> Everyone says get the 50mm f1.8 because it's cheap but then I read it might be too zoomed in on a crop sensor? I've shot dozens of graduations over the years and the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM is still my top pick. It acts like an 80mm on your T7. Youll be standing back maybe 12 feet. That compression makes faces look way more flattering. Are you shooting in a cramped courtyard or an open park? If it's really tight, a used Canon EF 35mm f/2 IS USM is a solid alternative.

Finally someone says it. Ive been thinking this for a while but wasnt sure.

Regarding what SandraVox said about "Finally someone says it" - the 50mm really is the goat for budget portraits. Ive used a bunch of lenses over the years, and honestly, the "too zoomed in" thing is actually a benefit for what youre doing. On a T7, that 50mm acts like an 80mm lens. This creates something called compression. Basically, it makes faces look more flattering by not distorting them like a wide lens does. If you try to get a blurry background with a wide lens, you end up making the persons nose look huge because you're so close. Since you're shooting outdoors, you'll have plenty of room to just take three steps back. The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM is literally built for this. You can find them used for like $90 or new for $125. It fits your T7 natively, so no extra gear needed. TL;DR: The 50mm is perfect for outdoor portraits. It flattens features beautifully and gives you that creamy bokeh you're after. Just grab the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM and dont look back.