Finally got an R6 and I need a real portrait lens. My kit zoom isnt giving me that bokeh I need for my sisters wedding in Chicago next month. I looked at the RF 85mm f2 because it's cheap but some reviews say the autofocus is slow and loud compared to the big 1.2 version. But that 1.2 is way out of my price range honestly.
- budget: around $1200 max
- use case: outdoor weddings and headshots
- weight: hopefully not a brick
Is the f2 actually good enough for pro-ish work or should I just get an adapter and find an old EF 85mm 1.4? I cant decide...
Honestly, I was really disappointed with the Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM. The autofocus is loud and unfortunately had issues with hunting in low light... not as good as expected.
- RF 85mm f/2: Lightweight but sluggish focus.
- Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM: Great bokeh but heavy. Grab a used EF 1.4. Its way better for weddings and youll love the results. You can totally do it!
Dude you totally need to go the EF route if you want that creamy pro look without spending like 3k! The R6 is amazing with adapted glass. Honestly feels like it was made for it. I used to shoot weddings in Chicago too and the lighting can be a total pain, so having real speed and stabilization is a lifesaver. Heres what I would do for that $1200 budget:
- Pick up a used Canon EF 85mm f1.4L IS USM. Its crazy sharp and the bokeh is just dreamy.
- Grab the Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R. It works perfectly, zero lag at all. It is a bit of a tank, ngl. But those images... wow. You wont regret the extra weight once you see those wedding shots! The AF on that EF lens is way faster than the little Canon RF 85mm f2 Macro IS STM anyway.
Building on the earlier suggestion, I’d actually be careful about the adapter route. It adds unnecessary weight for a long wedding day. You might want to consider:
- Canon RF 100mm f2.8L Macro IS USM: Stunning bokeh and way better build than the 85mm f2. Used prices are around your budget.
- Canon RF 70-200mm f4L IS USM: Super light and versatile for outdoor shots. Make sure to check used prices! Either is better than lugging around adapted glass all day.
Like someone mentioned, the weight of an adapted setup can really catch up to you during a long day. In my experience, shooting weddings is basically a test of endurance and I've learned the hard way that reliability is everything when you're on the clock. I've tried many different combinations over the years and honestly, the biggest mistake is sacrificing speed or handling for a specific look. One thing to be careful about is the autofocus consistency. I've seen people struggle with older glass that just can't keep up with the R6 eye-tracking. It's frustrating to think you got the shot only to find out later the focus was slightly off because the motor was too sluggish for a moving bride. Tbh, I'd stay away from anything that feels clunky or has a reputation for hunting in backlit situations. Chicago weather can be unpredictable and you dont want a lens that gives up when the sun starts dipping or if it gets a bit cloudy. Just my two cents based on some pretty stressful shoots...
