Ive been shooting with my R6 Mark II for about six months now and mostly stick to my 24-105mm, but lately Ive been doing way more portrait sessions for friends and the bokeh just isnt cutting it for me. I feel like im stuck in this weird middle ground where the images look okay but lack that professional pop. I really need to pull the trigger on a prime soon because I have a big family shoot in London next month and my budget is sitting around 800 quid. Should I just hunt for a used RF 85mm f/2 or is there something better out there that wont break the bank? Kinda stressing out about this decision honestly.
Honestly, if you want that professional look without blowing your budget, skip the macro options and grab a Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art lens. Over the years, I've tried many primes, and the rendering on that lens is just miles ahead of anything else near that price point. Just make sure you get a reliable copy. It is heavy, but for family shoots, the separation is worth every penny.
Honestly, grab the Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM. It is super sharp and the bokeh is lovely for portraits. You will be happy with that choice for sure.
Building on the earlier suggestion, the 85mm f/2 is a solid reliable choice, but in my experience, if you are planning to do more outdoor work in London, focus speed matters way more than you think. I spent years shooting portraits with a used Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM before moving to the RF system, and honestly, the AF speed on that old glass saved my skin more times than I can count when dealing with squirmy kids. If you have 800 quid, maybe look at picking up a used Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM with a Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R. Its a bit heavier, but that extra stop of light is a game changer for that professional pop youre chasing. Dont underestimate the need for good glass vs just a sharp prime. TL;DR: The RF 85mm f/2 is fine, but if you want that pro look consistently, look for a used L-series lens. Quick tip: Always shoot with your shutter speed at least double your focal length, and dont be afraid to underexpose slightly to preserve those highlights in bright London light. Its way easier to pull detail out of shadows than to fix blown whites later in post. Good luck with the shoot!
