Im getting super stressed trying to figure out glass for my R7. I finally upgraded from my old Rebel and the crop factor is really throwing me off. I mostly do portraits of my kids in our backyard and sometimes for neighbors here in Ohio, but since the R7 is APS-C, the math is driving me crazy. My budget is around 800 to 1200 bucks max, but I dont really want to go over that if I can help it.
I spent all weekend reading reviews and forums and honestly Im just more confused than when I started. Everyone keeps recommending the RF 85mm f/2 Macro, but then I read a bunch of threads saying the focal length ends up being like 135mm equivalent which sounds way too tight for a small yard. Then I looked at the Sigma 56mm f/1.4 because of the crop, but some people say third-party glass on the R mount might have focus issues or isn't as sharp as the Canon native stuff. Does it actually matter for portraits? I need something that wont miss focus on a toddler running around because that is my life right now.
My logic was maybe I should just get the RF 35mm but that feels too wide for a flattering portrait? Or maybe I should just bite the bullet and get an EF adapter and use a cheap nifty fifty or an old 85mm? I have a shoot for a friend in three weeks and the anxiety is kicking in because I dont want to show up with the wrong gear and have them look weirdly distorted or too far away. Has anyone actually used the 85mm on an R7 for portraits or am I overthinking the reach issue? Really just dont want to waste money on something thatll sit in my bag collecting dust...
Had a moment to think about this more while watching my own kids tear through the grass, and honestly, the math is totally tripping you up for no reason. People obsess over the crop factor, but with your R7, you actually have a secret weapon for those backyard shots. I spent forever trying to make the 85mm work in tight spaces, but I kept ending up in my neighbor's bushes just to get the framing right. It was a nightmare. Since you're worried about focus on toddlers, you might want to consider these instead:
- Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary is honestly built for your sensor. It acts like an 85mm on full-frame, which is the gold standard for flattering portraits. Just be careful with updates; check that your firmware is current so the AF tracking stays snappy.
- Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM is super cheap and small. It's not as exotic, but it's light enough that you won't get tired chasing them around, and the AF is faster than people give it credit for. I would suggest testing the 56mm if you can find one used. It's way less intimidating than the 85mm in a backyard. Just make sure to keep your shutter speed high—toddlers are fast, and even the best glass cant fix motion blur if you're too slow. Don't sweat the distortion stuff either; just step back a few feet and you'll be golden. You're doing fine.
Look, I get the anxiety. Trying to nail shots of moving toddlers on an APS-C sensor is tricky. Forget the math for a second, just think about working distance. If you're in a tight backyard, 85mm is gonna feel claustrophobic real fast. ^ This. Also, don't overlook the Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM for the price, but if you want serious results, I'd look at these:
- Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary: It is tack sharp and the focal length is basically perfect for APS-C portraits. I used one for a whole season and never had AF issues with my R7.
- Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM: Might feel wide, but it is super versatile if the kids are running circles around you. Stick to native glass if you need that reliable eye-tracking for the little ones. It saves a lot of headaches.
Honestly, you're overthinking the reach. On the R7, the Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM acts like a 136mm equivalent, which is actually killer for portraits because it compresses features beautifully.
- The reach is tight for backyards, sure, but the compression is worth it.
- Use the Canon EF-EOS R Mount Adapter with a Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM if you need more room; it's cheap and reliable for toddlers.
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Finally someone says it. Ive been thinking this for a while but wasnt sure.