Building on the earlier suggestion, I think you should really think about how you like to frame your shots. I spent a whole summer shooting with the Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM before eventually moving up, and while it definitely has its quirks, it taught me a lot about getting close to my subjects. Its super light, so honestly, I just kept it in my jacket pocket all day. Youre gonna get great results for the price, but you have to work for the composition a bit more because it is so wide compared to an 85mm. If you are mainly doing outdoor portraits where you have space to move, that extra reach on the Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM is honestly life changing. I remember the first time I took it out to a park, the separation was just creamy and smooth. It makes the background melt away in a way the 50mm just cant manage, especially if you arent careful with your distance. It is definitely more expensive, but if you can stretch the budget, you wont regret the build quality. Plus, the macro feature is a cool bonus for detail shots of flowers or rings if you ever do events. Basically, if you want that pro look with minimal effort, go for the 85, but if you want to save some cash and practice your footwork, the 50 works well too.

Honestly, I had issues with the 50mm because the autofocus was kinda loud and hunting constantly. If you want real bokeh separation, skip the cheap fifty and save up for the 85. It just gives you better compression.

• Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM It is slightly over your budget, but trust me, the stabilization is a lifesaver. Using the kit lens for so long, this will feel like a massive upgrade.

If you want pure technical performance for portraits on the R8, you have to look at the optics and motor reliability. The Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM is compact, but you will notice field curvature at wider apertures which impacts edge-to-edge sharpness. It works well for casual shots, but it is not a precision instrument. Here is how I look at the performance gap:

• The Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM provides superior subject isolation due to the increased focal length. The compression effect at 85mm is objectively more flattering for facial features than the 50mm focal length.
• Reliability-wise, the 85mm features internal focusing and hybrid IS, which is vital for keeping shutter speeds low in poor lighting conditions.
• You get a 0.5x magnification ratio with the 85mm as well, adding genuine versatility for macro detail shots. I am quite satisfied with the consistency of the 85mm. If your budget is tight, just save a bit longer. You will be much happier with the micro-contrast and the lack of hunting compared to the 50mm.

Re: Honestly, I had issues with the 50mm because the autofocus was kinda loud and hunting constantly. I totally get where you are coming from on the focus speed. The nifty fifty is fine for beginners, but when you are trying to catch candid moments, that motor noise gets annoying real fast. If you want a sharp look for portraits without breaking the bank, here is my take on how to maximize your 500 bucks.

• Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM is definitely the sweet spot for the R8 sensor. The compression at 85mm is just way more flattering for faces than what you get at 50mm.
• Keep an eye on the used market. You can often snag a used Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM in excellent condition for around 350-400 dollars if you look at reputable sites.
• If you really want to stay under budget, check out Viltrox RF 85mm f/1.8 STM for Canon RF. It is a solid third-party alternative that performs surprisingly well and leaves you extra cash for a nice portrait lighting kit or a sturdy tripod. Personally, I prefer the 85mm focal length for outdoor stuff because it helps you blur out distracting backgrounds way easier. If you are doing headshots, the 85mm wins every time. Definitely try to find a deal on a used copy so you have a bit of wiggle room for other gear. Let me know if you need help scouting for those deals.