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...
I totally agree that 50mm is the sweet spot for the 90D. In my experience, the 85mm ends up being too long for casual conversation outdoors.
- Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art: Insane resolving power, but check the focus calibration with a Sigma USB Dock UD-01.
- Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM: Classic lens, but that 136mm equivalent focal length is tight. Go Sigma for that pro look.
To add to the point above: I unfortunately had issues with autofocus consistency on the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art when running it on my DSLR. The optics are beautiful, but the phase-detect accuracy just wasnt as good as expected, especially at f/1.4 where the depth of field is razor thin. Missing focus on a one-time shoot is kinda a nightmare... Instead, I would suggest looking at the Tamron SP 45mm f/1.8 Di VC USD. The focal length is basically a 72mm equivalent on your 90D, which is a fantastic sweet spot for portraits. Its incredibly sharp, has weather sealing, and includes vibration compensation which is great for handholding. Most importantly, the autofocus is much more reliable than the Sigma. You can easily find these used for under $400, leaving you enough budget for a decent flash.
To add to the point above: I had the exact same experience with the Sigma 50mm on my old 70D. It was sharp as a tack when it hit, but I missed way too many shots at that super thin aperture, which really stung for paid work. Honestly, dont risk it for your cousin's shoot. If you want pro results without the stress or the huge price tag, check these out:
- Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM
- Honestly, for the price, it holds its own and leaves you plenty of cash for that speedlight.
- Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM
- It is tight on a crop sensor, but the compression is just unmatched for portraits.
- Godox TT685II Canon
- Since you need a flash, this is way cheaper than the Canon brand versions and works perfectly for senior photos. Dont sweat the sharpness too much with the nifty fifty. You can always bump the clarity in post if you need that extra pop. Good luck with the shoot, you're gonna do great!
