Im getting kinda stressed because my sisters wedding is in exactly three weeks and I promised to handle the portraits but my current glass just isnt cutting it for the R6. I have a budget of about 1500 bucks maybe a little more if its worth it. I mostly shoot outdoors in Seattle so the light is always kinda flat and grey which is annoying.
Ive been scouring forums for days and it seems like everyone swears by the RF 85mm f/1.2 but that thing is basically the price of a used car and way out of my range. Then I saw a bunch of people recommending the RF 85mm f/2 but a few reviews said the autofocus is super noisy and slow for moving subjects which sounds like a nightmare for candid shots. Im stuck between just grabbing a used EF 85mm f/1.4 with the adapter or maybe trying to find a deal on the Sigma Art series stuff instead.
Does the adapter actually mess with the speed on the R6 or should I just suck it up and get the cheaper native glass? Honestly just need something sharp that wont fail me when the ceremony starts...
TL;DR: Skip the adapter and get the Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG DN Art for Sony E-mount if you had a choice, but for your R6, definitely hunt down a used Canon RF 85mm F1.2L USM if you can stretch, or just grab the Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG DN Macro Art for insane sharpness. Honestly, the AF speed on the RF native glass is superior to any adapted EF lens because of the R6 communication protocol. If you want that pro look without the 1.2 price tag, look at the Canon RF 135mm F1.8L IS USM if you find a sale, but honestly, that 85mm f/2 is fine if you're worried about cash. Check out DPReview or the LensTip test charts for the MTF data if you wanna geek out on sharpness stats. You'll nail those shots, don't sweat the gear too much!
To add to the point above: ignore the adapter drama. Ive been shooting weddings for years and the Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM is absolute magic for outdoor portraits. It crushes that flat Seattle light by giving you crazy separation.
- It is way faster than the 85mm f/2.
- Colors are punchy straight out of camera.
- You wont regret the reach when you need candid shots from a distance.
Regarding what #3 said about ignoring the adapter, I have to respectfully disagree. Relying on older EF glass for a high-pressure event like a wedding is risky. I had issues with focus hunting on my R6 when using the Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM in lower light, and it was honestly pretty disappointing. You really want the reliability of native RF communication protocols when you cant afford a missed shot. Since you are working with that flat Seattle light, you need contrast and speed. Skip the EF lenses and look into the Canon RF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM. It is tack sharp, the weather sealing is better for your environment, and you get the versatility of a zoom which is a lifesaver during ceremonies. The f/4 aperture is plenty for portraits on a full-frame sensor. Trust me, the constant aperture and the weight savings will make your day much easier than dealing with prime lens limitations.
Forget the expensive stuff! Honestly, grab the Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM. I use it on my R6 all the time and the AF is totally fine for portraits. The sharpness is just insane for the price. With that budget, you could also snag a Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R and hunt for a used Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art if you really want that extra bokeh. You got this!