So I finally treated myself and picked up a Canon R6 Mark II! Im honestly super excited to start taking photos but I feel completely lost. My sister asked me to take some professional portraits for her LinkedIn profile next month and I realized I have absolutely no idea what lens to use. Ive just been using the kit lens that came in the box but the pictures look kind of boring and not really pro at all. I dont really have a huge budget maybe around 800 or 900 bucks max if I can find a deal? I live in Chicago if that matters for finding shops or whatever. Im just looking for that look where the background is all blurry and the person really pops out? I think that is called bokeh or something but honestly I dont even know for sure haha. Is there a specific lens I should be looking for that wont break the bank? Im totally new to this so sorry if this is a really dumb question but what would you guys suggest I get to make my photos look legit?
Congrats on the new gear! Honestly, the kit lens is fine for travel, but for portraits, you really need a prime lens. I grabbed the Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM a while back and it changed everything. The background blur is perfect for that pro look you want.
- It is super sharp
- Great focal length for headshots
- Fits your budget perfectly Check local shops around Chicago for used copies, you could save a ton of cash.
Honestly, I had a rough time with the Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM when I first started. The focus hunting was super frustrating during a shoot, which made me feel like I wasted my cash. It's cheap, but it's not the pro look you're chasing. Just save up a bit more and grab the Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM. Trust me, don't skimp on glass if you want those LinkedIn headshots to actually look professional.
@Reply #3 - good point! Honestly, the AF issues on the 50mm can be a total nightmare when you're under pressure. I've been shooting with the R6 setup for years, and skipping the budget 50mm for the Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM is the smartest move you can make for headshots. Everyone here is spot on about that focal length. It creates this compression that makes faces look way more natural, unlike the wider lenses that kinda distort things. Quick tips for your Chicago shoot:
- Check out Central Camera downtown, they usually have reliable used inventory where you can save a few bucks.
- Practice your eye-tracking settings on the R6 II, it makes nailing focus on eyes so easy.
- Don't sweat the bokeh too much, just keep your sister a few feet away from the background and that 85mm will handle the rest. Basically, dont overcomplicate it. That lens is an absolute workhorse for the price and you wont regret the extra cash spent over the nifty fifty.
To add to the point above: the 85mm focal length is honestly a game changer for headshots. I remember back when I first tried a prime lens, I was shocked at how much better my subjects popped compared to that flat kit lens look! It just adds so much depth to the frame. Not sure if this is standard, but I think the RF mount lenses on your R6 Mark II are gonna give you way sharper results than those old adapted glass ones. Maybe look for a deal on the used market here in Chicago? I heard some of the shops near the Loop have decent trade-ins. Honestly, just make sure you keep your aperture wide open, like f/2 or f/2.8, and you'll get that creamy blur you're after. TL;DR: definitely grab a prime, it'll make your photos look pro instantly!
