So I finally bit the bullet and grabbed an R6 after saving up forever but honestly it wiped out my bank account pretty good. Now I'm sitting here with this amazing body and literally just the kit lens which isnt exactly giving me that creamy bokeh I need for this shoot im doing for my cousins engagement next month. I need a solid portrait lens that wont cost another thousand dollars because my wife will actually kill me lol.
My logic was to look at the RF 85mm f2 Macro IS STM because its native and everyone says the stabilization is crazy good on the R6 sensor. But then I saw some reviews saying the autofocus is kinda clunky and slow compared to the more expensive L series glass and now im second guessing everything. I also looked into the old EF 85mm f1.8 USM with an adapter since those are dirt cheap on eBay right now like maybe 250 bucks? But then people mention the chromatic aberration being a nightmare on newer sensors and i dont want to spend hours fixing purple lines in Lightroom.
Here is what im basically looking at:
- Budget is strictly under 500 dollars
- Needs to be sharp enough for professional-ish looking headshots
- Good enough autofocus for a toddler who wont sit still
I also thought about the RF 50mm 1.8 because its so cheap but is 50mm really long enough for that compressed portrait look? Some people say it makes faces look too wide if you get close. My head is spinning a bit with the adapter vs native debate since the adapter adds bulk and I really want to keep things light if I can. If i go EF I could maybe find a used Sigma 85mm Art but that thing is a brick and probably way over my limit even used. Does anyone actually use the RF 85mm f2 for moving subjects or is it strictly for still life and macro? I really need to pull the trigger on something by next week so I can practice before the actual shoot...
Unfortunately, the budget options for the R series are still a bit thin if you need speed. I had issues with the Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM during a similar shoot. The autofocus is just not as good as expected and it will definitely struggle with a moving toddler. It felt like a step backward from the pro glass I'm used to.
- Dont buy the Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM for professional-ish work anymore. The purple fringing is a massive headache on modern mirrorless sensors.
- The Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM is decent for the price but the focal length is too short for flattering engagement portraits. It distorts features if you get close enough for a headshot.
- Look for a used Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art with the Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R. It beats every other budget option for sharpness and bokeh.
@Reply #2 - good point! Honestly I am in the same boat, totally satisfied with keeping things simple and cheap. Adding my two cents... I have been shooting portraits for a long time and you really dont need to drop a grand to get that creamy look for an engagement shoot.
- Just get any prime lens from Canon. Their older professional glass is still amazing and works perfectly with the R6 eye tracking.
- Go with Sigma if you want that high-end look without the native price tag. You cant really go wrong with their glass.
- Look into used gear shops for the older stuff. A lens that was top-tier five years ago is still top-tier today on a mirrorless sensor. Basically, dont stress the autofocus reviews too much... the R6 is a beast and makes up for a lot of lens shortcomings. Just pick a brand you like and roll with it. Youll be happy with the results regardless of the specific glass as long as you know your settings.
Regarding what #1 said about "Unfortunately, the budget options for the R series..."
- I totally agree. Tbh I've been very satisfied with using the cheap fifty on my R6 for family stuff. It works well even with kids since the AF is actually pretty snappy...
- No real complaints about the sharpness
- Portability is a huge plus
- Background blur is decent enough Honestly, im happy with it and it didnt kill my bank account.
