I really need to know what the absolute sharpest lens is for portraits on the Canon R6 because I have a huge high-end wedding coming up in Seattle this October and I am honestly freaking out a bit about my gear setup. Like I’ve been using the 24-105 f4 kit lens for a while but for this specific client I need that crazy sharp, buttery look that really makes the eyes pop and I just dont think my current glass is gonna cut it.
I have been doing a ton of reading online and basically everyone says the RF 85mm f1.2L is the holy grail for Canon shooters but then I see other people saying the new RF 135mm f1.8L is actually technically sharper and has better autofocus speed which is making me super indecisive. I have about $2,500 saved up for this so I can only afford one of them and I really dont want to make a mistake since this is a huge investment for me right now. My main concern with the 85mm is that it looks like a literal brick and I am worried my wrist is gonna be dying after an 8 hour day but then I worry the 135mm might be way too long for the indoor prep shots if the bridal suite is small you know?
- Is the 85mm 1.2 actually noticeably sharper than the 135mm on a 20mp sensor like the R6?
- Does the autofocus on the 85mm hunt a lot in low light compared to the 135mm?
- Should I even consider the Sigma 85mm ART with an adapter or is native glass always better for the R6 tracking?
I just keep going back and forth and every time I think I've decided I read a new review that says the other one is better for character or micro-contrast and it just makes me more anxious because I need to order this thing like yesterday to get some practice in before the wedding day. I just want the crispest possible images so I dont have to stress about it in post...
I shot a ten-hour wedding last year with a heavy kit and honestly, my wrist was trashed by the cake cutting. The Canon RF 85mm f1.2L USM is a beautiful piece of glass but it really is a brick. On a 20MP sensor like your R6, you reach a point of diminishing returns pretty fast. Both the 85mm and the 135mm are way sharper than what that sensor can actually record, so absolute sharpness shouldn't be your only metric here. Since you are looking at a $2,500 budget, you might want to look at these alternatives to keep some cash in your pocket for the Seattle trip:
- The Sigma 85mm f1.4 DG HSM Art used with the Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R is a fantastic value. The AF tracking on the R6 works perfectly with it and it is way cheaper than the native RF version.
- If you want to stay lightweight, the Canon RF 85mm f2 Macro IS STM is a decent option. It isnt an L-series, but it is sharp and the image stabilization is a lifesaver when you are shooting handheld in low light.
- The Canon RF 135mm f1.8L IS USM is technically faster at focusing, but 135mm in a cramped hotel room is almost impossible to use for prep shots. I have found that clients rarely notice the difference between a $2,700 lens and a $900 lens, but they do notice if you miss a shot because you were struggling with a heavy setup. The Sigma is a workhorse that wont leave you broke and it still delivers that professional look. I would probably go that route and use the leftover cash for some nice lighting gear or just extra batteries for the R6...
