honestly fed up with my kit lens making everything look so flat and boring its actually depressing. i need a proper portrait prime for my R8 for a shoot in two weeks.
- max $600 budget
- super fast autofocus for toddlers
- native RF only
should i get the 85mm f2 or is the 50 f1.8 enough?
You have to go with the Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM for those portraits! It is such an amazing lens for the price and the background blur is gonna blow your mind compared to that kit lens. To save some serious cash, definitely check the Canon refurbished store first because they often have it for way under $500 which leaves you money for extra batteries or a fast SD card. Here is why it wins for me:
- The compression makes everyone look like a model.
- The Image Stabilization is fantastic for handheld shots of moving kids.
- It doubles as a macro lens which is super fun for detail shots. Go for the 85mm and dont look back! You will be so much happier with the results for your shoot in two weeks. Let me know if you need help finding a deal!
Late to the party but if youre chasing toddlers indoors, the 85mm can actually be a bit too long sometimes. You might end up backed against a wall trying to get the shot. If the 85mm feels too tight, look at the Canon RF 35mm f1.8 Macro IS STM. Its fast, fits your budget, and gives you more room to move for environmental portraits. If you do stick with the 85mm, here is how to handle the AF and budget:
- Flip the focus limiter switch to 0.5m-Infinity so it doesnt hunt in the macro range when the kids are moving fast.
- Buy from the Canon refurbished store to keep it well under that $600 limit. The R8 tracking is amazing so either lens is gonna perform way better than that kit lens youre using now.
The Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM was kinda disappointing for fast kids.
- Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM Unfortunately it hunts sometimes tho... its still your safest native bet.
Saved for later, ty!
