Finally upgraded to the R6 Mark II and I am just so hyped to start shooting portraits with it. Im based in Chicago and have a few outdoor graduation shoots coming up in May so I really need something that handles that nice separation well. I have been spending way too much time looking at reviews online. I read a ton about the RF 85mm f/1.2 being the absolute king but honestly that price tag is just insane for my current budget. Ive also seen a lot of people pushing the RF 85mm f/2 Macro but then I run into these forum threads saying the autofocus can be kinda loud or slow sometimes which worries me for moving subjects. Is it worth saving up for the L series glass or will the f/2 version actually hold its own for professional-ish work? Im just stuck because I dont want to buy something and immediately feel like I should have gone for the better build quality or different focal length. Has anyone actually used both or made the switch from the EF 85mm 1.8 with an adapter? Really just trying to figure out if I can get that dreamy look without dropping three grand...
> I have been spending way too much time looking at reviews online. I read a ton about the RF 85mm f/1.2 being the absolute king but honestly that price tag is just insane Honestly, I totally get that. I picked up the Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM hoping it would be a budget miracle, but man, it was kinda disappointing for me. The autofocus hunt is real, especially when you're shooting moving subjects like grads walking around. It just feels sluggish compared to the L-series stuff, and honestly, the bokeh isn't nearly as buttery as I wanted. If you can handle the size, I actually think picking up a used Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM with the adapter is way better. You get that pro build and much faster focus without paying the RF tax. The f/2 version is fine for static stuff, but for real portraits, it just doesn't hit the mark for me.
Like someone mentioned, you dont need the 1.2. Honestly, just grab the Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM used! Its sharp, light, and the bokeh is seriously fantastic for graduation shoots.
Regarding what #3 said about skipping the L-glass, honestly, I think relying on that old EF glass is a bit risky with the R6 II. I tried the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM with the control ring adapter, and unfortunately, the micro-adjustments just felt sluggish compared to native RF glass. It was not as good as I expected for consistent eye-tracking during fast-paced shoots. If you want reliability without breaking the bank, try renting the Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM for one weekend just to see the difference. My focus consistency shot up like crazy. Also, keep your firmware updated, it really helps the AF motors on the cheaper RF primes. Anyway, do you guys know if the Chicago lakefront is super crowded in May? I'm thinking of doing a shoot there but my tripod head is totally acting up and I might need to replace the fluid drag. But yeah, focus on the lens reliability first.
Honestly, skip the L-glass for now. If you want that pro look without the debt, grab a used Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM and a standard adapter. In my experience, the AF is snappy enough for grad shoots and the bokeh is super creamy. Save your cash for a better light setup instead:
- Rent the big glass once to see if you really need it
- Buy used EF lenses for way better value
- Invest in a reflector
