So I've been really trying to step up my game with my Canon 90D lately. I've mostly been stuck using the 18-135mm kit lens which is fine for travel and stuff but man the portraits just don't have that pop I'm looking for. My cousin asked me to do her senior photos at the local botanical gardens next month so I finally have an excuse to spend some money on a real prime lens.

I'm basically torn between three options right now and my brain is kind of turning to mush from all the YouTube reviews I've been binge watching. First is the classic nifty fifty 50mm f/1.8 STM. It's so cheap it feels like a no-brainer but I'm worried it might feel a bit cheap or not sharp enough for professional-looking prints later on. Then there is the 85mm f/1.8 USM. I've heard 85mm is the king of portraits but since the 90D is a crop sensor I'm scared I'm gonna have to stand like a mile away from her just to get her head and shoulders in the frame. Like, will I even be able to talk to her without shouting across the park?

The third option is a used Sigma 50mm f/1.4 Art. I found one on Marketplace for about $550 which is right at the top of my budget but the reviews say it's way sharper than the Canon versions.

Here is what I'm dealing with:

• Budget: $600 max (I'm also trying to save for a decent speedlight)
• Use case: Outdoor senior portraits, lots of flowers and trees in the background
• Space: Mostly outdoors so I have room to move but I don't want to be awkward
• Timeline: Need to buy it in the next two weeks to practice before the shoot

Is the Sigma overkill for a 90D or should I just stick with a native Canon lens? I've heard some people say the Sigma has autofocus issues on DSLR bodies sometimes which makes me nervous because I can't afford to miss focus on a one-time shoot. Also if there is something else I totally missed for this specific camera body let me know...