Im finally upgrading to an R6 and I cant stop obsessing over which lens to grab for portrait work. I do mostly outdoor headshots for friends and some weddings in the fall, so I need something that handles light well and gives that super creamy background separation.
My budget is sitting at around 2k max, which is making this choice tricky. Ive been staring at the RF 85mm f/1.2 L but honestly that feels like overkill and is way out of my price range unless I find a steal used. So I was thinking about these options instead:
- RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM. Its cheap and small, which I love for travel, but I keep worrying the focus might be too slow for moving subjects.
- EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM with the adapter. My logic is that I could get that pro quality glass for a way better price, but is it worth dealing with the extra weight and the adapter hanging off the front?
- RF 50mm f/1.2 L. Okay, this is way over budget, but I keep seeing it on IG and thinking maybe I should just wait and save up another few months. Is the 50 really versatile enough for tight portraits or should I just stick to the 85mm focal length?
Im kinda stuck in analysis paralysis and my first shoot is in three weeks so I need to commit soon. What would you do?
I have been thinking about your setup and honestly, you should be careful about rushing into the L glass if you are just starting out with the R6. Given your deadline in three weeks, reliability needs to be your priority. I would suggest looking at the Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM because it is designed specifically for the RF mount, which minimizes potential autofocus issues you might experience with adapted lenses. Here is why you should play it safe:
- The RF 85mm f/2 is native glass. You wont deal with back-focusing or communication bugs that sometimes pop up with the older EF series.
- It features built-in image stabilization. When you are shooting weddings in low light, that extra hand-holding stability is a lifesaver for headshots.
- The cost is very reasonable. You could save the remainder of your budget for a high-quality SanDisk Extreme Pro 128GB SDXC UHS-I card or a reliable backup battery, which is far more important for wedding work than a slightly wider aperture. I would steer clear of waiting for the 50mm f/1.2 right now. If you dont have a reliable portrait lens in three weeks, you will be stressed. Stick to the native RF 85mm. It is lightweight, sharp enough for professional work, and keeps your budget safe for other essential gear you will eventually need.
Just catching up here. Have you considered the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art? Its way cheaper than the RF glass and performs great with the Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R.
Honestly, grab the 85mm f/1.4 with an adapter. It is the best value for money and the focus speed is solid enough for weddings, so you really wont regret it.