So I just got this Canon EOS R6 and I'm totally lost. I'm supposed to shoot my sister's wedding in Chicago next month and I need a portrait lens but I have no idea where to start. I saw an 85mm thing online and then a 50mm one and honestly they look the same to me?
My logic was that a bigger number is better but then some people say 50 is better for indoors and I'm just so confused by all the f-stop numbers. I have like $700 left and I'm kinda panicking because I don't want to mess this up. Sorry if this is a dumb question but which one actually makes people look good for portraits...
Look, I've shot a ton of weddings over the years and honestly, if you want the best looking portraits on a budget for that R6, you gotta go with an 85mm. The whole bigger number thing basically means it zooms in more, which compresses the background and makes people's faces look way more flattering compared to a 50mm. I've tried many different setups, and for Chicago indoor venues, that 85mm is a lifesaver for getting shots without being right in someone's face. Since you have $700, grab the Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM. It's usually around $500-600. The f/2 part is the f-stop—the lower that number, the more of that blurry background you get, which is exactly what you want for a wedding. It also has image stabilization, which is huge when you're nervous or in low light. If you still have cash left over, maybe pick up the Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM too. It's super cheap, like under $200. I always carry both because sometimes an 85mm is too tight if the room is small, but the 85mm is gonna be your workhorse for the actual portraits. Dont overthink the f-stops too much, just keep it at the lowest number possible (f/2 or f/1.8) and you'll get that pro look you're after. Just remember to practice a bit before you get to Chicago so you're used to how it focuses...
^ This. Also, I have been thinking about the Chicago venue situation. If its one of those old hotels, the rooms can be tiny. Ive tried many setups over the years and for $700 you actually have some solid options.
- Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM is the way to go for those classic, blurry background portraits. It has image stabilization which is huge since you probably wont be using a tripod during a ceremony.
- Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM is what we call a nifty fifty. Its super cheap and light. If the venue is cramped, the 85mm will be way too zoomed in and youll be hitting your back against the wall trying to fit your sister in the frame.
- Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM is my sleeper pick. Great for group shots and wide portraits if the 50mm still feels too tight. Honestly, grab the 85mm for the ceremony and maybe the cheap 50mm too since they are so small. Youll thank me later for having more than one focal length to play with.
