought it years ago because it was cheap, but honestly, I was disappointed. The purple fringing wide open is a nightmare for professional portraits, and it feels kinda plasticky compared to newer designs. It just isnt as sharp as you expect when shooting at f/1.8. If you have 600 quid to spend, you should really look at the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art if you can find a solid used copy. It is way heavier, but the sharpness is night and day better than the Canon version. My tip for the 90D: check your micro-adjustment settings. That camera sensor is super dense and focus errors will ruin your shots before the lens glass even gets a chance to shine.

Honestly, moving away from that kit lens is gonna feel like a total game changer for your work. Since you are rocking the 90D, you have a crop sensor, so keep in mind that an 85mm is gonna act more like a 135mm equivalent. That is great for compression, but just make sure you have enough space to back up during sessions. I would suggest you take a look at these two options, but be careful with the older stuff:

• Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM
• This is a classic for a reason. It is super fast and light, but be warned that it can get pretty purple fringy wide open. If you are doing outdoor portraits with strong backlighting, you might want to consider stopping down to f/2.2 or f/2.8 to keep the CA under control.
• Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art
• You can often find these used for under 600 quid if you hunt around. It is significantly sharper than the Canon option, but it is a absolute tank. Make sure to factor in the weight, as your wrist is gonna feel it after a long shoot. Honestly, the Sigma is the better piece of glass tech-wise, but it is a beast to carry. If you shoot mostly on a tripod, just go for the Sigma. If you are running around chasing kids or moving clients constantly, the Canon EF is way easier to handle. Just dont expect perfection wide open on either if you are pixel peeping!