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...