My sister is getting married in three weeks and she just begged me to shoot her engagement photos since the pro she hired bailed. Im panicking because my kit lens just isnt cutting it for portraits. Ive looked at the RF 85mm f/2 and everyone says its great but then I read a thread about the f/1.2 version being the only way to go for the real pro look, but I really dont have 2500 bucks to drop right now. Im in Chicago and need something I can pick up locally pretty quick. Is the f/2 actually sharp enough for professional work or am I gonna regret not just renting the expensive glass?
Oh man, dont even stress about that 85mm f/1.2! I totally get the panic, but honestly, you can absolutely nail those engagement shots without spending a fortune. I have used the Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM for a ton of portrait sessions and it is honestly a little hidden gem.
- The sharpness is fantastic, way better than any kit lens you have been using.
- It has image stabilization which is a lifesaver if the light starts dropping during your shoot.
- It is super lightweight so you wont get tired carrying it around all day. If you really want that super dreamy, buttery background blur that people obsessed over, look into the Canon RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM if you can find one used, but for your situation, the 85mm f/2 is the way to go. You get that pro look without needing a second mortgage! Since you are in Chicago, check out some of the local camera shops downtown, they usually have these in stock and ready to grab today. Just focus on the posing and getting those genuine smiles out of your sister and her partner. Nobody is gonna be pixel peeping to see if you have the L-series glass, they are gonna be looking at how happy the couple looks! You are gonna do amazing, seriously. Good luck with the shoot!
Quick tip: are you shooting full-length or just headshots? The Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM is plenty sharp, but be careful with autofocus speed during candid movement.
@Reply #2 - good point! That autofocus speed is definitely something to keep on your radar, especially if you are catching them walking or laughing. I remember back when I was starting out, I did an engagement shoot in Lincoln Park and I kept missing focus because I was too obsessed with keeping the aperture wide open. It is a rookie mistake that happens to the best of us, honestly. Listen, you dont need the bank-breaking glass to get professional results. Sharpness is fine, but the real pro look usually comes down to how you frame the shot and how you handle your lighting. I have used a standard prime for years, and even when I had the chance to rent the high-end stuff, I often found myself choosing the lighter, smaller lens just so I could move around the couple without feeling like I was lugging a brick. If you are worried about the look, focus more on finding some nice open shade in the city instead of blowing the budget on gear. Since you are in a pinch with only three weeks left, are you planning on doing mostly close-up headshots or are you aiming for those wide, environmental portraits with the skyline in the background? Also, have you thought about how much post-processing time you have, because sometimes a little bit of work in editing can make even a modest lens look like a million bucks?
