Ive been shooting with my R6 for about two years now, mostly sticking to my trusty 24-70mm f/2.8, but lately it just feels like the compression isnt quite hitting the mark for the senior portrait sessions I have booked next month in Seattle. I really want that buttery background separation that screams professional quality, you know? My budget is sitting around 1500 bucks, so I cant quite swing the 85mm f/1.2 L glass unfortunately. I was looking at the RF 85mm f/2 Macro or maybe even adapting a Sigma Art lens, but Im worried about autofocus reliability with the adapter. What are you guys using to get that dreamy look without breaking the bank?
Honestly, skip the adapter drama and just snag the Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM. It is super sharp and the bokeh is plenty creamy for seniors. If you want that extra pop, check the used market for a Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM or even look into the Canon RF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM if you can find a deal. You wont regret it.
Just saw this thread and honestly, if you want that creamy look without the L-series price tag, you might want to consider the Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM. People bash it for not being an f/1.2, but for senior portraits, f/2 is honestly plenty. The secret to that buttery look is just putting some distance between your subject and the background. If you're really stuck on that f/1.4 look, check out the used listings for a Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM. It works flawlessly with the Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R and you get that beautiful compression. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Watch your shutter speeds when shooting handheld since the RF version has stabilization but older EF glass relies on the body.
- Check out the website DXOMARK for lens sharpness scores if you're worried about pixel peeping.
- Make sure to keep your firmware updated on the R6, it really helps with adapted lens AF. I would suggest renting the Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM from a site like Lensrentals before pulling the trigger, just to see if the bokeh fits your style. Its way cheaper than buying and selling if you hate it. Good luck with the sessions in Seattle, the light there can be tricky so stay flexible.
TL;DR: Grab the Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM if you need native AF, but honestly, the sharpness at f/2 isnt quite what I wanted for portraits compared to my old glass. I tried adapting the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art with the EF-EOS R adapter and honestly, it was pretty frustrating. The focus was hunting way too much in low light, which is rough for senior shoots. It looked good when it hit, but the reliability just wasnt there. Unfortunately, that RF f/2 lens is your best bet under 1500, but expect to do a little extra work in post to get that perfect creaminess. The lack of that f/1.2 magic is definitely noticeable. Let me know if you want me to look up some lens rental prices for the L-series instead, might be worth it for a one-off gig.
