What is the best budget portrait lens for a Canon 90D that actually delivers because I am honestly so fed up with my kit lens looking so flat and boring? I have been using the 18-135mm that came with the camera and the images are just totally underwhelming. No matter what I do I cant get that nice blurry background and its driving me crazy. I have a big family event coming up in mid-July in Chicago for my sisters graduation and I really want to get some professional looking shots without spending a fortune because my budget is strictly under $250 right now. I was looking at the nifty fifty 50mm f/1.8 but since the 90D is a crop sensor I am worried it might be way too zoomed in for indoor shots at the party? But then people say the 35mm is better but those seem way more expensive usually. I just want something sharp that wont hunt for focus for ten years like this old manual lens I borrowed did. Is the STM version of the 50mm actually good enough or should I be looking at something else entirely? I am just tired of taking photos that look like they came off my old phone honestly...
> I am worried it might be way too zoomed in for indoor shots at the party? Honestly, youre right to worry. I tried using the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM at a grad party in a small house and it was a total disaster... I spent the whole night backed into walls trying to fit people in. Unfortunately, its just too tight for indoor groups on a 90D. Try to find a used Canon EF-S 35mm f/2.8 Macro IS STM instead. It gives great blur without feeling so cramped.
Just saw this thread and honestly, you guys are hitting on exactly what I went through last summer. Like someone mentioned, that Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM is amazing for that blurry background, but it can be a nightmare in a tight house. During my cousins graduation party, I was literally backing into the kitchen sink trying to get more than one person in the shot. On a crop sensor like the 90D, it really does feel way more zoomed in than youd think... it basically acts like an 80mm lens. So the discussion so far is basically bokeh vs. space. Since youre on a budget, here is what I found works best based on my own kit:
- Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM - its tiny, super cheap, and lets you get the whole family in the shot without standing in the next room.
- Yongnuo 35mm f/2 Canon EF - people sometimes hate on off-brands but this thing is a total steal for that 35mm view.
- Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM - another pancake lens thats sharp as a tack and usually fits the budget used. Buying used on sites like MPB or KEH is the way to go to save money. You can usually find the 35mm or 50mm for way under your $250 limit that way. Honestly, grab a used 35mm and you wont have to worry about focus hunting like that old manual lens did. Its such a relief when the gear just works and you can actually enjoy the party instead of stressing over the frame. Im so much more satisfied with my shots now that the kit lens is gathering dust.
Just get the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM.
- Super sharp
- Fast autofocus
- Fits your budget It works well indoors and Ive always been satisfied with the look tho.
