im honestly so fed up with canon right now because their lens prices are just insane like how am I supposed to afford anything native for my EOS R without selling a kidney?? I have this family portrait session coming up this Saturday in the park and my old EF 50mm 1.8 just started acting up it keeps hunting for focus and missing shots and I am actually panicking here. I thought moving to mirrorless would be better but the RF glass is so expensive it makes me want to scream honestly. I really need something that actually works for portraits but I literally cannot spend more than like 300 bucks maybe 350 max because I'm just starting out and don't have the cash flow yet.
I've been looking at the RF 50mm 1.8 but I heard mixed things about the bokeh and I'm worried it's too similar to what I have now which is dying on me anyway. Is there anything else out there?
- Should I just get another cheap EF and use the adapter
- Is there a third party brand like Viltrox that wont break the bank
- Is the RF 85mm f2 worth saving for or is it too slow
I need something fast because this shoot is in four days and I'm honestly ready to give up if I cant find a reliable lens that doesn't cost a thousand dollars. What are the best cheap portrait options for the R that actually perform well under pressure?
Saw this earlier and wanted to chime in. If you have a shoot Saturday, you need reliability.
- Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM is the safest bet. AF is snappy and it's very reliable on the R body.
- Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM used is decent for portraits, but heavier and older tech. Native glass is usually safer when you're under pressure. It just works.
Bookmarked, thanks!
To add to the point above: if you're panicking about Saturday, just go grab the Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM and dont look back. I've been using it as a backup for ages and I'm honestly super happy with how it handles. It's much snappier than the old EF version you're struggling with. Since you're worried about bokeh, here's my take on what actually works:
- The RF 50mm is fine, just get close to your subject and keep the background distant.
- Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM is the real winner for portraits, maybe check the used market for one under 400?
- Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 Z... wait, wrong mount, but if you find the RF version used, its a gem. Tbh, the native RF glass is pricey but the AF reliability is worth the peace of mind when you're under pressure. Just get the 50mm for now, it'll get the job done for your shoot this weekend and you wont have to sell that kidney... yet. You'll be surprised how well it performs once you stop worrying about the specs and just shoot.
Saw this earlier but just now responding. Honestly, I would be a bit careful about just rushing into the RF 50mm. If youre already frustrated with the 50mm look and focus hunting, the RF version is an upgrade, but maybe not the leap in quality youre hoping for. Since you have a deadline, you need absolute reliability. I would suggest looking at these:
- Canon EF 100mm f/2 USM used. If you have the adapter, this is a much better portrait lens than any 50mm. It focuses super fast and the bokeh is way smoother. It usually fits right in your budget.
- Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM. This is a great lens but be careful with the AF speed. It is not as snappy as a USM lens, which might be an issue if your subjects are moving around a lot in the park. Make sure you check local used shops tomorrow so you have time to test the glass. Using an adapter with a high-quality EF lens is honestly a very safe bet on the EOS R. Just please dont buy something untested right before the gig... that is just a recipe for more panic. Good luck Saturday.
