Just got my R6 Mark II and im super excited but totally lost with lenses. Sorry if this is a dumb question but what portrait lens should I get? My budget is around 800 bucks and Im mostly taking photos of my dog and family in the backyard. Any recommendations for a newbie?
> My budget is around 800 bucks and Im mostly taking photos of my dog and family in the backyard. Any recommendations for a newbie? Congrats on the new body, that R6 II is a beast. Honestly, trying to pick a portrait lens when you first start out is tough, but you actually have some solid paths here without breaking the bank. If you want something that basically lives on the camera and handles backyard shots like a champ, you really cant go wrong with the Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM. It sits right in your budget, gives you that nice blurred background for portraits, and it is pretty versatile since it does decent close-ups too. Keep in mind the 85mm focal length is tight if your backyard is super small, but for people and pets, it creates a really flattering look. If you find you need more room to work, the Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM is way cheaper and small enough to toss in a bag anywhere. It is not as sharp as the 85mm, but it is a reliable workhorse for family stuff. Just make sure you get a good filter to protect your glass if you are shooting outside around kids or pets. I have had my fair share of near misses with a wagging dog tail, so playing it safe with the gear is always the right call.
Building on the earlier suggestion, I would actually caution you against just getting the 85mm. Since you're shooting pets in the backyard, you might find the focal length a bit tight for moving subjects. I would suggest looking at the Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM instead. It is much more versatile for casual family shots.
- Save a lot of cash
- Easier to track the dog
- Very lightweight Be careful with the focus speed though.
Just catching up on this thread! Honestly, if you want that creamy background blur without blowing your whole budget, you gotta check out the Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM. It is such a steal for the quality you get.
- Super sharp for portraits
- Macro feature is fun for dog close-ups
- Compact and light Check out the reviews on DPReview, they go deep into the specs. You're gonna love how the eyes pop!