So I’ve been trying to make my old EF 50mm f/1.8 work with the adapter on my Canon EOS R and honestly I am just so over it. It keeps hunting for focus at the worst possible times and the bokeh just looks nervous or busy? I dont even know how to describe it but it’s definitely not that creamy look I see everyone else getting. It’s super frustrating because I’m actually really excited to shoot my cousin's outdoor wedding in Portland in about three weeks and I refuse to show up with gear that keeps failing me like this.
I need a dedicated portrait lens that actually plays nice with the R system’s autofocus. I’ve got about $1,200 to spend and I’m ready to just pull the trigger today if I can find the right one. I was looking at the RF 85mm f2 macro but I’ve heard mixed things about the focus speed being kinda sluggish for moving subjects? Or should I try to find a used EF 85mm 1.4L instead? I just want something sharp that makes the eyes pop without me having to fight the camera for ten minutes. What are you guys using for your portraits on the R series that doesnt break the bank?
In my experience, reliability is king.
- Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM: focus is kinda sluggish.
- Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM: way more dependable used. Trust the EF.
Be cautious with the Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM. I tried it and:
- focus hunts
- bokeh is busy Better grab used Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art for Canon EF.
I'd be a bit careful with that 85mm macro for a wedding. Since you have the budget, I would suggest looking for a used Canon RF 100mm f2.8L Macro IS USM instead.
- AF is way more reliable
- Stunning compression for portraits
- Fits your $1,200 budget It is a much safer bet for your cousins big day. Just make sure you have enough space to back up tho!
To add to the point above: honestly I was so disappointed with the Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM. I really expected more for a native lens but the motor is just not fast enough for a wedding where people are actually moving. I had issues with it missing focus on eyes constantly and it was a total buzzkill. If you want that wow factor, look at the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art for Canon EF. I compared it against the Canon native stuff and honestly the Sigma glass is sharper than the cheap RF primes. It works great with the adapter on an R. Or, if you can find one, a used Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM is the gold standard. The L-series EF glass is just built different and the bokeh isnt nervous like the budget lenses. It sucks that the native RF stuff is so expensive but dont settle for the f/2 macro if you're doing a wedding. You'll just end up frustrated again. You're gonna do great tho, just get something with a USM motor!
Jumping in here because I went through this exact same headache when I first got my R. I spent way too much time trying to make my old EF 50mm work and it just felt like the camera was fighting me. Like someone mentioned, the focus speed on that RF 85mm f2 isnt going to save you if your cousin starts moving around during the ceremony. In my experience, if you want that eyes pop look without the gear stress, you really need a lens with a USM motor. Ive tried many setups over the years and these are the ones that never let me down:
- Canon EF 85mm f1.4L IS USM used is a total beast. Fast, sharp, and the bokeh is miles better than the 50mm.
- Canon RF 70-200mm f4L IS USM is actually great for weddings too because the focus is instant and it fits in a small bag. Seriously, dont settle for the macro if youre worried about speed. That EF 85mm 1.4L is worth every penny of that 1200 budget and you can usually find them in great shape used... just make sure your adapter is the official Canon one for the best results. Good luck with the Portland shoot, it's gonna be gorgeous out there!
