Im getting super stressed out because I have a photoshoot for a friend coming up in like ten days and my kit just isnt cutting it anymore. Im shooting on an R6 and basically just relying on the kit lens right now but the low light performance is driving me nuts since most of the session is gonna be in a dimly lit studio space here in Chicago. I really need to get something sharper that has a decent aperture because im tired of the noise at higher ISOs.
I spent all night digging through forums and Reddit threads. I read that the RF 50mm 1.8 is the go-to budget choice, but then a ton of people on some other board were saying the autofocus is kinda noisy and the build quality feels like a toy compared to the L-series glass. Then I looked into the 85mm 1.2 which looks absolutely insane but theres no way I can drop three grand on a lens right now when I need to pay rent. My budget is pretty firm around the 600-800 dollar range. Some folks mentioned adapting EF glass with the control ring adapter but I dont know if I want to deal with the extra bulk if I can avoid it.
Everything I find online just talks about landscape or street photography, but I specifically need this for portraits in a tight space. Am I missing something obvious? Is there a middle ground between the super cheap 50mm and those ridiculously expensive L lenses that wont make my bank account cry? I just dont know if I should hunt for a used RF 35mm 1.8 or if that 50mm is actually fine for what I need. Im so confused and the clock is ticking...
Had a moment to think about your studio situation. If you need sharpness and low light performance without hitting L-series prices, look at these two options:
- Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM
- Versatile for tight spaces and sharp enough for professional work.
- Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM
- Better compression for portraits, just watch your distance. The 35mm is way more practical if you're cramped.
@Reply #1 - good point! Honestly, I had issues with the Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM autofocus hunting. Grab the Canon RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM instead, much better for portraits.
Honestly, I have been shooting portraits for years and honestly, just stick with Canon prime lenses. You really cannot go wrong with their mid-tier glass for studio work. I used to worry about the exact specs too, but just find a solid prime in your budget range from them. It makes such a difference compared to kit glass. Just get one and you will be fine.
Like someone mentioned, the 85mm f/2 is solid, but if your space is actually tight, you might find yourself hitting the wall before you get the framing you want. I learned that the hard way during a shoot in a cramped Chicago apartment.
- Watch out for the minimum focus distance, it can be tricky in small rooms.
- Don't underestimate how much you'll move around in a studio.
- Make sure you check your shutter speeds so you dont get micro-blur, even with IS. Honestly, I wouldn't worry about the build quality talk on the cheaper primes right now. When you're just starting out, the glass is plenty sharp enough for what you need. Just be careful about buying used gear from random sites without checking for lens fungus or interior dust, especially since your deadline is so close. You really dont want a faulty focus motor ruining your session at the last minute.
